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UNDERSTANDING THE DUI EVALUATION PROCESS

In Illinois, the DUI evaluation process plays a crucial role in determining the extent of an offender’s prior and current substance use, as well as their risk to public safety. A written evaluation helps the circuit court or the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) to recommend appropriate interventions or treatments. This page will guide you through the evaluation process, its purpose, structure, and key components.


PURPOSE OF DUI EVALUATION


The primary objectives of a DUI evaluation are:


1.    Assessing Public Safety Risks. Evaluators determine whether an offender poses a risk to public safety based on their substance use patterns, DSM symptoms, and past offenses.
 

2.    Recommending Interventions. Based on the assessment, a recommendation for intervention, treatment, or a combination thereof is made for the offender.
 

COST AND FORMAT OF AN EVALUATION
 

Our office offers virtual evaluations, as well as in-person assessments in our Naperville office. We can expedite an evaluation if needed promptly for court or a driver’s license hearing.
 

The cost of an evaluation with our facility varies, depending on whether the evaluation is needed for a pending DUI in court, or if it is being prepared for an Illinois Secretary of State hearing. We quote a fixed rate for our evaluations at the time of scheduling.
 

Both the courts and the Secretary of State require the same format of an evaluation. However, the Secretary of State has additional requirements for certain evaluations, which may include a treatment assessment, response to denial, or other documents. We inform a client of any additional documents that may be required prior to the evaluation interview.
 

DUI EVALUATION PROCESS


1. Initial Screening and Interview
 

Cloudgate Healthcare begins every evaluation with an initial interview, during which our evaluator collects information on the following:

 

  • The offender’s history of alcohol and drug use.

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  • The impact of substance use on personal and social aspects of life.
     

  • Past legal issues related to substance use.
     

  • Prior evaluations, treatments, or recovery programs attended.
     

2. Observations and Identity
 

  • Evaluators must observe the behavior of the offender during the evaluation.
     

  • Identity of offender is verified, as well as identity of any significant others interviewed.
     

3. Informed Consent and Disclosure
 

  • Offenders receive a brochure explaining the evaluation process.
     

  • They must sign a standard consent form acknowledging that their information will be shared with the referring court, SOS, and DHS/SUPR (Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery).
     

  • If an offender refuses to sign the informed consent form, the evaluation process is terminated, and the court or SOS is notified that the evaluation could not be completed.
     

4. Comprehensive History Collection
 

Evaluators gather detailed information, including:
 

  • Chronological alcohol and drug use history (from first use to present).
     

  • The effects of substance use on various aspects of life.
     

  • Driving history, including DUI-related arrests.
     

  • Family history of substance use disorders (SUDs).
     

  • Previous interventions, screenings, or treatments.
     

5. Risk Level Assignment
 

Based on the evaluation, the offender is categorized into one of four risk levels:
 

  • Minimal Risk: No prior DUI-related convictions, a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) below .15, and no substance use disorder symptoms.
     

  • Moderate Risk: No prior convictions but a BAC of .15 to .19 or one symptom of a substance use disorder.
     

  • Significant Risk: One prior conviction or statutory summary suspension, a BAC of .20 or higher, or two to three substance use disorder symptoms.
     

  • High Risk: Multiple prior DUI offenses, or four or more symptoms of a substance use disorder.
     

6. Recommended Interventions
 

Each risk level corresponds to a minimum intervention requirement:
 

  • Minimal Risk: 10 hours of DUI risk education.
     

  • Moderate Risk: 10 hours of DUI risk education and at least 12 hours of substance

  • use disorder (SUD) early intervention.
     

  • Significant Risk: 10 hours of DUI risk education and at least 20 hours of SUD treatment with ongoing care.
     

  • High Risk: 75 hours of SUD treatment with ongoing care.


7. Completion and Documentation
 

Upon completion of the evaluation:
 

  • A written evaluation report is prepared for the court or Secretary of State, depending on the purpose of the evaluation. 
     

  • Offenders receive a copy of the report once payment requirements are met.
     

  • Those requiring intervention given information on licensed treatment organizations.
     

CONCLUSION
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The DUI evaluation process is a comprehensive and legally significant step for individuals facing DUI-related consequences in Illinois. This process ensures that substance use patterns are thoroughly assessed and that appropriate interventions are recommended to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of recidivism.

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Cloudgate Healthcare provides in-depth, professional DUI evaluations that comply with Illinois regulations for Secretary of State hearings and various courthouses. Through both in-person and virtual options, our facility has many service areas throughout Illinois, while also serving individuals residing outside of the state who require an Illinois DUI evaluation or alcohol/drug treatment. Some of the counties we regularly serve are as follows:

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We also work with out-of-state residents who require a drug/alcohol evaluation or treatment from an Illinois-licensed provider. This typically arises when an out-of-state resident has an Illinois DUI and/or driver’s license hold. Our office is SUPR-licensed to perform drug/alcohol evaluations, DUI Risk Education, and treatment services in Illinois.

 

To schedule an evaluation or to learn more about our services, please contact our office at (630) 780-0262 or complete our contact form. Cloudgate Healthcare is committed to providing timely, respectful, and professional services that help individuals meet their legal obligations and access the support they need to move forward in life.

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