Illinois Treatment Documents Required
There are three (3) Primary Treatment Classification levels.
Level I Minimal Risk
This classification typically applies to someone with only one (1) DUI arrest. The treatment requirement is a completion of a 10-hour DUI Risk Education course. Clients that have other Drug use or criminal background issues, might not be eligible for this classification even though they have just the one (1) DUI arrest. Further, clients that have a high blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 to .19 would be ineligible for this classification as well, even with just the one (1) DUI arrest.
Level II Moderate Risk
Clients in this classification will still be required to complete the 10-hour Risk Education, but will also be required to complete a 12 hour early intervention course as well.
Level II Significant Risk
This classification level will typically include clients that have two (2) DUI arrests. However, if your BAC was .20 or higher, you would be placed in this classification even if you only had one (1) DUI arrest. When reviewing the two (2) DUI arrests requirement, you can be placed in the classification if you were convicted of DUI, placed on supervision for DUI, arrested for DUI that was reduced to reckless driving, or even if you were found not guilty of a DUI but were still suspended due to the arrest. The age of these DUI arrests have no relevance to the determination.
All clients in this classification will be required to complete the 10-hour Risk Education and at least 20 hours of alcohol treatment and up to 6 months of aftercare.
Level III High Risk
There are two (2) sub categories in this classification. If you have three (3) or more symptoms of dependency, you must be classified as a Level III alcohol dependent, regardless of the number of DUI arrests. A Level III non dependent is someone that has three (3) DUI arrests and has fewer than three (3) symptoms of dependency as determined by the evaluator.
Level III Non-Dependent
There is no requirement of the 10-hour Risk Education for this classification, but clients will need to complete 75 hours of treatment and up to one (1) year of continuing care. You will also be required to show abstinence or non problematic drinking. You will not be required to show an ongoing support group for this classification.
Level III Dependent
There is no requirement of the 10-hour Risk Education, but clients will be required to complete 75 hours of classes and up to one (1) year of continuing care.
This classification will require you to show 12 months of continuous abstinence prior to the date of your hearing. This means no use of any alcohol or drugs. You will also be required to show that you have established an ongoing support system to assist you in maintaining your abstinence. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most traditional support program due to it's wide acceptance and wide recognition. You will be required to submit documentation from AA showing your attendance along with proof of sponsorship. Typically sign in sheets from AA are not sufficient. Our office will provide you with the correct documentation that is needed.
The Illinois Secretary of State will accept a Nontraditional Support system in lieu of AA if it is properly documented and the State is satisfied that it is a strong and sufficient support group in your sobriety. Examples can be a church group, family and friends and other AA type programs. You will be required to document the members and explain how this group assists you in maintaining your sobriety. Failure to convince the State of a strong nontraditional support system will result in the denial of your petition.
In general, the Secretary of State is looking for a strong support group and members that are involved in not only the day to day life of the client, dealing with stresses and the everyday problems of life. In addition to members that help the client admit and address the alcohol and drug issues of the past. While not required, it is helpful to have members of your nontraditional support group that has dealt with alcohol and drug issues in the past.
In conclusion, the support group of Level III Dependent clients is one of the most importation requirements. Failure to assure and show the Secretary of State that you have addressed your past alcohol and drug issues and now have an adequate support system going forward, will ultimately result in the denial of your petition.
