Theodore J. Harvatin

My practice is limited primarily to two areas, driver's license reinstatement and DUI. My background affords you a unique perspective.

For all of your professional needs, call Ted at 217-525-0520.

For 15 years, I heard driver's license cases as a contractual hearing officer for the Secretary of State (DMV). This experiences has provided me with the opportunity to understand how the opposing side thinks and operates.

DUI & DWI

Traffic Tickets

Suspended License

• Driver's License Reinstatement

• Google Hangouts

• Free Consultation
  Initial telephone consultation with experienced and knowledgeable staff. I will follow up.
• Credit Cards Accepted
  VISA, Master Card, American Express, Discover and Electronic Checks.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  For driver's license hearings, partial payment with balance not due until day of hearing, affording you the opportunity to budget your fees.

Illinois

Since 1981

U.S. Federal Court

Since 1983

Owner

Harvatin Law Offices PC

1981 - Current

I began practicing law in Springfield Illinois in 1981. In 2000, my partner became a judge, and I have been solo since that time. I formerly took on virtually any case. But the law has now grown too complicated for me to be "all things to all people". As a result, I limit my practice to a few areas, and I know the law in those areas quite well.

University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

J.D. | Law

1978 - 1981

Knox College

B.A. | Ecnomics and Business

1974 - 1978

Honors: Honors: Cum Laude Honors: Phi Beta Kappa

Membership

Mensa Society

1981

Membership in Mensa is open to persons who have attained a score within the upper two percent of the general population on an approved intelligence test that has been properly administered and supervised. There is no other qualification or disqualification for membership eligibility.

Illinois Trial Lawyer's Association

Member

1986 - Current

Activities: Statewide organization whose members, through the courts, public opinion and the elective process, advance the interests of injury victims.

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

1981 - Current

Activities: Association of Illinois lawyers who work to improve the legal process.

Sangamon County Bar Association

Member

1981 - Current

Activities: Springfield is the seat of government for Sangamon County. Abraham Lincoln practiced law here. The Association strives to carry on the traditions of Lincoln to improve the delivery of legal services to our community.

https://www.harvatinlaw.com/theodore-j-harvatin.html

DUI Will Travel: When Drunk Driving Cases Cross State Lines.

Illinois Bar Journal

August, 2011

Strategies in Handling DWI and DUI Cases: Driver’s License Hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State

Lorman Educational Services

June 22, 2006

Court Supervision in Traffic Cases: New Strategies for Amended Laws

llinois Bar Journal

April, 2006

MDDP, RDP, and CDL issues, DUI and Traffic Law Update, Naperville, Illinois

April 12, 2019

Illinois State Bar Association Traffic Law and Courts Section Council

CDL issues, including "masking"; Court Supervision Updates, DUI and Traffic Law Update, Hoffman Estates, Illinois

April 13, 2018

Illinois State Bar Association Traffic Law and Courts Section Council

Updates to legislation and administrative rules governing Illinois Secretary of State Driver's License Hearings, DUI and Traffic Law Update, East Peoria, Illinois

October 6, 2017

Illinois State Bar Association Traffic Law and Courts Section Council

Additional topic: Suspensions for traffic law violations, supervision, CDL and GDL issue.

Updates to legislation and administrative rules governing Illinois Secretary of State Driver's License Hearings., DUI and Traffic Law Update, Hoffman Estates, Illinois

April 7, 2017

Illinois State Bar Association Traffic Law and Courts Section Council

Updates to legislation and administrative rules governing Illinois Secretary of State Driver's License Hearings, DUI & Traffic Issues for the Defense, Naperville, Illinois

September 15, 2016

Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Q. My 16yr old received a no insurance ticket in a vehicle that is not his. will he lose his license over this. Illinois

May 2, 2022

A: Go to court with him along with proof you have insurance now. They will give you court supervision (protecting the license), although they will require him to carry SR 22 for a period of time.

Q. Insurer filed Dec 21 a lawsuit for the damage I made in a car accident in Dec 2016. Can the debt be written off?

April 13, 2022

A: You can enter into a payment plan with the insurance company if you can agree upon an amount. As long as you stick with the payment plan your license will not be suspended. Or you can write off the debt and bankruptcy. Or win the case in court. Otherwise, if they take a judgment and file it with the secretary of state, your license will be suspended.

Q. I got two citation at the same time and need to show up at court on the date they specify.

March 7, 2022

A: Signing the ticket avoids you’re having to post cash bond. Your signature is your promise to appear in court. They are explaining that by signing the ticket, you are not automatically admitting guilt. The time to admit guilt is when you are in front of the judge. You might consider asking for court supervision, which avoids a conviction on your record.