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If your driver’s license is at risk of suspension following a DUI arrest in Illinois, you face immediate practical consequences that can affect work, family life, and daily routines. The DMV hearing process offers an important chance to challenge suspension and protect driving privileges, but procedural deadlines and evidentiary rules can be difficult to navigate. This guide explains what to expect at a DMV hearing, how administrative review differs from criminal proceedings, and the steps you can take to mount an effective defense. Contact Frankfort Law Group at 708-766-7333 to discuss how the hearing timeline and possible outcomes apply to your situation.
Many drivers do not realize that the Illinois Secretary of State administers administrative suspension hearings that are separate from any criminal DUI case. At a hearing, the central issues include whether the officer had reasonable grounds to arrest, whether proper testing procedures were followed, and whether the administrative requirements for suspension were met. Understanding these distinctions is vital to preserving driving privileges. This page outlines common defenses, timelines for requesting a hearing, and practical steps to gather documentation. Early action is important because missing procedural deadlines can forfeit your opportunity to contest the suspension and protect your license.
Preserving your driving privileges can have significant implications for employment, childcare, medical appointments, and daily responsibilities. A successful challenge to an administrative suspension can prevent immediate loss of driving ability, avoid permit restrictions, and reduce the practical burdens that follow a suspended license. Even when a complete reversal is not achievable, minimizing the period of suspension or obtaining limited driving privileges can mitigate long-term consequences. This work focuses on both procedural defenses and strategic negotiation to protect mobility and minimize disruption to family and work life while also coordinating with any parallel criminal defense strategy.
Frankfort Law Group represents clients in Frankfort and across Illinois on DMV hearing issues related to DUI arrests and administrative license suspension. The firm handles hearing requests, evidence review, witness interview preparation, and advocacy before administrative law judges. Attorneys collaborate with clients to gather medical, employment, and driving records that support legal arguments, and they coordinate strategy with any criminal defense counsel when cases overlap. The office emphasizes clear communication, timely filing of hearing requests, and a practical focus on preserving driving privileges while protecting broader legal interests in each client’s matter.
An Illinois DMV hearing determines whether certain administrative rules were followed at the time of an arrest and whether the Secretary of State’s office should impose a license suspension. This process is distinct from criminal court and focuses on statutory criteria such as whether the officer had reasonable grounds, whether the driver refused or failed chemical testing, and whether proper notifications were given. The hearing is an administrative record review, and its procedures, deadlines, and potential remedies differ from criminal procedures. Knowing these differences helps you make informed decisions about requesting a hearing and collecting necessary documentation.
Timing is a critical aspect of administrative challenges because requests for hearings must usually be made within a short window after arrest or receipt of a summary suspension notice. The hearing itself typically involves the presentation of evidence to an administrative law judge who will review police reports, test results, and the specific statutory factors that support suspension. The possible outcomes range from sustaining the suspension to rescinding it or modifying the terms. Understanding what the hearing examines and how to prepare documentation can significantly influence the result and potential driving options during the appeal period.
A DMV suspension hearing reviews whether statutory requirements for administrative action were satisfied at the time of the arrest. Key considerations include whether the officer had lawful grounds for the stop and arrest, whether the driver was properly offered chemical testing, and whether testing equipment and procedures were used and recorded correctly. The hearing is an evidentiary review that may rely heavily on police reports, calibrated testing records, and witness statements. Understanding the statutory standards and how they are applied at hearing can inform which defenses to raise and what evidence to collect to contest the administrative suspension.
Preparing for a DMV hearing involves gathering arrest reports, breath or blood test documentation, maintenance and calibration records for testing equipment, and any witness statements or video recordings. The administrative process also requires adherence to filing deadlines and specific procedures for submitting evidence. During the hearing, the administrative law judge evaluates whether legal grounds for suspension exist and whether statutory procedures were followed. Effective preparation includes identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s administrative record and presenting supporting documentation that addresses those procedural and factual issues to seek the best possible outcome.
Familiarity with common terms used in administrative hearings helps you understand notices, deadlines, and the evidentiary record. Terms such as reasonable grounds, summary suspension, administrative review, implied consent, and calibration records frequently appear in correspondence and hearing testimony. Knowing what these terms mean will reduce confusion when reviewing notices from the Secretary of State and police reports. It also guides which documents and records will be most persuasive in contesting a suspension. This glossary provides concise definitions to help you prepare and respond effectively during the administrative process.
Reasonable grounds refers to the legal standard used to justify an officer’s decision to stop, investigate, or arrest a driver. At a DMV hearing, the presence or absence of reasonable grounds for arrest is a central question when determining whether administrative action is justified. This concept encompasses the totality of observable conduct, statements, field sobriety test results, and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to suspect impairment. Understanding how reasonable grounds are established can help identify weaknesses in the administrative record and form the basis for challenging the suspension.
Implied consent refers to the legal principle that operating a motor vehicle within the state implies consent to chemical testing for alcohol or drugs when lawfully requested by an officer. Refusal to submit to breath or blood testing can trigger an automatic administrative suspension under Illinois law. At a DMV hearing, records regarding whether a test was requested, whether the driver refused, and whether proper warnings were provided are closely examined. Accurate records and clear procedures in the administrative file can determine whether a refusal-based suspension is sustainablе.
A summary suspension is an immediate temporary suspension imposed administratively following certain arrests, often triggered by failing or refusing chemical tests. The suspension takes effect quickly and creates a narrow window to request a hearing to dispute the administrative action. The goal of a summary suspension is to allow the Secretary of State to act swiftly on statutory indicators of impairment, but it also includes procedural safeguards, such as the right to request a hearing and contest the suspension. Timely action and careful review of the suspension notice are essential for preserving rights.
Calibration records and testing procedures document how breath or blood testing devices were maintained and used by law enforcement. These records can include maintenance logs, quality control checks, and operator certification records. At a DMV hearing, challenges to the accuracy of testing equipment or to the protocols followed during sample collection can undermine the administrative basis for suspension. Reviewing calibration and maintenance documentation can reveal gaps or procedural errors that may be persuasive when arguing that test results should not form the basis for administrative suspension.
When facing a DUI arrest, you may pursue administrative relief at a DMV hearing and simultaneously defend against criminal charges in court. Administrative hearings focus on statutory requirements for suspension rather than criminal guilt. The strategies and burdens differ, and outcomes in one forum do not automatically determine results in the other. Addressing the administrative suspension promptly can preserve driving privileges while criminal defense work addresses potential penalties and record issues. Coordinated planning ensures that actions taken at the administrative level do not inadvertently harm a criminal defense strategy and that both processes are managed effectively.
A focused challenge is often effective when the administrative record contains procedural defects, such as missing calibration logs, incomplete test documentation, or lack of required warnings. When documentation is incomplete, the administrative law judge may find that statutory prerequisites for suspension were not satisfied. Concentrating on these specific procedural flaws can lead to a favorable administrative outcome without the need for extensive additional investigation. Gathering and highlighting those missing or inconsistent records can be a cost-effective way to contest a suspension and potentially restore driving privileges.
If there is clear documentation of officer error or deviation from standard procedures, a limited administrative challenge can succeed by pointing to those specific problems. Examples include improper administration of field sobriety tests, inaccurate notations in the arrest paperwork, or failure to follow testing protocols. Targeting these issues in the hearing can cast doubt on the reliability of the administrative basis for suspension. A streamlined approach that focuses on well-documented mistakes can save time and produce a favorable result at the administrative level without requiring broader investigative efforts.
A comprehensive approach is appropriate when evidence is complex, multiple technical records are involved, or criminal court outcomes could affect administrative status. In those situations, attorneys review body camera footage, lab reports, blood processing documentation, and witness statements, and they coordinate actions across forums. This approach builds a cohesive strategy that addresses both immediate administrative license concerns and longer term criminal case implications. Thorough investigation and deliberate preparation can identify technical defenses and present a coordinated argument across both administrative and criminal proceedings.
When a suspension threatens employment that requires driving, or when a driver faces prior offenses that could lead to harsher penalties, taking a broader and more detailed approach is often necessary. Comprehensive representation looks beyond immediate suspension to address potential long-term consequences such as license revocation, impact on insurance, and professional licensing concerns. This approach involves detailed factual investigation, prehearing motions, and development of mitigation evidence to protect driving privileges and reduce collateral consequences that can affect livelihood and family stability.
A comprehensive defense increases the likelihood that procedural errors, testing inaccuracies, and credibility issues will be discovered and presented persuasively at the hearing. It allows for cross-checking of records, development of alternative explanations for observable conduct, and coordination with criminal defense to avoid conflicting admissions. By building a full factual and procedural record, a comprehensive approach also creates opportunities for negotiating reductions in administrative penalties or for pursuing remedies that preserve driving privileges during appeal timelines and beyond.
Taking a broad approach also helps to anticipate and counter common administrative arguments, such as automatic application of implied consent consequences or reliance on test results without proper documentation. A thorough review of evidence often reveals inconsistencies in officer reports, gaps in equipment maintenance, or issues with chain of custody for blood samples. Addressing those matters proactively at the administrative stage can reduce the risk of an unfavorable outcome and provide a stronger foundation for any related criminal case or subsequent appeals.
One of the most immediate benefits of a successful administrative challenge is the preservation of the ability to drive for work and daily needs. Maintaining driving privileges can prevent job loss, reduce economic hardship, and preserve access to essential services. A full defense strategy considers the practical aspects of suspension, seeks limited driving privileges when appropriate, and advocates for outcomes that balance legal considerations with real world needs. Protecting mobility can be the difference between maintaining family stability and facing severe personal and financial strain.
Successful administrative advocacy can limit the duration of a suspension and reduce the impact on insurance rates and driving records. By addressing the administrative issues thoroughly, clients may avoid extended suspensions, potential license revocation, or additional requirements such as ignition interlock devices. Limiting such long-term consequences can preserve future opportunities and reduce financial strain connected to increased insurance premiums and restricted driving privileges. A well-rounded approach weighs immediate outcomes against potential downstream effects to reach the best possible result.
The first and most important step is timely action: request your DMV hearing within the required window after arrest or receipt of the suspension notice. Missing the deadline can forfeit your right to administrative review and result in automatic suspension. Gather all relevant documents as soon as possible, such as police reports, test receipts, medical records, and employment documentation, and provide them to counsel for review. Prompt engagement allows for a deliberate review of the administrative record and ensures that possible procedural defects can be identified and asserted at the hearing.
Because administrative hearings and criminal cases operate under different standards and timetables, it is important to coordinate strategies to avoid inadvertent admissions or filings that could harm the defense in either forum. Discuss whether testimony or admissions in one context could affect the other and plan accordingly. Thoughtful coordination helps ensure that actions taken to defend the administrative suspension do not undermine parallel criminal defense efforts. A unified approach improves the chances of preserving driving privileges while managing any criminal consequences.
Challenging an administrative suspension is generally advisable when the outcome could materially affect your employment, caregiving responsibilities, or access to essential services. If the administrative record contains gaps, inconsistent statements, or procedural errors, an administrative hearing can provide an effective forum to contest suspension. Promptly seeking review also preserves the opportunity to obtain limited driving privileges in some circumstances. People who rely on driving for work, medical care, or family obligations often find that contesting a suspension is a necessary step to protect near-term stability.
In addition, consider challenging a suspension when test results or documentation appear unreliable, when the arrest involved atypical circumstances, or when prior driving history could compound penalties. A hearing can identify whether calibration records, chain of custody for samples, or officer procedures comply with statutory requirements. When the stakes include potential revocation, increased insurance costs, or job loss, pursuing administrative review becomes an important component of broader legal planning. Early review of the administrative file helps determine the viability of a challenge.
Common circumstances include refusal of chemical testing, failing a breath or blood test, traffic stops resulting in DUI arrest, or procedural irregularities noted in reports. Other drivers seek review when they discover missing calibration records or when body camera video contradicts the officer’s account. Employment-related consequences are another frequent reason to pursue review, as reinstatement or reduction of suspension duration can be essential. Anyone facing a summary suspension should consider requesting a hearing promptly to preserve legal options and respond to administrative allegations.
Refusing a requested breath or blood test can trigger an immediate administrative suspension under Illinois law, making timely action to request a hearing especially important. At the hearing, officials will review whether the test was properly requested, whether required warnings were given, and whether paperwork accurately reflects the interaction. Challenges may focus on procedural defects in how the request was made or on the completeness of the administrative record. Preserving documentation, witness statements, and a prompt hearing request are essential steps to contesting a refusal-based suspension.
A failed breath or blood test often leads to an immediate summary suspension and requires swift attention to request a hearing. Defense may examine test administration, device calibration, operator logs, and chain of custody for blood samples to determine whether the results are reliable. Small errors in those records can create a persuasive basis to challenge the suspension administratively. Addressing those technical matters early and obtaining the relevant documentation is important to mounting an effective defense and limiting the practical impact on driving privileges.
When police reports, video evidence, or witness accounts conflict with the administrative narrative, a hearing provides a forum to explore those inconsistencies. Procedural irregularities, such as failure to follow testing protocols, incomplete paperwork, or errors in recording observations, can weaken the state’s administrative case. Identifying contradictory evidence and presenting it coherently at the hearing can persuade the administrative law judge to rescind or modify a suspension. Collecting such evidence quickly is important to building a persuasive administrative challenge.
Frankfort Law Group assists clients through the administrative hearing process, from determining eligibility to requesting hearings and preparing evidence. We focus on clear communication about timelines, likely outcomes, and what evidence will be needed to contest a suspension. Our approach includes gathering official records, reviewing testing documentation, and preparing arguments that address both procedural and substantive issues in the administrative file. Clients receive guidance on practical steps to protect driving privileges while managing any parallel criminal case or insurance-related concerns.
Frankfort Law Group brings focused administrative hearing advocacy to clients facing license suspension in Illinois. The firm emphasizes timely filings, careful review of technical records, and clear communication about possible outcomes and strategies. By prioritizing documentation review and active engagement with the administrative process, clients gain a structured response to suspension notices and guidance through hearing procedures. The goal is to preserve driving privileges whenever possible while coordinating with other legal needs and practical concerns presented by a DUI arrest.
Our services include requesting hearings within statutory deadlines, obtaining calibration and maintenance logs related to testing devices, reviewing law enforcement reports, and preparing a persuasive presentation of weaknesses in the administrative record. We work to identify procedural defects that may invalidate suspension actions and to obtain evidence that supports challenges. This investigative and advocacy work addresses both the immediate administrative question and potential downstream consequences for employment, insurance, and driving status.
Clients receive straightforward counsel on the benefits of addressing administrative issues early and on how outcomes might interact with any criminal case. We communicate the practical implications of administrative decisions, including possible limited driving privileges, ignition interlock requirements, and timelines for reinstatement. Clear, timely information helps clients make informed decisions about hearings, appeals, and coordination with parallel legal matters to protect both mobility and long-term interests.
Our process begins with an initial review of notice documents and police reports to determine hearing eligibility and key deadlines. We then obtain testing and equipment records, interview potential witnesses, and gather any video or medical records that may be relevant. After evaluating the administrative record, we prepare hearing submissions and a strategy tailored to identified weaknesses. Throughout the process we keep clients informed about potential outcomes, options for limited driving privileges, and how the administrative defense interacts with any criminal representation required.
The first step is preserving your right to a hearing by submitting the necessary request within the time permitted under Illinois law. This intake includes collecting the summary suspension notice, confirming deadline dates, and advising on immediate actions to protect driving privileges. Early intake also allows for rapid collection of evidence and initiation of record requests to law enforcement for breath, blood, and maintenance logs. Acting quickly ensures no procedural default interferes with the opportunity to contest the administrative action.
After the intake interview, we promptly request the administrative file from the Secretary of State as well as police reports and any available video. Early collection helps identify missing documentation or irregularities that may support a challenge. The initial record review focuses on confirming whether proper testing requests were made, whether warnings were given, and whether arresting officers followed required procedures. This early evidence gathering shapes the immediate strategy for the hearing and identifies additional steps needed to strengthen the record.
During the initial stage we also advise clients on practical matters such as preserving any personal notes about the incident, identifying witnesses, and obtaining medical records if health issues relate to observed behavior. We explain how administrative timelines work and how to maintain driving where possible while the hearing is pending. This guidance helps clients protect relevant evidence and prepare for the hearing without inadvertently harming either the administrative or criminal defense strategy.
The second phase involves a thorough review of all collected records, including calibration and maintenance logs for testing devices, lab reports for blood tests, and any available video or audio recordings. This step identifies inconsistencies and technical issues that may undermine the administrative case. Investigative work may include contacting witnesses, consulting with technicians about device records, and assembling a chronological narrative of events to present at the hearing. The goal is to build the strongest possible factual and procedural record in support of the administrative challenge.
Technical records such as device calibration, operator logs, and blood chain of custody documents are analyzed to determine whether testing procedures were properly followed and documented. Any gaps or inconsistencies discovered can form the basis for administrative argument against relying on test results. A careful forensic review of these materials often uncovers issues that are not obvious from the arrest report alone, and those findings are integrated into the hearing presentation to challenge the validity of the suspension-related evidence.
Following the record review, we prepare the written and oral materials necessary for the hearing, organizing evidence in a clear, persuasive narrative that addresses statutory factors for suspension. This preparation includes drafting prehearing submissions, compiling exhibits, and developing witness questions if testimony will be presented. The narrative focuses on procedural defects, testing reliability, and any factual inconsistencies that undermine the administrative case, with the goal of securing the most favorable administrative outcome possible.
At the hearing, we present the assembled evidence, cross-examine available witnesses if allowed, and highlight procedural gaps that weigh against suspension. After the hearing, we review the administrative decision and advise on appeal options or next steps, including seeking reconsideration or coordinating with criminal defense counsel. Our post-hearing focus is on securing the best available resolution for driving privileges and on mapping out steps to address any remaining legal challenges that could affect license status going forward.
During the hearing we emphasize the most persuasive documentation, such as gaps in calibration logs, inconsistent officer reports, or exculpatory video evidence. Oral argument concentrates on how statutory requirements were not met or how testing reliability is questionable. Clear, focused presentation helps the administrative law judge understand why the suspension should be rescinded or reduced. We tailor arguments to the specific facts of the administrative record to pursue the best possible outcome for driving privileges.
If the hearing decision is unfavorable, we advise on procedural options such as filing for reconsideration or pursuing any available appellate review. We analyze whether further administrative remedies exist and how outcomes intersect with any pending criminal matter. This review helps clients understand long term implications and next steps for restoring driving privileges. The post-hearing work ensures that all available avenues are considered and pursued in a timely manner to protect rights and mobility.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
In Illinois, deadlines to request a DMV hearing are strict and typically begin running from the date of arrest or the date you received a summary suspension notice. Acting quickly is essential because missing the statutory deadline can result in the automatic imposition of the suspension without the opportunity for administrative review. The hearing request must be filed according to the Secretary of State’s procedures, and contacting counsel promptly helps ensure that the proper paperwork is submitted in time to preserve your right to a hearing.If you miss the initial deadline, options may be very limited and often depend on the specific circumstances and any available relief under administrative rules. It is therefore important to consult promptly to determine whether any late filing options or other remedies exist and to evaluate parallel options within the criminal system to protect your driving interests and legal rights.
An administrative DMV hearing focuses on procedural and statutory criteria for suspending driving privileges and operates under a different standard than criminal court. The administrative process examines whether statutory requirements were met, such as whether testing was properly requested and conducted, while the criminal case addresses guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for offenses like DUI. As a result, evidence and outcomes can differ between the two forums.Because the processes are distinct, a favorable administrative outcome does not automatically resolve criminal charges, nor does a criminal acquittal guarantee the return of driving privileges. Coordinating defense strategies across both forums helps protect rights and address how outcomes in one forum may affect the other.
Calibration, maintenance, and operator logs for breath testing devices are critical pieces of evidence in administrative hearings. If records show gaps, missed quality checks, or improper maintenance, those issues can call into question the reliability of breath test results and form a strong basis to challenge suspension. Administrative judges often rely on those records to assess whether test results are admissible and reliable for suspension purposes.A careful review of these technical records may reveal procedural inconsistencies or documentation lapses that weaken the administrative case. Seeking and analyzing those records early allows counsel to prepare targeted arguments and may result in rescission or modification of the suspension based on concerns about testing accuracy.
If you missed the deadline to request a DMV hearing, your options for administrative relief may be restricted, and the suspension could take effect automatically. In some limited situations, there may be procedural remedies or narrowly defined grounds for late relief, but those are uncommon and fact specific. It is important to confirm the exact deadline dates on your notice and consult promptly to see if any corrective steps are available.Even when administrative remedies are unavailable, it may still be possible to address related legal issues through the criminal process or other administrative appeals depending on circumstances. An early consultation helps clarify whether any alternative options exist and what steps should be taken next to protect driving privileges and legal interests.
A DMV hearing outcome does not directly determine the result of a criminal DUI prosecution because the two proceedings have different standards and purposes. However, evidence and rulings in one forum can inform strategy in the other. For example, successful challenges to testing procedures or evidence at the administrative level may reveal issues that are useful in criminal defense, and vice versa.Coordinating approaches allows for consistent positions and careful management of testimony or admissions that could affect both proceedings. Legal counsel can help ensure that actions taken to protect driving privileges do not inadvertently harm criminal defense goals and can advise on the best combined strategy.
In certain cases, it may be possible to obtain limited driving privileges or other administrative accommodations while a hearing or appeal is pending, depending on the specific facts and statutory provisions. Availability of limited privileges often depends on prior driving history, the nature of the alleged violation, and the administrative rules in effect at the time. Early review of your record and the relevant rules is necessary to determine whether this option applies.Counsel can advise on the criteria and help assemble the documentation needed to seek limited privileges when appropriate, such as employment verification or medical necessity statements that demonstrate compelling reasons for interim driving privileges. Timely filing and proper supporting evidence are essential to pursue these avenues effectively.
The most persuasive evidence at a DMV hearing often includes complete and consistent official records such as police reports, testing device calibration and maintenance logs, operator logs, chain of custody documentation for blood samples, and any available video or audio recordings. Witness statements and medical records that explain observed behavior can also be important. Evidence that highlights procedural gaps or inconsistencies in the administrative file tends to be especially influential.A well-organized presentation that ties these documents to specific statutory requirements helps the administrative judge evaluate whether suspension was legally justified. Early collection and preservation of this evidence increase the likelihood that it can be used effectively at the hearing to contest the suspension.
Coordinating administrative defense with criminal counsel is generally advisable because actions in one forum can impact the other. For example, admissions or tactical decisions made to preserve driving privileges could affect criminal case strategy. A coordinated approach ensures that both administrative and criminal defenses are aligned and that necessary protections are in place for testimony, plea negotiations, or evidentiary challenges.Counsel working together can sequence filings, share investigative results, and avoid conflicts that might arise if each matter is handled in isolation. This coordination helps protect overall legal interests and promotes consistent messaging across related proceedings.
The time to receive a decision after an administrative hearing can vary depending on the complexity of the record, the workload of the administrative office, and procedural rules. Some decisions are issued relatively quickly, while more complex matters involving extensive records or technical issues may take longer. Counsel can provide expectations based on previous experience with similar hearings and can monitor the administrative office for the decision timeline.Regardless of timing, it is important to plan for interim arrangements related to driving privileges, insurance, and employment. Counsel will advise on immediate practical steps to mitigate the impact while awaiting the administrative ruling and on any subsequent appeal options if the decision is unfavorable.
Common defenses to administrative suspension include demonstrating procedural defects, such as failures in testing protocol, gaps in calibration or maintenance logs, or improper warnings given to the driver when requesting a test. Challenging the existence of reasonable grounds for arrest based on inconsistencies in the officer’s account or video evidence can also be effective. These defenses aim to show that statutory prerequisites for suspension were not satisfied.Other defenses include demonstrating medical or physical conditions that explain observed behavior, identifying chain of custody problems for blood samples, or showing that testing devices were not operated properly. Each defense depends on factual and documentary evidence, which is why prompt collection and careful review of the administrative record are essential.