Illinois DUI Lawyer Blawg
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many aspects of life throughout the state and country, including driver’s rights. Many people have questions regarding how to renew their license or registration, upcoming hearings, and the removal of ignition interlock devices, and are faced with multiple conflicting sources of information. Fortunately, however, the Illinois Secretary of State recently addressed questions pertaining to driving rights that many people throughout the state have asked. If you were recently charged with or convicted of a DUI, it is advisable to consult a trusted Illinois DUI defense attorney to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect your rights.
COVID-19 Impact on Driver’s Rights in Illinois
Many people’s driver’s licenses, commercial driver’s licenses, and vehicle registration stickers either expired before or during the COVID-19 pandemic or will expire in the near future. The Secretary of State’s office is closed due to the pandemic, however. Fortunately, the Governor extended licenses and registrations for at least 90 days after the end of the disaster. Certain people are eligible to renew their driver’s licenses online as well.
Drivers who wish to obtain a copy of their driving abstract or record during the pandemic can visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to purchase a copy. Once payment is made, the record or abstract will be available to print. Additionally, the person will receive an email with a receipt of the transaction that will allow the person to print his or her record for five days after the purchase.
People who are eligible to remove a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device on their vehicles during the pandemic do not need to obtain authorization. Rather all vendors that install such devices have been directed to allow people to remove the device without first obtaining authorization from the State. If a person has a problem with his or her device, he or she should contact the vendor via the telephone number on the device. For questions regarding the device, people can call 217-524-0660 or email BAIID@ilsos.gov. Monitoring Device Driving Permits will still be mailed out, but they may be delayed. Statutory Summary Suspensions will begin as scheduled, however.
Individuals whose Restricted Driving Permit expired or will expire soon can still drive, as such permits have been extended until a minimum of 90 days after the end of the disaster. People who have not yet received a Restricted Driving Permit cannot drive, however, until a physical permit has been issued.
If a person has an administrative hearing scheduled during the closure, a new hearing will be scheduled by the Department of Administrative Hearings once the office resumes operations. Additionally, people who obtained evaluations for their scheduled hearing date can still use their evaluations when their new hearing is scheduled even if the evaluation is expired by that time, as long as the evaluation was valid on the date of the originally scheduled hearing.
Confer with a Knowledgeable Illinois Attorney
If you have questions regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic affects your DUI case, it is prudent to confer with a knowledgeable Illinois DUI defense attorney. Attorney Theodore J. Harvatin, of the Harvatin Law Offices, PC, is adept at aiding people charged with DUI in the pursuit of favorable outcomes, and he can assist you in fighting to protect your rights. You can reach Mr. Harvatin through the online form or at 217.525.0520 to schedule a meeting.