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 625…
Continue reading ›Articles Posted in Traffic Ticket Defense
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…
Continue reading ›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…
Continue reading ›Traffic control officers and other personnel play a vital role in keeping roads safe and orderly. They guide vehicles during rush hours, road repair and emergencies, helping to ensure smooth flow and reduced risk of accidents. Yet, some motorists become frustrated and engage in arguments when asked to stop, slow down or reroute. Understanding why…
Continue reading ›Receiving a traffic ticket can feel like a minor inconvenience in your day. However, these tickets can accumulate quickly. You may brush off one or two, but too many can have serious consequences. Too many violations can affect your driving record, insurance rates and even your ability to keep your license. There is no specific…
Continue reading ›It can happen to anyone. You’re on a road trip to visit family or friends, or you’re headed out on vacation, and you get pulled over for a traffic violation. While your encounter with the police can be anxiety-inducing and stressful, you might be wondering if there are other ramifications of obtaining a traffic ticket…
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