In Illinois, the Administrative Hearings Department is responsible for conducting hearings for drivers who are seeking reinstatement of their license after it has been suspended or revoked to a drug or alcohol-related DUI.If your license is suspended, you will temporarily lose your driving privileges for a set period of time, or until you meet specific reinstatement requirements. If your license is revoked, your driving privileges will be taken away from you for an indefinitely; you will be required to attend a hearing if you wish to apply for relief.DUI-Related HearingsIn all drug or alcohol-related cases, drivers must present certain documentation at the hearing in order to be considered for driving relief (Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) or reinstatement).This is critical because a continuance will not be granted if you fail to provide the proper documentation. Further, there must not be any pending traffic tickets at the time of your hearing unless the pending traffic ticket is the only reason for your current loss of driving privileges.You will be required to submit an Alcohol/Drug Evaluation Report, which must be completed after your most recent DUI arrest by an agency that is licensed by the Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.This uniform report will place you in one of the following classification levels:Minimal RiskModerate RiskSignificant RiskHigh RiskDepending on which classification level is assigned to you, you will be required to comply with additional requirements such as the completion of a DUI risk education course, which cannot be waived. Other requirements that may be imposed include the completion of an early intervention program, or the completion of a substance abuse program.Attending the Informal HearingInformal hearings are required for drivers whose privileges were suspended or revoked for an offense that does not involve a fatality, or a single DUI disposition. The informal hearing is conducted by an informal hearing officer at select Driver Services facilities.An informal hearing may result in the issuance of a restricted driving permit, or even better, the full reinstatement of one's driving privileges. After the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer submits the documentation to the main office located in Springfield the final decision is mailed to the applicant.To learn more about administrative hearings in Champaign, contact Patel Law, PC For a free case evaluation, please call (888) 503-3430.
