General Questions:
DUI Arrests:
DUI Evaluations:
DUI Counseling and Education:
General Questions:
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover).
What is the minimum wait time for an appointment?
There is no wait time for an appointment for an evaluation or to start classes, although availability of appointments is based on our schedule.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- The paperwork needed for appointments varies and depends on the type of evaluation or service.
DUI Evaluations: Please bring “Court Driver’s Abstract”, (which can be obtained for $20.00 at any Secretary of State Driver’s License Facility), and Notice of Statutory Summary Suspension – given to you at the time of arrest by the arresting officer. - Secretary of State Administrative Hearing Evaluation: Please bring “Court Driver’s Abstract” (which can be obtained for $20.00 at any Secretary of State Driver’s License Facility), Treatment/Counseling including Risk Education Treatment Documentation, and any prior DUI Evaluations.
DUI Arrests:
If I have been arrested for DUI, but not convicted, can I still drive?
For 45 days after a DUI arrest, your license is still valid, and you can drive. On the 46th day, the statutory summary suspension will go into effect, and your license is no longer valid. Information about when the suspension goes into effect can be found on the “Notice to Motorist” you received at the time of arrest, and the Secretary of State will mail you a Confirmation of Suspension Letter.
How long is the Statutory Summary Suspension?
For 1st time DUI arrests, the suspension is 6 months if a breathalyzer was completed and 12 months if testing was refused. A person is considered a 1st time offender, for the suspension, if any prior DUI was more than 5 years previous. For 2nd arrest within 5 years, the suspension is 1 year if a breathalyzer was done and 3 years if testing was refused.
Can I drive during suspension?
Yes, the state offers a specialized permit which allows driving during suspension as long as an ignition interlock device (BAIID) is installed. The state will send information about how to take advantage of this option. For 2nd arrests within 5 years, this permit is not available. Driving privileges can only be obtained through the Administrative Hearing Process with the Secretary of State.
When do I need to complete the DUI Evaluation?
The DUI evaluation must be completed prior to being sentenced for the DUI. It is recommended to acquire the evaluation as soon as possible.
If I have a prior DUI conviction, do I need to get a new evaluation?
Yes, a new DUI Evaluation is required for any separate DUI arrest.
Can I complete the DUI Evaluation anywhere?
This depends on the county of arrest. Arrests in Lake, Cook, and DuPage Counties require DUI evaluations to be completed through their services. All other counties allow the use of any private provider, such as First Choice DUI & Counseling Services.
Can I complete the required Treatment anywhere?
This depends on the county of arrest. DuPage County Requires that all Treatment be obtained through one of their Preferred Service Provider. First Choice DUI & Counseling Services is a preferred Provider for DuPage County Courts. All other counties allow the use of any private provider, such as First Choice DUI & Counseling.
DUI Evaluations:
How much does a DUI Evaluation Cost:
The cost of a DUI Evaluation is $300.00.
How long does it take to get my DUI Evaluation results?
Results from a DUI Evaluation or SOS Evaluation typically take 3-7 days to be received. I can expedite this process if needed. Please just let me know your time frame when calling, so I can let you know in advance if it can be accommodated.
What factors affect the results of a DUI Evaluation?
The State of Illinois uses three criteria to place people into different classification levels. These are: number of prior DUI offenses, results of breathalyzer or refusal of testing at the time of arrest, and a number of symptoms of a use disorder exhibited by the individual.
I have a prior DUI 10 or more years ago. Will that be taken into account?
Yes, DUI’s are permanent on a person’s driving record, thus that information will be added to your evaluation and will affect the classification level.
I was found not guilty of a past DUI. Will that be taken into account?
Maybe. If the Statutory Suspension associated with that arrest was not rescinded and is still noted on your driving record then yes, that must be put in your evaluation and will affect the outcome. If you were found not guilty and had the suspension rescinded, then no, it will no longer be noted on the driving record in a way that can be added to the evaluation.
DUI Counseling and Education:
How do I get started with the DUI counseling or Education?
There is initial paperwork that needs to be completed, and I will need a copy of your DUI evaluation. This can be done online or in person. There is also an assessment that needs to be completed prior to any DUI counseling classes. This can be done over the phone or in person. Please contact me via phone or email to start the intake process.
How quickly can I complete my DUI classes?
This depends on the classification your evaluation designated you. For some classes, you are only allowed to participate 1x per week and for others, you can participate 3x per week.
Can I complete the DUI counseling and Risk Education at the same time?
Yes, I do allow the programs to be completed simultaneously.
Can I do my DUI classes via Telehealth?
Yes, I am able to pre-schedule your appointments so that you can attend them remotely.
