Articles Posted in Drunk Driving Defense

New 2026 Remote Court Rules for Springfield Criminal & DUI Cases: What You Need to Know
W. Scott Hanken

Facing a criminal charge or DUI in Springfield can be overwhelming. The anxiety of the unknown is compounded by the logistical nightmare of getting to the Sangamon County Courthouse, taking time off work, and finding childcare. Fortunately, the landscape of Illinois courts has shifted dramatically. Effective March 1, 2026, significant amendments to Illinois Supreme Court…

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Illinois DUI Myth: Red, Bloodshot Eyes Aren’t Proof of Impairment – What Every Driver Needs to Know
W. Scott Hanken

As an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney practicing in Springfield, Illinois for over 35 years, I’ve fought tooth and nail for countless clients slapped with DUI charges based on flimsy evidence. Time and again, I see police officers from the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police leaning on the…

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Is Your Record Really Clean? Understanding the Illinois “Clean Slate” Act (HB1836) in Springfield
W. Scott Hanken

The “Fresh Start” You’ve Been Waiting For? If you live in Springfield or the surrounding Central Illinois communities, you know that a past mistake can feel like a life sentence. Whether it’s a background check for a state job at the Capitol or a housing application in Chatham, an old arrest record can close doors…

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Most FAQ About DUIs in Illinois
W. Scott Hanken

Navigating Illinois DUI laws can be confusing and stressful. Whether you are worried about license suspension or jail time, understanding the statutes is the first step toward a strong defense. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit under Illinois DUI laws? In Illinois, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or…

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Do You Need an Sr-22 After a Dui?
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

Receiving a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Illinois can be stressful. The court can suspend your driver’s license and may require you to file for an SR-22 before you can get it back. If you are facing a DUI charge, understanding the importance of an SR-22 can help you manage the process of…

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Reasonable Suspicion Is a Key Element in Drunk Driving Stops
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

Police officers have a duty to keep the roads as safe as possible, but that doesn’t mean that they can just do whatever they want when they want. For example, if they’re going to pull a vehicle over, they must have reasonable suspicion. In the case of a suspected drunk driving stop, reasonable suspicion means…

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What You Should Know About Dui Checkpoints in Illinois
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

If you’re driving in Illinois – especially around holidays, weekends or major social and sporting events – you might find yourself approaching a “sobriety checkpoint” designed to spot those who are guilty of driving under the influence (DUI). While it can be a little nerve-wracking to see flashing lights and officers waving cars forward, knowing…

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3 Ways to Challenge a Breath Test
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

When a police officer gives you a breath test, they are interested in documenting your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The reason for this is that you are bound by a certain legal limit. For most drivers, that is 0.08%, although commercial drivers and underage drivers often have lower limits. But what happens if you fail…

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Can You Be Charged If Your Bac Is Lower Than 0. 08?
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

It’s illegal to drive in Illinois with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. (Note that some types of drivers are subject to an even lower limit.) Yet, you can get into trouble even when under the relevant limit if your driving has been impaired by alcohol. People are affected by alcohol differently.…

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