Below is a brief and very general description of the types of hearings conducted by the Illinois Secretary of State.  This information is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.  The resolution of each case is dictated by its particular facts and each case is different.  Because of these particularities, each client deserves and should expect to receive personal and straightforward guidance from their attorney.  It is this type of assistance I seek to provide my clients when they are faced with a driver's license suspension or revocation.

Formal hearings are held by the Secretary of State in offices located in Chicago, Joliet, Springfield and Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  The hearings are presided over by a formal hearing officer who hears testimony and reviews evidence presented by the individual requesting reinstatement of driving privileges.  The request for a formal hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State must be made in writing via U.S. Mail and accompanied by payment of the $50.00 dollar fee.  At the hearing the Illinois Secretary of State is represented by an attorney who is allowed to ask the individual requesting relief, the Petitioner, questions.  As well, the hearing officer may ask the Petitioner questions.  The Petitioner bears the burden of presenting persuasive testimony and evidence including the appropriate and complete documentation.

After the formal hearing has concluded, the Hearing Officer will send his report to the Secretary of State's Office in Springfield, Illinois.  The Petitioner will be advised of the results of the formal hearing by mail.  This process takes approximately 3-6 weeks.  If driving relief is denied, the Petitioner must wait 4 months for a rehearing during which time period the Petitioner's driving privileges will remain suspended/revoked.