In Illinois, a first time DUI offender is ELIGIBLE for supervision. As long as you complete your supervision period successfully, usually meaning completion of all alcohol classes, payment of fines and no new arrests, the Illinois Secretary of State will not revoke your driver’s license.
Upon first conviction for a DUI, the secretary of state will revoke your driver’s license indefinitely for at least one year. In order to get your driving privileges reinstated, you must have a hearing in front of a secretary of state hearing officers and prove with clear and convincing evidence that granting you reinstatement will not endanger the public safety or welfare. Seems easy enough but let me be the first to tell you it is not. The Secretary of State takes their responsibility to keep the roads safe very serious. They only grant relief in limited circumstances where the driver has clearly proven that he has corrected any alcohol issues and is no longer a threat to the public.
If you have two convictions for DUI within a period of 20 years, your license will be revoked indefinitely for a minimum period of five years. Three convictions for DUI in your lifetime will lead to a minimum revocation of 10 years. Finally, if you are convicted of a fourth DUI, you are facing a lifetime revocation.
These periods of revocation do not include any statutory summary suspension given for failure to take chemical tests or for failing such tests.
During the period of revocation, you can petition the secretary of state for a restricted driving permit to get to work, school or the doctor. However, you must prove to the secretary of state that it would be an “undue burden” for you not to be able to drive.
As you can see, the stakes are high in these DUI cases. You not only face a license revocation but possible jail time. Obviously, you must do your research and hire a qualified and experienced attorney to help you through the DUI process.
