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Biography
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.
Practice Areas
- DUI & DWI
- Traffic Tickets
- Suspended License
Additional Practice Area
- Driver's License Reinstatement
Fees
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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.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Illinois
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- U.S. Federal Court
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Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
- Owner
- Harvatin Law Offices PC
- - 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.
Education
- University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
- J.D. | Law
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- Knox College
- B.A. | Ecnomics and Business
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- Honors: Honors: Cum Laude Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
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Awards
- Membership
- Mensa Society
- 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.
Professional Associations
- Illinois Trial Lawyer's Association
- Member
- - Current
- Activities: Statewide organization whose members, through the courts, public opinion and the elective process, advance the interests of injury victims.
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- Illinois State Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
- Activities: Association of Illinois lawyers who work to improve the legal process.
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- Sangamon County Bar Association
- Member
- - 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.
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Publications
Articles & Publications
- https://www.harvatinlaw.com/theodore-j-harvatin.html
- DUI Will Travel: When Drunk Driving Cases Cross State Lines.
- Illinois Bar Journal
- Strategies in Handling DWI and DUI Cases: Driver’s License Hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State
- Lorman Educational Services
- Court Supervision in Traffic Cases: New Strategies for Amended Laws
- llinois Bar Journal
Speaking Engagements
- MDDP, RDP, and CDL issues, DUI and Traffic Law Update, Naperville, Illinois
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Videos
Legal Answers
564 Questions Answered
- Q. Can I request court supervision after paying a traffic ticket in Illinois?
- A: Since you are over 21, they would not take action against your license until a third conviction within a period of 12 months.
- Q. Paid traffic ticket online; can I change to court supervision now?
- A: Technically, if the ple was more than 30 days ago, you cannot reopen the case. But most jurisdictions will look the other way on minor offenses. You need to file a motion to vacate the plea. No idea what the process is in the county you received the ticket; I assume up north.
another note: had you shown up in court and the other driver did not, the ticket would have been dropped if you had insurance and no serious injuries. That opportunity is probably not available now.
- Q. Should I plead not guilty for a ticket from rear-ending a car in Illinois?
- A: Show up in court. If the witnesses do not appear, the ticket will be dismissed. If they do appear request court supervision.
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