When police officers suspect someone of driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, they may ask the driver to take a field sobriety test. These tests are supposed to help officers determine whether or not a person is intoxicated. If the results of the field sobriety test indicate intoxication, the officer may ask the suspect to take a breath test or “breathalyzer.” The individual may be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and subject to administrative consequences and criminal penalties. Read on to learn about some of the top questions regarding field sobriety tests in Illinois.

The purpose of field sobriety tests is to help law enforcement determine if there is evidence of impairment. Often, field sobriety test results are used as justification for a DUI arrest. 

Understanding The Three Most Common Tests

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus – Alcohol has many different effects on the body. One such effect is an involuntary jerking of the eyeballs. Police may ask a suspect to follow a pen or other object with his or her eyes which they watch for signs of irregular eye movement.

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In Illinois, drivers can lose their licenses for several different reasons. One of the most common reasons for driver’s license suspension or revocation is driving under the influence (DUI). Once your license is suspended or revoked, it becomes a criminal offense to drive any motor vehicle.

A driver’s license suspension eventually ends, and the driver can get back on the road legally. However, getting your driving privileges back after a revocation requires additional steps. You will need to attend either an informal or formal driver’s license reinstatement hearing with a representative from the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) and demonstrate that you have taken the required steps. The steps you are required to take are largely based on your risk classification.  

Drug and Alcohol Evaluation and Risk Classification

After a DUI arrest, the driver is required to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine whether the driver has an alcohol or drug addiction and if so, how severe the problem is. The results of this evaluation will be used to classify the driver in one of five main risk categories:

In Illinois, drivers can lose their driving privileges due to a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), multiple traffic violations, or conviction for a felony offense involving a vehicle. Driver’s license suspensions eventually terminate and the driver can pay a small fee to reinstate their driving privileges. However, once your driver’s license is revoked, the only way to get it back is through a driver’s license reinstatement hearing. Formal hearings are held at one of four Secretary of State locations in Illinois.

Understand the Requirements for License Reinstatement

Formal driver’s license reinstatement hearings are usually required when a driver has been convicted of a serious offense such as a second or third DUI or DUI resulting in death. Attending the hearing alone does not guarantee reinstatement. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, drivers may be required to complete a DUI risk education class, early intervention program, or substance abuse treatment to regain driving privileges. Make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you and complete those requirements before your hearing.

Conduct Yourself in a Professional and Polite Manner

The process of reinstating your license after a DUI or other offense can be complicated and frustrating. However, it is important not to let feelings of frustration or anger get the best of you. One of the best ways you can make a good impression on the Secretary of State hearing officer and prosecutor is to act with professionalism and courtesy. It may seem trivial, but politeness can go a long way in a reinstatement hearing. Showing up late, dressing inappropriately, or using rude language can harm your chances of getting your license back.

Being arrested, charged with, or convicted of a crime can change your life forever. Not only can criminal convictions lead to jail time, and other penalties, being involved in the criminal justice system can also damage your personal and professional reputation. Having a criminal record can adversely affect your ability to get a job, secure housing, and live the life you want to. Understandably, many people are eager to get their criminal records erased. Read on to learn about expungements and record sealing in Illinois and what you should do if you want help erasing your criminal record.

Erasing Your Arrest Record

People get arrested every day. Whether due to an allegation of driving under the influence (DUI), shoplifting, drug possession, or another crime, being placed under arrest is not the same thing as being charged or convicted of a crime. Unfortunately, even if your arrest did not result in a conviction, there may still be a record of the arrest. Others may be able to view this arrest record and use it against you. Fortunately, you may be able to have the record of your arrest cleared from your record through the expungement process.

What Offenses Can Be Expunged?

Expungement completely erases or destroys a person’s criminal record. If you were charged with a crime but were not convicted, you can probably get your record expunged. Typically, an individual qualifies for expungement if:

In Illinois, drivers can lose their licenses for many different offenses. Driver’s license suspensions and revocations may result from charges for driving under the influence (DUI), multiple traffic violations, and failure to pay tickets. Once a license is suspended or revoked, the license holder is prohibited from driving any motor vehicle. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense. Fortunately, there may be a way to get back on the road legally after losing your license.

Seeking Driving Relief Through a Hardship License

If you lose your license, you may wonder how you will travel to work, attend classes, or manage other important responsibilities. One option is to seek driving relief through a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). RDPs are sometimes referred to as “hardship licenses” because they offer partial driving privileges for those adversely affected by the loss of their driver’s license. For example, if you risk losing your job because you cannot drive, this may qualify as a hardship.

To get an RDP, you will need to attend a Secretary of State hearing and demonstrate that a hardship exists. If you lost your license because of a DUI, you will also need to complete the steps indicated by your drug and alcohol evaluation risk classification. This may include ten hours of DUI Risk Education, early intervention, substance abuse treatment, or other activities. Lastly, you will need to show the Secretary of State hearing officer that you are not going to re-offend. The RDP will let you drive to certain locations for certain purposes. Many RDP holders use their RDP to get to work, transport children, or attend medical appointments.