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Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

Does the TSA Do Drug Busts?
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

When you go to the airport, you can also expect a Transportation Security Administration officer will search your stuff, and your body. But what happens when those officers find drugs? Does the TSA do drug busts? Does the TSA do drug busts? No. That is not what the TSA does. While TSA officers in Illinois…

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What Are Some Other Reasons People Fight Tickets?
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

People who live in the Springfield area or who are just passing through might wind up with a traffic ticket. In most cases, traffic tickets seem relatively easy for police to write and prosecutors to prove. Especially if someone does not live around Springfield, fighting the ticket might seem hardly worth it, at least at…

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Defendants’ Options in a Domestic Violence Case
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

If police get contacted about a family fight or argument between two people in a relationship, there is always a chance that a Springfield-area resident can wind up facing a charge related to domestic violence. Domestic battery is a separate criminal charge in Illinois. It can apply to just about any type of physical contact…

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What Are Police Officers Looking for in Field Sobriety Tests?
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

Each year in Illinois thousands of people are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. First-time offenders might face misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders may face severe felony charges. However, all DUI cases have one thing in common: they should be taken seriously, because the potential consequences can disrupt your life in the short-term and long-term.…

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Breathalyzers and Dui Defense
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

If you have been pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving and blown a breath test that shows you at 0.08%, does this mean you are not entitled to a defense against DUI charges? No, it does not. In this blog post, we will discuss chemical breath tests and how to defend against their evidence.…

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Know the Basics About Search Warrants When Facing a Drug Charge
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

Criminal cases that involve drug charges are serious—there are no “minor” drug cases. Yes, possession charges may come with the potential for a less-severe sentence than, say, distribution or manufacturing of illegal drugs, but any type of conviction for drug charges will stay on your record for a long time, possibly limiting your opportunities in…

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Is Marijuana Possession Illegal in Illinois?
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

The world has changed in Illinois and throughout the country concerning the legality of marijuana. Beginning in January of 2020, individuals who are at least 21 can possess and use recreational marijuana in Illinois. But there are restrictions. Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act radically restricted the scope of drug…

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A Commercial Driver Cannot Shrug off a Traffic Ticket
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

While some traffic violations in Illinois are criminal misdemeanors, most tickets are considered petty offenses. This means that if the allegation sticks, a person will have to pay a traffic fine and other fees. Although the ticket will probably appear on a person’s driving record and involve an assessment of points against their license, it…

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Client Reviews

Mr. Hanken is the definition of a genuine person. My experience was nothing short of amazing. Scott made me comfortable and heard from the moment I walked into his office. He gave me back my reputation and dignity by receiving a not guilty verdict, but most...

Nena M.

Scott Hanken saved my life. Prior to this id not been in a situation where I'd needed a lawyer. Throughout the entire process he made sure I was aware of what was going on with my case, what my options were, and was always prompt. He delivered in everything...

Anonymous

If I could give Scott Hanken 6 stars I would, I called 2 weeks prior to my court date with multiple charges against me, He gave me a great price for his services and got my charges dropped. I would personally recommend him to anyone needing legal services.

Anonymous

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