CAN I DRIVE AFTER A DUI CONVICTION?

Posted on May 11, 2025 by mdkeenan

The answer is possibly yes, but not without difficulty.

If you received a sentence of supervision for DUI, you may drive as soon as your driver’s license suspension is over.  You must first apply to the Secretary of State to end the suspension, which usually means paying a fee.

However, if you were convicted of DUI, you cannot drive unless you apply to the Secretary of State to reinstate your driver’s license.  This is tougher than you think. The Secretary of State is inclined to reject most petitions for reinstatement.

After filing the petition, you must attend a hearing.  An attorney can help with your petition, your presentation at hearing and with obtaining the documentation you need to convince the Secretary of State that they can trust that a DUI won’t happen again.  For example, you must get a new DUI evaluation and complete any recommended treatment.  (Under limited circumstances, you may be able to obtain a waiver of this treatment.)  You may need to provide additional evidence depending on the severity of your case.

If you have questions about this or another related Illinois DUI or criminal matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.

(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)

 

About mdkeenan

A criminal and school law attorney with over 17 years of experience, I have successfully represented clients all over the Chicago area. My practice includes DUI, felony, criminal, misdemeanor, homicide, internet crime, retail theft, traffic offenses, cyberstalking, drug crimes, weapons violations, domestic battery and juvenile crime. I also represent families involving school cases. My clients come from all over the Chicago area including Skokie, Wilmette, Niles, Northbrook, Glenview, Evanston, Winnetka, Highland park, Northfield, Park Ridge, Des Plaines and Mount Prospect. I am a member of the ACLU and the Illinois State Bar Association. I serve as a volunteer for First Defense Legal Aid. Se habla espanol.
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