How to Prepare for a DUI Evaluation in Illinois—and Choose the Right Provider

Jun 25

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Illinois, you’ll likely be required to complete an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation (ADES) before sentencing or driver’s license reinstatement. This evaluation can directly affect your court outcome and whether you’ll need treatment, classes, or both.

A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get ready for your DUI evaluation—and how to choose the right licensed provider to protect your rights and future.

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Provider—Carefully

Your evaluation must be done by an agency licensed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR).

To find one:

Visit the official SUPR provider directory: IDHS SUPR Licensed Provider Search
Ask your attorney for a referral to a trusted, fair evaluator
Contact your local court or probation department for a list of approved evaluators

Warning: Not all providers are equal. Some may over-diagnose or rush evaluations. Others may have conflicts of interest with treatment centers. That’s why working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is key—they can steer you toward providers who are professional and objective.

Step 2: Bring the Right Documents

When you show up for your evaluation, you’ll need:

A copy of your driving record (from the Secretary of State)
A copy of your DUI arrest report
Any previous evaluation or treatment records
Your payment for the evaluation (typically $150–$250, depending on the provider)

Ask in advance what forms of ID and paperwork are required so there are no delays.

Step 3: Know What to Expect

The ADES evaluation typically includes:

A personal interview (1–2 hours)
A substance use questionnaire
A review of your driving and criminal history
A discussion about your past and current use of alcohol or drugs

The evaluator will be looking for patterns of substance use and risk factors. Your honesty is important, but so is clarity. Over-explaining or exaggerating can hurt you just as much as being dishonest.

Step 4: Consult a Lawyer First—If Possible

Speaking with an experienced DUI attorney before your evaluation is one of the smartest moves you can make. Your lawyer can:

Explain what evaluators look for
Help you prepare your documents
Advise you on how to answer truthfully without making damaging admissions
Make sure your rights are protected throughout the process

At the Law Offices of Richard Waller, we routinely help clients prepare for DUI evaluations—and if needed, we can challenge a biased or inaccurate report by securing a second opinion.

Protect Yourself by Being Prepared

A DUI evaluation isn’t just a formality—it’s a tool the court and Secretary of State use to judge your risk and determine what comes next. Whether you're seeking a favorable sentence or trying to get your license back, getting this part right matters.

If you have a DUI evaluation coming up, don’t walk into it unprepared. Let us guide you before the process affects your record, your freedom, or your ability to drive.

Say Nothing, Call Me.®

Richard Waller