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

• Driver's License Reinstatement

• 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

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

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

Q. My court date for a suspended license is on December 14. 1500 fee. Do I have to pay this fee before December 14?

3 December 2018

A: That isn’t the fee. It’s the bond amount if you don’t appear. Fines are assessed by a judge who will give you time to pay if you need.

Q. What's the worst possible penalty for a first time DUI in IL?

1 December 2018

A: There are over a dozen ways it can be a felony. Assuming it’s not a felony it is a class A misdemeanor. A conviction carries a penalty of up to 364 days in jail and or a fine of up to $2500. Your driver’s license would be revoked and you would have to wait a year to petition the Secretary of State to return it to you, which is not automatic. Your license is subject to a suspension for 6-12 months independent of what happens to the criminal charges. There are ways to contest this as well. It would be worth getting a Springfield lawyer to help you achieve a better outcome than the max.

Q. I went to court plead guilty for a ticket have to pay 306 can I request a continuance if I do not have the money to pay?

18 November 2018

A: Yes either continue it or put you on a payment plan

Q. Second Aggravated Speeding Ticket while on an Aggravated Speeding ticket at 19 in Illinois. Jail?

16 November 2018

A: Probably need to hire a lawyer and try for supervision on at least one and maybe a speed reduction. Jail is unlikely but if you are convicted of both your license will be suspended probably for a year.

Q. Kids were drinking at my house without my knowing, then got pulled over - am I on the hook at all?

16 November 2018

A: Highly unlikely without knowledge. You are not responsible for your kids' crimes in this situation if it's as you say it is.

Q. Open seal alcohol ticket as passenger. Court supervision or conviction. Will this be on my driving record/insurance?

2 November 2018

A: Trick here is to make sure it gets reported as a passenger conviction 11-502 (b) not 502(a). If it’s don’t that way you don’t need supervision

Q. Is it possible to disprove breathalyzer results?

18 October 2018

A: Yes but it is much harder than attacking blood test results provided it was properly administered.

Q. Pulled over doing 102 mph in a 70 mph. My IA driver's license was expired since April. Do I need a lawyer ?

15 October 2018

A: Yes. You are facing a misdemeanor and a traffic ticket.

Q. I got my first ticket ever driving 31mph over the speed limit in a construction zone. Will my license be suspended?

15 October 2018

A: No but it is a class B misdemeanor so you should try for a reduction in the speed and supervision