Legal Help With Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois
After a drunk-driving arrest, criminal charges will be filed against you. You will also receive notice that your driver's license will be suspended. The suspension period may start even before the criminal case is resolved. This means that you may lose your driver's license even if you win your criminal case.
After a DUI arrest, it is critically important to hire a defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney may be able to prevent the suspension of your driver's license or to achieve reinstatement if your license has already been suspended. You must act quickly — there are strict deadlines to follow.
Peoria criminal defense attorney Maureen Williams helps clients with both parts of DUI charges: the criminal case and the administrative hearing necessary to protect your driver's license.
Ms. Williams has 15 years' experience as a criminal defense lawyer. She knows exactly what must be done to prevent suspension or get reinstatement of your driver's license.
If you do not act to protect your driver's license, your driving privileges will be suspended 45 days after your DUI arrest. However, your defense attorney can request a civil hearing to prevent the license suspension. Once your lawyer makes the request, the court must grant a hearing within 30 days. The hearing will be held in the county where your DUI arrest occurred. If you act quickly, Ms. Williams may be able to prevent any loss of driving privileges.
There are five reasons for which a judge may stop a summary license suspension or order license reinstatement:
- The police committed constitutional or procedural errors when placing you under arrest.
- The arresting officer didn't have reasonable grounds to believe you were driving while under the influence.
- You were not properly warned of your rights by the arresting officer.
- You did not, in fact, refuse to submit to blood or breath tests, although the police claim you did.
- You took the required blood or breath tests, but the testing was not conducted in accordance with Illinois state police standards; did not show a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher; or did not indicate the existence of illegal narcotics in your system.
Contact experienced Peoria criminal defense attorney Maureen Williams today for help fighting your DUI case and protecting your driver's license. Call toll free at 866-321-5228 or send an e-mail.
License Reinstatement After Revocation of Driving Privileges
Driver's license revocation is more serious than license suspension, and license reinstatement after a revocation is also a more serious process. Driver's license revocation happens after arrests for serious traffic offenses such as:
- Driving on a suspended license
- A subsequent DUI arrest of a repeat DUI offender
- Speeding or other serious traffic violations by an underage driver
After your driver's license is revoked, it may still be possible to get a hardship license (also called a work permit) or to get reinstatement of your full driver's license. However, this administrative hearing requires a trip to Springfield and well thought-out legal arguments that show why you should be granted license reinstatement or a hardship license.
Contact Peoria Criminal Defense Attorney Maureen Williams
Maureen Williams has a reputation as a thorough, compassionate and attorney who is serious about protecting her clients' rights and freedoms. To make an appointment for a free, in-office consultation, e-mail her or call toll free: 866-321-5228.
