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…
Continue reading ›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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Last Reviewed & Updated: September 27, 2026 By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & Violent Crimes Defense Attorney | Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice | Springfield, IL | Sangamon County | (217) 544-4057 | hankenlaw.com Yes. Illinois law allows…
Continue reading ›Knowing your rights when police come to your door is vital. In Illinois, your home is protected by both the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. That means officers cannot enter without a legal reason. However, it isn’t always that straightforward. Here are some important facts to remember. When police need a warrant In most cases, police…
Continue reading ›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.…
Continue reading ›You do not normally drink and drive, and you are hoping this might end with just a warning. But the reality is that a DUI charge is a serious legal matter. If you are feeling overwhelmed, here are answers to five key questions likely running through your mind 1. Will I lose my license immediately…
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 ›Not everybody has a friendly bar within walking distance. Not everybody lives in places with a good public transport service. And not everyone lives close enough to those they want to go out with to make getting a cab or rideshare home affordable. Hence, a lot of people use their car to get home from…
Continue reading ›Many people who are arrested on DUI charges get pulled over the same day that they’ve been drinking. Maybe they were out at a bar with friends and tried to drive home, but their BAC was still over the legal limit. They may be unhappy with the charges, but it’s at least understandable. One thing…
Continue reading ›Stun guns use electronic shock to help individuals with self-defense against an attacker in a non-lethal manner. Some stun guns require you to be in close proximity to the attacker, but others have projectile prongs that can be deployed from a longer distance. Some people assume that stun guns are legal everywhere since they’re considered…
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