Q: I live out of state but got a DUI in IL. Does the FL SOS suspend my license when they find out? Do I have to follow FL or IL procedures? I’ll hire an attorney, but I don’t know in which state.
A: If you have a FL-DL then FL will suspend you and require you to complete all IL DUI requirements – UP TO FL STANDARDS (caps intentional – sometimes some States have lower DUI standards than FL and if that is the case then FL will not reinstate you until you have also satisfied FL-DMV’s requirements).
My advise: Have a skilled and experienced DUI litigator handle your open pending case. Do whatever it is that IL says that you are supposed to do as you are supposed to do it, and do NOT do anything that you are not supposed to do.
Then call the good folks at DMV in Tallahassee (850-617-2000) and determine what proof they require as well as whether or not they are satisfied (or need you to do anything further). If you follow the rule of the 3 “p”‘s (be patient, pleasant and polite) you will be surprised at just how knowledgeable and helpful they can be.
If you encounter a problem with FL-DMV then you might want to retain local FL counsel to assist you (as fighting with them is not unlike swimming against a rip-current… i.e. counterproductive and potentially deadly).
I hope that I have been helpful in answering your question.