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. Is my son, who lives in Illinois and paid his Minnesota speeding ticket, able to change it to supervison?

January 16, 2023

A: That is a question that would be best posed to a MN lawyer.

Q. in a car accident and received 2 ticket for uninsured vehicle and expired registration can the tickets be thrown out?

January 12, 2023

A: If should purchase insurance and bring proof to court. They would provide you court supervision and fine you but you would avoid a no insurance conviction, which would cause a suspension of your license. Note: you will have to purchase SR 22 coverage, in addition to your regular insurance. Also, this late insurance will not cover you for the accident. if IDOT determines you were at fault, your driver's license could be suspended unless you pay the damages, or enter into a payment plan or file bankruptcy. Go renew your registration, That one is a minor problem.

Q. I had a blown tire. My vehicle was off the road and shut off for 20 minutes or more while I was trying to contact someo

January 12, 2023

A: In Illinois, you can be either actually operating a motor vehicle or “in actual physical control“. In your case, that essentially means, how else did you and your car get there if you did not drive them there. And what happened on your no insurance ticket is you probably Failed to have SR 22 insurance and or didn’t pay the $100 reinstatement fee. I would suggest you contact an informal hearing officer at the Secretary of State and find out exactly what you need to do to become valid.