Theodore J. Harvatin Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›

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.

• Driver's License Reinstatement

• Google Meet

• 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. How many moving violations in Illinois, before your license is suspended?

February 9, 2025

A: If under 21 years old, the second conviction within a 24 month period will cause a suspension. It’s important to try for court supervision on the ticket you receive because supervision does not count as a conviction. So the correct question is not how many moving violations it’s how many moving violation convictions.

If you are over 21, you are not suspended unless you receive three convictions in 12 months.

Also, depending upon the number of points you accumulate, with enough points, you would be revoked. If you are revoked, you have to have a hearing with the Secretary of State to ever get your license back. If you are suspended, once the suspension is over and you pay the reinstatement fee, your license is valid without a hearing ... Read More

Q. My question is pertaining to a traffic a stop where I was the back seat passenger. And I still went to jail!

February 2, 2025

A: one of the better descriptions of an incident that I have seen. That being said, if no charges were filed, there is nothing much of a legal nature to address.

Q. Can a Police officer in Illinois, pull you over for speeding, in your jurisdiction. If he's from another jurisdiction

January 28, 2025

A: Most likely yes. In almost all instances, police agencies have shared jurisdiction agreements. Also, if he sees a violation occur in his jurisdiction, he is entitled to pursue you in another jurisdiction.