By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney |Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice | Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com The short answer: Illinois Scott’s Law (officially 625 ILCS 5/11-907(c), with 2026 expansions in…
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By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney |Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice | Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com The short answer: An improper lane usage citation under 625 ILCS 5/11-709 is a…
Continue reading ›Public Act 104-0169 took effect July 1, 2026 — raising the mandatory road test age to 87 and expanding the in-person renewal threshold to 79. By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice – Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com The short answer: getting a ticket after a car accident in Springfield is not…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com The Short Answer Illinois bans all license plate covers — even clear ones — under…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com Getting pulled over in Illinois is stressful — even when you haven’t done anything seriously wrong.…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com Bottom line up front: Yes — in Illinois, you almost certainly must exit your vehicle if…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com It can happen to anyone. You’re on a road trip to visit family or friends, or…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former DUI Prosecutor | Voted “Best Attorney” by Illinois Times & State Journal-Register If you are facing a DUI or a high-stakes traffic violation in Springfield, Illinois, you are likely hearing about the “Digital Transformation” of our courts. While other counties have moved quickly, Sangamon County has taken a more measured,…
Continue reading ›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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