LICENSE REINSTATEMENT AFTER A DUI

Avoiding License Suspension After A DUI

After a DUI arrest, the process is initiated to suspend your license. Depending on whether this is your first drunk driving arrest or you have had multiple arrests, suspension times can range from six months to three years. This can significantly alter your life.

To stop the suspension, a motion must be filed right away. Once the motion is filed, the prosecution is required to give you a hearing within 30 days. If your motion is not heard within that time, the suspension may be avoided.

Temporary Driving Privileges After A DUI

If you are like most people in Illinois, your license has already been suspended. If you have a medical need or need to get to a job, you may be able to obtain temporary driving privileges by requesting a hardship license known as a monitoring device driving permit (MDDP).

To obtain an MDDP, a driver must either wear a SCRAM alcohol monitoring bracelet or install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) on his or her vehicle. There are other restrictions as well. If you need to drive, you should discuss this option with your lawyer.

Reinstating Your License After A DUI Or DWI

A suspended license is automatically reinstated at the end of the suspension period. However, if a person is convicted of DUI or DWI, his or her driver’s license will be revoked. The only way to get a revoked license back is to apply for reinstatement with the secretary of state. The application must demonstrate:

• Completion of alcohol/drug evaluation — You must provide documentation that you have been evaluated by a licensed evaluator for dependence on alcohol or drugs.
• Completion of chemical dependency treatment — If the evaluator recommended rehab, you must be able to document completion. If no rehab was recommended, you must be able to demonstrate that you completed an alcohol or drug education program.
• Proof of financial stability — Proof of insurance is usually required. Note that the cost of your insurance will be greater after a DUI conviction.
• Passage of the driver’s license exam — You may feel like you are 16 again, but you should brush up on the laws before taking your test again.
• Payment of fees — Once you pass the exam, you will need to pay the licensing fee as well as a license reinstatement fee.
• Attendance at a secretary of state hearing — You must attend a hearing before the secretary of state to reapply for your license.

Hiring an attorney for help reinstating your license will likely improve your chances of success. Most people who attend reinstatement hearings alone are denied. An attorney will ensure that you are prepared for the hearing and that you have all of the documentation necessary.

Talk To A Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer About Getting Your Driver’s License Back

If you want help with license reinstatement after a DUI, call a skilled drunk driving defense lawyer at Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler, P.C. in Rockford. You can reach the firm directly at 815-515-4168 or
contact the firm online.