Has your driver’s license been revoked because you were convicted of a DUI?
If so, contact the Law Office of Pechter & Pechter LLP. We help clients restore their driving privileges.
First, how does your license become revoked after a DUI?
If you were charged with a DUI and were sentenced to supervision or were found not guilty, your driver’s license will not be revoked.
However, if you were charged with a DUI and were sentenced to conditional discharge, probation, time served, or your supervision was revoked, then your license will be revoked. In other words, if you were convicted of a DUI, your license will be revoked.
Once revoked, your driving privileges NEVER automatically return to you. In order to have your driving privileges reinstated, you must have a hearing before the Secretary of State and prove to them, by clear and convincing evidence, that you will not endanger the public safety and welfare.
Second, are you eligible for a reinstatement hearing?
The Law Office of Pechter & Pechter LLP offers free consultations. We will sit down with you and determine whether you are eligible for a hearing.
There are certain time restrictions dictating whether you are eligible for full reinstatement or only hardship relief. For example, if you were convicted of driving while your license is revoked, your revocation is extended and you therefore remain ineligible for reinstatement for a longer period of time.
Third, what kind of hearing are you eligible for?
There are 2 types of hearings: (1) Informal Hearings and (2) Formal Hearings. We will be able to determine what kind of hearing you are eligible for when we sit down with you. Please bring any paperwork you may have from any prior DUI’s, treatment, or hearings. However, if you no longer have any paperwork, do not hesitate to contact us. We can order the necessary paperwork.
The main difference between a formal and informal hearing, is that during a formal hearing we will have you testify during a direct examination and you will answer the questions we ask you. After the direct examination, the prosecutor will conduct a cross examination and the hearing officer may or may not have additional follow up questions.
During an informal hearing, however, the informal hearing officer asks all of the questions. For both types of hearings, you must present the proper documents to the Secretary of State in addition to providing your testimony.
Fourth, what is the process?
The first thing we will have you do is come in to our office with a copy of your driving abstract. We are conveniently located four blocks west of the Bridgeview Courthouse. Driving abstracts can be purchased for a small fee at most Secretary of State Offices.
We will next determine whether you are eligible for reinstatement. Additionally, we will have you explain all prior DUI arrests along with any other alcohol or drug related arrests.
Once we are hired, we will send you for an alcohol evaluation where your risk level and amount of treatment is determined. We will discuss whether you have to take any additional classes or whether you must obtain character or abstinent letters. After your additional treatment is complete, we will petition the Secretary of State for a Hearing. Prior to the hearing, we will go over any paperwork, as well as your testimony. We will be there every step of the way and will answer any questions you may have.
The Secretary of State takes these Reinstatement Hearings very seriously and as such, the burden is on us to prove by clear and convincing evidence that you are not a risk to drive. We will spend the necessary amount of time with you so that you will feel prepared to answer the questions you are asked.
Call our office today to set up a free consultation at 708-599-4300.