Client Discovery Checklist: Preparing for Your Sangamon County DUI Consultation | W. Scott Hanken

By: W. Scott Hanken Former DUI Prosecutor | Voted “Best Attorney” by Illinois Times & State Journal-Register
Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Springfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Springfield, the clock is already ticking. To help your DUI attorney build a defense against flawed Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), you need to arrive at your Sangamon County DUI consultation prepared.

The following checklist includes the high-priority items required to challenge the “Probable Cause” of your arrest and the validity of any chemical tests.

1. Essential Law Enforcement Documents

You should have received several forms upon your release. These are the “building blocks” of your discovery file:

• The Uniform Traffic Ticket(s): Lists the specific charges (e.g., speeding, lane drifting) that the officer used as a reason for the initial stop.
• Notice of Statutory Summary Suspension: This document is critical. It triggers the 46-day countdown to your license suspension.
• Warning to Motorist: The form you signed (or refused to sign) regarding the consequences of breath, blood, or urine testing.
• Breathalyzer Ticket/Result Strip: If you submitted to a breath test at the station, you should have a printed receipt showing the BAC result.

2. Environmental & Physical Context

To beat a DUI based on “Common Mistakes in FSTs,” your lawyer needs to know the conditions of the arrest:

• The “Scene” Description: Was the ground level? Was there gravel, wind, or distracting traffic lights (e.g., on 6th Street or South Grand)?
• Footwear: What shoes were you wearing? Heels, flip-flops, or heavy work boots can invalidate “Walk and Turn” results.
• Medical History: Do you have any inner ear issues, knee injuries, or back pain? Documents showing these pre-existing conditions are vital for discrediting the One-Leg Stand test.

3. Timeline of Events (The “Gap” Analysis)

Write down a timeline as soon as possible, focusing on:

• The Stop Time vs. The Test Time: There must be a 20-minute continuous observation period before a breath test. If the officer was distracted or left you alone, the test may be tossed.
• Communication: Did the officer read you your rights? Did they explain the tests clearly, or did they rush through the NHTSA instructions?

In Sangamon County, the “discovery” phase is where cases are won. By bringing these specific items, you enable your legal team to immediately look for NHTSA protocol violations and 625 ILCS 5/11-501 technicalities that a general practitioner might miss.

Related Springfield Criminal Defense Resources:

• Illinois Statutory Summary Suspension vs. Field Sobriety Test Suspension: Critical Differences for Springfield Drivers Facing DUI Charges
• Should I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Illinois?
• Do you need an SR-22 after a DUI?

To learn more about how an aggressive and experienced Criminal, DUI, and Traffic Defense Attorney can help you defend yourself against whatever allegations you may be facing, call (217) 544-4057 or contact us through the website.

W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law — Former Sangamon County Prosecutor • 37 Years Fighting for Springfield & Central Illinois Clients • Named Best Attorney by reader vote in the Illinois Times Best of Springfield and State Journal-Register, I offer aggressive, personalized representation with a proven track record of success. Avvo 10.0 “Superb” • 99% 5-star client ratings • Over 190 Google 5-star reviews.

(This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. Every DUI situation is unique — contact an experienced Springfield DUI lawyer immediately.)