Can My Driving Privileges Be Reinstated After an Illinois DUI Arrest or Conviction?

 Posted on June 07, 2021 in DUI

When you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI), there are various ways the charge could affect your life. One of the most significant ways a DUI charge can affect you is by limiting your ability to legally drive. When you are arrested for suspicion of DUI, your driver’s license can be suspended simply for failing a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, penalties can become more severe and the license suspension can become even longer. In addition, any person who is convicted of DUI faces even more time on their license suspension, with the possibility of it being revoked. Not being able to drive or get you or your family from place to place can put a lot of strain on your daily life. Fortunately, there are things you can do to get your driving privileges back after a DUI arrest and/or conviction.

Driving Permits During Suspension

As previously mentioned, if you are arrested for failing or refusing to take a chemical test to determine BAC, you face an administrative driver’s license suspension. For failing a chemical test, the suspension is only six months, however, if you refuse to take the test, the suspension lasts for up to one year. In addition, you can also request a driving permit under some circumstances during the suspension period.

Two driving permits are available for those who have lost their license because of DUI-related reasons: a monitoring device driving permit (MDDP) or a restricted driving permit (RDP). The type of permit you can receive depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. Typically, a first-time DUI offender can apply to receive an MDDP, while other offenders will have to apply for an RDP. Either way, both permits require the installation of a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) on any vehicle you drive while you have the permit.

Reinstating Your License

If you have been convicted of DUI in Illinois, you will have had to serve at least a one-year license revocation. During this period, you likely would have been eligible for an MDDP or RDP, depending on the circumstances surrounding your conviction. Once you have served your revocation sentence, you can apply to have your driver’s license reinstated. This process can be difficult, but it is not impossible. If you have been convicted of DUI, there are various eligibility requirements you must meet before you can reinstate your license.

• Reinstating a revoked license requires you to:
• Have a clean driving record
• Attend drug and/or alcohol evaluation
• Complete drug/alcohol education, even if the evaluator does not recommend education
• Attend a formal or informal hearing with the Secretary of State’s Office, depending on your case
• Pass the written, physical, and vision portion of the driving exam
• Pay the reinstatement and application fees and file proof of insurance

Discuss Your Case With Our Arlington Heights, IL Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer

If you have had your driving privileges taken away from you, speaking with a skilled Rolling Meadows, IL driver’s license reinstatement attorney can help you start the steps of the reinstatement process. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law has been working in the legal field for more than 25 years and has a wealth of experience and knowledge he brings to the table. To begin discussing the specifics of your case, call our office today at 847-253-3400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/administrative_hearings/hearings.html#formal

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/BAIID/reinstate.html