Hello all,
I’ve had my license revoked for 7 years due to a DUI conviction, and I’m finally starting the reinstatement process with the Illinois SOS. I’ve hired a lawyer, but I’m feeling anxious about possible outcomes. I know full reinstatement at the first hearing is probably unlikely, but I’m hopeful I may be able to obtain some driving privileges without being required to have a BAIID.
I’d really appreciate any personal or professional insight from people who have gone through the process themselves and have seen especially favorable outcomes in cases similar to mine or in general.
Details of my case:
• First DUI in 2017. I refused to blow, received 1 year of court supervision, and the statutory summary suspension on my license was rescinded.
• Second DUI in 2019. I again refused to blow. The incident involved a single-car accident with no injuries and no property damage other than my own vehicle.
• I was convicted in 2019, and according to my driving abstract, my revocation eligibility date was approximately 1 year later.
• During my original evaluation, I was classified as “significant risk” due to the two DUI arrests and DSM5 criteria.
• After my second DUI, I completely quit drinking, completed all recommended treatment within a year, and received favorable treatment reports.
• I obtained an updated evaluation in 2024 documenting continued sobriety, positive life changes (including getting married in 2019 and having a child in 2023), and strong family support. That evaluation was favorable.
• I just completed another updated evaluation this week. It documents continued sobriety, a stable lifestyle, and ongoing family support. While I am still classified as significant risk because of the legal history itself, the evaluator removed some DSM5 criteria and specifically stated in her summary that she considers me at low risk to drive under the influence again.
I know no one can predict an outcome, but I’d appreciate hearing from anyone with experience or insight regarding what factors tend to matter most in these hearings and whether outcomes without a BAIID requirement are realistically possible in situations like mine.