Theodore J. Harvatin

My practice is limited primarily to two areas, driver's license reinstatement and worker's compensation/personal injury. 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). I previously represented insurance companies defending worker's compensation and personal injury cases. These experiences have provided me with the opportunity to understand how the opposing side thinks and operates.

• DUI & DWI
• Traffic Tickets
• Workers' Compensation

• 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.
• Contingent Fees
  For worker's compensation and personal injury matters.
• 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.

Publications, speaking engagements and reported cases

Various.

2008

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

January 1, 2016

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

January 1, 2016

Q. What are the chances I get supervision again for the 2nd time?

17 April 2018

A: I would not expect it to be that difficult

Q. I received my first speeding ticket for doing 27mph over the limit, what’s the best case scenario for me? (21 yrs old)

16 April 2018

A: This charge is subject to supervision if you have never had supervision before or been convicted before of this charge, which is speeding more than 25 over the limit. Right now it is a crime. if a lawyer can get it reduced to a traffic ticket, that would be worthwhile.

Q. First ticket for speeding. Went 72 mph in a 55. Cost is $120, how do I get this reduced and not increase my insurance.

15 April 2018

A: Why do you assume your insurance rates will go up for one ticket? Check with your insurance agent and if they are not going up pay the ticket. If they are going up request supervision

Q. Ky resident. Got ticket speeding 22 over speed limit. Can this be reduced to non moving or amended?

15 April 2018

A: Ask for court supervision.

Q. My daughter is 17 and just got a seeding ticket for 25 mph over. She can do probation/class. It says on the form that

14 April 2018

A: Good question. Here’s the law. (n) The provisions of paragraph (c) [supervision] shall not apply to any person under the age of 18 who commits an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles or any violation of Section 6-107 or Section 12-603.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, except upon personal appearance of the defendant in court and upon the written consent of the defendant's parent or legal guardian, executed before the presiding judge. The presiding judge shall have the authority to waive this requirement upon the showing of good cause by the defendant. It SEEMS to say that your age at the time you commit the offense is the deciding factor. It also says the judge can waive the requirement of a parent appearing. I would say that a good argument for waiver will exist for a person who is now standing in front of the judge at the age of 18. The purpose for the parental appearance is to make certain that the offender understands what is happening which the loppers rooms may not happen for somebody who is under 18. Now that he is 18 the law considers him an adult as far as the legal process goes.

Q. Will an out-of-state suspension from Wisconsin carry over to my Illinois Driver's License?

12 April 2018

A: If WI reports it and if it’s an offense that would cause a suspension if committed in Illinois then it will carryover

Q. I am an Illinois resident and just received a speeding ticket in Iowa 29 over, First in 35 yrs. Any advice is welcome.

10 April 2018

A: Find an Iowa lawyer ASAP.

Q. received an insurance ticket today I haven't had 1 in over 12 and 20yrs Do u knw how far they go back on my record?

10 April 2018

A: You need to get insurance and ask for supervisor. Otherwise your license will be suspended.

Q. I was speeding 26 miles over and paid the fine online. Just got letter that I have to appear in court. I'm confused.

9 April 2018

A: Anything more than 25 over is must appear.