You’re facing serious criminal charges, but you maintain your innocence. You say that you weren’t involved, and you weren’t even at the location when the alleged crime took place. You believe it’s just a case of mistaken identity and that your name should be cleared. But the prosecution has a witness. This person claims that…
Continue reading ›Springfield Criminal Defense Blog
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…
Continue reading ›The legal limit for alcohol consumption can be a very important part of a drunk driving case. There are cases where drivers can face charges even if they don’t exceed this limit—such as if they are clearly impaired, but their BAC is just slightly lower than the allowable amount. An officer can still make an…
Continue reading ›Facing drug charges can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. The legal system may seem like an intricate maze, and understanding your rights and options is crucial. If you or someone you care about is in this situation, you’re not alone. Many have successfully navigated this path with the right defense strategies. In this blog,…
Continue reading ›Getting a DUI feels overwhelming enough without thinking about the money involved. However, the financial impact goes way beyond the initial penalties. Let’s break down the actual costs you might face after a DUI in Illinois. Court fines and legal fees hit first The base fine for a first-time DUI in Illinois starts at $500…
Continue reading ›Speeding tickets are a common issue for many drivers in Illinois. Misconceptions about these tickets can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. Here, we debunk some common myths and present the facts to help you understand your rights and options. Myth 1: You can’t contest a speeding ticket Fact: You can contest a speeding ticket…
Continue reading ›Criminal charges of any kind can threaten several aspects of your life. While they can certainly put your freedom on the line, they can also jeopardize your reputation and your career. This can even be true if you’re convicted of a driving-related offense and your job involves operating a truck. To ensure that you protect…
Continue reading ›Last Reviewed & Updated: September 24, 2026 By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & Traffic Ticket 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 In Illinois, speeding a…
Continue reading ›Last Reviewed & Updated: October 2, 2026 By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & Weapons Offenses 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 A felony conviction costs…
Continue reading ›Last Reviewed & Updated: August 20, 2026 By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & Violent Crimes Attorney | Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s Choice | Springfield, IL | Sangamon County | (217) 544-4057 | hankenlaw.com An aggravated battery charge in…
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