“I got the determination letter today…. I just wanted to say thank you so much!!!!! I have waited so long for this day. I can’t even put into words just how happy I am.”

The above client had not had a driver’s license for more than twenty years. With the help of Harter & Schottland, the client had full reinstatement of privileges within three months of hiring the firm. While the client had begun the process many times, the confusion and lack of correct information quickly led to abandoned efforts. The issue of driving privileges is daunting and complex.

In Illinois, driving privileges can be revoked, suspended, or stopped. A revocation is the most serious. It means you cannot regain your driving privileges unless you have either a formal or informal hearing. Some traffic or criminal charges lead to mandatory revocation, such as a DUI conviction. The Secretary of State can also revoke a license at its discretion, such as for repeat offenders of certain violations. Driving on a revoked license will lead to arrest and fines. When the revocation is based on a DUI, penalties are severe and escalate quickly to felony charges and substantial prison time. Even when not DUI-related, a third stop for driving on a revoked license carries a mandatory 30-day jail sentence.

A suspension carries similar penalties but does not require a hearing to resolve. Instead, the person must take specific actions to clear it up. Suspensions can result from many causes, including unpaid fees to the Secretary of State, failure to comply with a court order, or missing required documents. A driver can be suspended for multiple reasons at once, making the process confusing. Reviewing and interpreting the codes on a driving abstract is often difficult. The attorneys at Harter & Schottland are skilled at reviewing abstracts, communicating directly with the Secretary of State, and helping clients reinstate privileges.

Lastly, the Secretary of State can place a stop on your privileges. While your license may appear valid, the stop prevents renewal or reinstatement until certain actions are taken. Without clearing the stop, you will not be allowed to obtain a new license.

Navigating revocations, suspensions, and stops is complicated and time-consuming. At times, clearing them requires court action. The attorneys at Harter & Schottland can help you regain and maintain your driving privileges. They have substantial experience with both formal and informal hearings, as well as extensive knowledge of how to identify and resolve barriers to lawful reinstatement.

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