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Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

Pending Law Would Seal Some Dui Convictions
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

A DUI conviction has major and severe consequences, including fines, potential jail time and loss of a driver’s license. The stigma from a DUI conviction can last a lifetime, jeopardizing employment and damaging relationships with family and friends. It can also affect future opportunities, if potential employers do a criminal or background check. Fortunately, a…

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Police Surveillance Operation Leads to Arrests in Springfield
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

Many of our readers in Springfield may have seen a report about a police operation that led to the arrest of five individuals recently on November 9. The individuals who were arrested will be facing some serious criminal charges in the aftermath of the event. According to the report, police officers were conducting a surveillance…

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Three Men Facing Drug and Weapons Charges After Home Searched
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

Our readers likely know that homes usually cannot be searched without law enforcement officials first obtaining a search warrant. However, what may come as a surprise to many people is that the circumstances that allow law enforcement officials to obtain such a warrant can vary widely. For example, according to a recent report, a home…

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Defending Against Traffic-Related Charges
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

It’s common for Illinois drivers to violate traffic laws, and relatively common for them to face tickets and conviction on related charges, but no one should take these charges lightly. Drivers charged with a traffic violation should know what they are facing and what their options may be for defending their rights and driving privileges.…

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Halloween Traffic Enforcement Nets Multiple Tickets
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

We are all familiar with holiday crackdowns by the police to catch drunk drivers and issue as many traffic tickets as humanly possible. It is just one of the joys of living in Illinois, though, to be fair, many other states do holiday enforcement drives as well, including checkpoint, mandatory alcohol screenings, etc. And, our…

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DOJ for the Central District of Illinois Indicts Two
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

As any reader of this blog knows, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Central District of Illinois is active and always looking to make headlines. Indeed, a quick search online shows they seem to love their press releases. And, this was for two Illinoisans. The firearm indictment On October 19, 2021, the Federal Grand Jury indicted…

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Bloomington Man Arrested, Jailed on Burglary Charges
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

Home security systems may not always prevent a burglary or other crime, but these systems often provide convincing evidence that the prosecutor can use at trial. A home security system may have recorded crucial evidence in connection with a recent burglary attempt in Bloomington, Illinois. The incident Two residents living in the 700 block of…

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Two Teenagers Arrested in Springfield for Drug and Gun Charges
W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

When authorities are alerted of a possible crime, it is possible that law enforcement could suspect other crimes being committed once the suspect is located. Whether it is during a traffic stop or a call to possible gunfire, police may find evidence that leads to a search of personal property. If this search uncovers illegal…

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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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