Illinois, USA. May 29th 2025 – Driver Defense Team, Chicagoland’s premier trial law firm for Illinois drivers, today announced the release of their new eBook, “How to Get Your License Back After DUIs: The Ultimate Guide to Illinois Secretary of State Reinstatement Hearings.”

This step-by-step guide combines the knowledge and experience of a 30-strong team of attorneys and legal professionals who have helped hundreds of Illinois residents get back on the road after having their license revoked — sometimes for years or even decades.

“I talk to people all the time who have gone 20, even 30, years without a license,” says Derek Martin, Partner and Co-Founder of the firm. “And we get why. The whole process poses a lot of questions with very few answers, and it’s usually a lot easier to put it off. For less than the cost of lunch, we give people the answers they need. We’ve held nothing back.”

In Illinois, driving is considered a privilege, not a right. This key distinction means the Secretary of State can take away a driver’s license if they pose a threat to public safety.

This can happen in many situations, including accumulating too many traffic violations, committing a serious offense, or neglecting financial responsibilities, such as failing to pay child support.

Just as the Secretary of State can take away someone’s license, they can give it back. But the process can be complicated. You’ll have to attend a formal or an informal hearing, answer questions, and prove you won’t threaten public safety if your driving privileges are reinstated. You might also need to meet additional requirements, such as completing a treatment program and drug and alcohol evaluation, and getting high-risk insurance.

But before you can even consider attending a hearing to get your license back, you must be eligible.

What many people don’t realize is that the Secretary of State will let you go through the entire process of gathering evidence and attending a hearing even if you’re not legally eligible.

By following the advice given in How to Get Your License Back, you can avoid the stress and wasted time of attending a reinstatement hearing when the only possible outcome is that your request will be denied.

The book covers every aspect of license reinstatement in Illinois, sharing all the secrets and tips from attorneys who exclusively deal with driving issues:

More Than an Inconvenience

Having your license revoked can affect a person’s entire life. For many, driving is essential for employment. Public transport and ridesharing services can be a short-term fix, but they’re not financially sustainable in the long run. Public transport isn’t even an option for those who transport tools or work across multiple locations.

Then, there’s the strain on family relationships. What begins as a spouse or older child being happy to help out turns into you becoming a burden.

Derek continues, “Many clients tell us about the strain their license revocation has placed on their spouses, children, or other family members who have been tasked with driving them everywhere. Over time, this can cause tension and resentment within a household. For many people, this is a key motivator to start the process of getting their license back.

“With this book, we’re putting the power back in drivers’ hands so they can get their licenses back — without the cost of hiring a lawyer.”

How to Get Your License Back After DUIs is available now through the Driver Defense Team website at http://ddt.driverdefenseteam.com/ebook for $7.00.

ENDS

WILLOWBROOK, Illinois. November 13th, 2024 – Standard Valuation Services (SVS), a private company specializing in commercial real estate appraisals and consultation, announced today a significant expansion of its Chicago and regional operations. SVS is bringing on seven new team members and onboarding new services from the former owners of the Valbridge Property Advisors | Chicago Metro franchise, effective immediately. This strategic move enhances SVS’s already robust service offerings and solidifies its presence in the Midwest.

 

“This exciting expansion strengthens our company and adds some of the industry’s most respected commercial real estate appraisers to our team,” says Sam Louise, MAI, ASA, founder and CEO of Standard Valuation Services. “Since the beginning, we’ve offered best-in-class appraisals to the Chicago area, and our number one priority is always adding value for our clients. This expansion means bringing on board new specialty expertise, technology, and systems to revolutionize the client experience.”

 

Founded in 2013, Standard Valuation Services is an industry-leading commercial real estate valuation firm providing appraisals and consultation on all types of commercial and residential real estate to the Chicago and Midwest regional area. SVS has appraised in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate assets, including high-profile projects like the Uptown Theater and Blarney Island.

 

The former owners of the VPA | Chicago Metro franchise provided comprehensive valuation and advisory services throughout the Midwest. The acquisition represents an expansion of SVS product offerings to include specialty services and litigation support as well as a valuable footprint in the Fulton River District. Additionally, SVS gains the expertise of Gary DeClark, MAI, CRE, FRICS, R/W-AC, who brings 40+ years of experience to the team, and Anthony Mulé, MAI, CCIM, ASA, whose expertise spans virtually all types of commercial real estate.

 

“In my career, there are very few types of properties or purposes for analysis I have not experienced,” says Gary DeClark, MAI, CRE, FRICS, R/W-AC, incoming President of Specialty Services and Litigation Support at Standard Valuation Services. “The experience and creative problem-solving we bring to assignments will only benefit our clients.”

 

“We are excited to join the Standard Valuation Services team,” added Anthony Mulé, MAI, CCIM, ASA, incoming EVP of Valuation Services at Standard Valuation Services. “Whether it’s navigating the constantly evolving real estate markets, providing litigation support, strategic planning, or in-depth property analysis, we are committed to acting as trusted advisors, helping our clients resolve their most complex valuation needs with confidence.”

 

DeClark and Mulé bring with them an impressive professional portfolio, from iconic properties like The Merchandise Mart and The Drake Hotel in Chicago to unique specialty projects, including a valuation of subterranean rights adjacent to Wrigley field.

 

Standard Valuation Services is based in Willowbrook, IL, and regularly serves clients in the Chicago and greater Midwest area.