Alcohol and Drug Evaluations and Risk Assessments

 Posted on October 19, 2018 in License Reinstatement

When you have been convicted on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there are a many considerations that could influence the severity of your sentence and your ability to drive again in the future. In most situations, the penalties for a DUI conviction will include the revocation of your driving privileges for at least one year for first-time offenders, with much longer revocations possible for repeat offenders. Once your driver’s license has been revoked, it is possible to get your license reinstated, but getting back on the road can be long, tough journey with many requirements with which you must comply.

DUI Evaluations

Before you can qualify for license reinstatement—or even for a restricted driving permit—you will be required to undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation with an approved, licensed provider. The purpose of the evaluation is to analyze your use or dependence on alcohol or drugs and to establish the risk—if any—you present to public safety. Your evaluation will include:

• A review of your driving history;
• Blood-alcohol content (BAC) test results;
• A standardized Objective Test in the appropriate category; and
• An interview with the evaluator.

The interview will focus on your past and present relationship with drugs and alcohol and how it relates to your driving record and abilities. Any responses that you give will be verified by a review of your driving history, test results, and, possibly, court records. If there are any discrepancies, you will need to reconcile them with the evaluator. Failure to do so will invalidate the evaluation leading to a denial of the reinstatement of your license or a requirement for you to undergo and pay for another evaluation.

Risk Levels

Evaluators are screened and trained by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. Based on the results of your evaluation, your risk level will be classified as:

• Minimal risk;
• Moderate risk;
• Significant risk; or
• High risk.

Each classification carries with it increasingly demanding requirements for alcohol and substance abuse education and treatment. These recommendations are provided to the Office of the Secretary of State, and must usually be completed before your driver’s license will be reinstated.

Work With a Knowledgeable Lawyer

If you are working toward getting your driving privileges reinstated, the assistance of an experienced Kane County license reinstatement attorney can be invaluable. Contact The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola today to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you get back on the road sooner than you may have thought possible.

Sources:

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=44177

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf