Where Are DUI License Suspension Hearings Held in Cook County?

In Chicago, the consequences of a DUI arrest begin almost immediately—often well before you’ve even set foot in a courtroom. One of the most urgent aspects of any DUI case is the statutory summary suspension hearing, which is a separate proceeding focused entirely on your driver’s license. This hearing is distinct from the criminal case and moves quickly through the system. If you were arrested in Chicago or elsewhere in Cook County, these hearings are typically held at the Richard J. Daley Center or one of the five suburban district courthouses.

Chicago is a city where driving is essential for many people’s daily lives. A suspended license due to a DUI arrest can mean job loss, missed medical appointments, and an inability to care for your family. Understanding where these hearings are held and how to fight a license suspension is one of the first steps you must take after being charged.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1 and 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1, drivers arrested for DUI in Illinois are subject to an automatic driver’s license suspension that begins 46 days after the arrest—unless they request a hearing within 30 days to contest it. These administrative hearings are civil in nature but can carry life-altering consequences if not properly handled.

It’s also important to recognize that in Illinois, all crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. A first-time DUI is typically a Class A misdemeanor, but many factors—including prior offenses, injuries, or driving without a valid license—can elevate the charge to a felony. While the statutory summary suspension is not a criminal conviction, it often overlaps with the criminal court process, and both require skilled legal defense.

As a Chicago DUI lawyer, I’ve handled thousands of these hearings in Cook County. The process is not straightforward, and the outcome depends heavily on understanding courtroom procedures, legal technicalities, and how to challenge the officer’s conduct during the arrest.

Where DUI License Suspension Hearings Take Place in Cook County

Statutory summary suspension hearings for DUI cases are held in several courthouses throughout Cook County, depending on the location of the arrest. If you were arrested within Chicago city limits, your hearing will most likely take place at the Daley Center, located at 50 W. Washington Street, in downtown Chicago. The Daley Center handles a large volume of DUI and traffic cases and is the central hub for many administrative suspension proceedings.

For arrests in the suburbs of Cook County, hearings are assigned based on geographical jurisdiction to one of the five Cook County municipal district courthouses:

Skokie Courthouse (Second District) – 5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL
Rolling Meadows Courthouse (Third District) – 2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL
Maywood Courthouse (Fourth District) – 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, IL
Bridgeview Courthouse (Fifth District) – 10220 S. 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, IL
Markham Courthouse (Sixth District) – 16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, IL

Each location follows the same legal standard but may have different procedures and assigned judges. As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I represent clients in all six courthouses, and I know what arguments work, what case law applies, and which judges require strict technical compliance from law enforcement.

The summary suspension hearing is where we challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the validity of the arrest, and the procedures followed by the arresting officer. If successful, the suspension is rescinded, and you retain your driving privileges during the DUI case. If not, you’ll face months—or even years—without a license.

This hearing is often the first opportunity to cross-examine the arresting officer, which can yield valuable evidence for your criminal defense strategy. It’s not just about your license—it’s about gathering ammunition for trial and forcing the prosecution to show their hand early.

Fictional Case Example from Logan Square: Fighting the Suspension and DUI Charges

Let’s consider a fictional but realistic case based on how DUI arrests happen in Chicago neighborhoods like Logan Square. A man is pulled over on Milwaukee Avenue late at night. The officer claims the driver failed to signal and appeared to be swerving. Upon approach, the officer reports the odor of alcohol and slurred speech. The driver is asked to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests, which he allegedly fails. He refuses the breath test.

He’s arrested and issued a Notice of Statutory Summary Suspension. The clock starts ticking.

The man hires a DUI defense attorney in Chicago within days of the arrest. I immediately file a Petition to Rescind the Suspension under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1, forcing the state to hold a hearing within 30 days. At the Daley Center, I cross-examine the officer and challenge his version of the events.

We present GPS data showing the driver had not been swerving. We submit bodycam footage showing the driver’s speech was clear and cooperative. I highlight that the officer failed to read the statutory warning before requesting a breath sample, violating 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1.

The judge agrees. The suspension is rescinded. My client keeps his license, and we now have testimony under oath that weakens the state’s criminal case. At the next court date, I move to dismiss the DUI for lack of probable cause.

This is what skilled legal defense can accomplish—starting with the license hearing.

What Happens in Illinois DUI Cases After the Hearing?

While the statutory summary suspension hearing is crucial, it is just one part of the overall DUI case. After the arrest, the criminal charge proceeds through the Cook County court system. The criminal case begins with arraignment, where the defendant enters a plea and receives the next court date. From there, the process includes:

Discovery: where we request and review all evidence the prosecution has, including video, police reports, test results, and witness statements
Pretrial motions: including motions to suppress evidence, exclude statements, or dismiss charges
Negotiation: including discussions about possible plea deals or sentencing alternatives
Trial: if the case cannot be resolved through dismissal or negotiation, it proceeds to a bench or jury trial

Penalties for DUI vary. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, carrying up to 364 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, and mandatory alcohol education. Second offenses may include mandatory minimum jail time, and third offenses are typically Class 2 felonies, which can carry 3 to 7 years in prison.

If you are convicted, your criminal record will show a DUI, which cannot be sealed or expunged under Illinois law. This can affect your career, car insurance, immigration status, and ability to travel. That’s why it’s critical to fight not just the license suspension—but the entire charge.

As a Chicago DUI lawyer, I handle both parts of your case at once—protecting your license at the summary suspension hearing while preparing your defense in the criminal courtroom.

Defenses and Legal Strategies for DUI and License Suspension Hearings

Illinois DUI cases often turn on legal details. Some of the most effective defenses include:

No probable cause for the traffic stop
Failure to properly administer field sobriety tests
Lack of reasonable suspicion to detain the driver
Failure to read the statutory warning before a breath test
Unreliable breathalyzer or blood test equipment
Violation of constitutional rights

At the license suspension hearing, we can use the officer’s testimony to lock them into a version of events. If they later change their story in the criminal trial, we challenge their credibility.

Additionally, we can use dashcam and bodycam footage, radio transmissions, station surveillance, dispatch logs, and arrest records to build our case. The state often fails to comply with technical procedures, and a detailed review of the evidence can reveal inconsistencies that justify a dismissal.

Fighting DUI charges isn’t about one big moment. It’s about dozens of small legal opportunities that, when used properly, change the entire outcome.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer at Every Step

DUI cases in Illinois move fast. The license suspension clock starts ticking immediately. Evidence disappears quickly. Legal rights can be lost if not asserted in time. You need a lawyer who knows where the hearings are held, what deadlines apply, and how each courthouse in Cook County handles these proceedings.

As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I understand how prosecutors build their case. More importantly, I know how to challenge their assumptions. I know the judges, the rules, and the ways to protect your license and your freedom.

Hiring the right lawyer means you’ll never walk into court unprepared. It means your rights will be protected from day one, and your defense will be focused, strategic, and aggressive.

What to Look for in a DUI Defense Attorney and What to Ask

Not all criminal defense lawyers are the same. Look for someone with deep courtroom experience in DUI cases, knowledge of local judges and procedures, and a history of defending clients in the same courthouses you’ll be appearing in.

During your free consultation, ask:

Do you regularly handle DUI summary suspension hearings at the Daley Center or suburban Cook County courthouses?
What are the chances of beating the suspension in my case?
Have you successfully handled similar cases before?
Will you personally handle my case or assign it to another lawyer?
What is your approach to fighting both the license suspension and the criminal charge?

A qualified Chicago DUI attorney will give you direct answers, explain the law in clear terms, and show a plan for protecting your record and your license.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI License Hearings in Chicago

How long do I have to request a summary suspension hearing in Cook County?
You have 30 days from the date of arrest to file a Petition to Rescind the Statutory Summary Suspension under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1. If you miss that deadline, the suspension will automatically begin on the 46th day after your arrest.

What happens at the hearing?
The state must prove that the officer had probable cause for the stop, that you were properly warned about chemical testing, and that you either failed or refused testing. Your Chicago DUI lawyer can challenge each of these points.

Can I keep driving if my license is suspended?
If the suspension is upheld, you may qualify for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) with a BAIID breath device installed. But this requires a clean driving history and application to the Illinois Secretary of State.

Is the hearing different from my criminal case?
Yes. The hearing is civil, while the DUI charge is criminal. They occur in the same courthouse but follow different procedures, rules of evidence, and timelines.

Can I win the hearing even if I lose the DUI case—or vice versa?
Yes. Some clients win the license hearing but later plead guilty to DUI. Others lose the license hearing but win at trial. The two proceedings are separate and must be fought individually.

Do I need a lawyer for the summary suspension hearing?
Yes. These hearings are fast, technical, and difficult to win without an attorney. Having a DUI defense lawyer in Chicagocan dramatically improve your chances.

Are these hearings held in-person?
In most Cook County courthouses, yes. Some hearings may still be virtual under certain post-pandemic procedures, but most require in-person appearances.

Why You Should Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg

If you were arrested for DUI in Chicago or anywhere in Cook County, don’t wait until your court date to protect your license. The clock is already ticking. I’ve handled thousands of DUI license hearings at the Daley Center and every suburban courthouse in Cook County. I know what evidence works, what judges expect, and how to help you avoid suspension and fight the criminal charge.

Whether your case is in Chicago, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Skokie, or Markham, I’m ready to stand between you and a lifetime of consequences.

Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for Help With Suspended License and Driving Permits in Chicago

If your license is suspended in Chicago or you’ve been charged with driving while suspended, get help immediately. The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg offers free consultations and aggressive representation across Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County.

Whether you’re charged in downtown Chicago, Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview, or Rolling Meadows, we’re ready. We appear regularly in courtrooms throughout Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake Counties. And we don’t treat aggravated speeding as just another moving violation.

If you were arrested in Chicago, protect your future by contacting The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg. We have decades of experience handling DUI cases in Illinois. Our firm is available 24/7 to provide the legal defense you deserve.

Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to serve clients throughout Illinois, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County.