Weapons offenses are serious criminal charges that can lead to serious possible criminal penalties and consequences. Because individuals accused of committing weapons crimes can face the potential loss of their freedom, fines and other possible penalties and consequences, they should be familiar with how to protect themselves from these charges. The most common types of…
Continue reading ›If a breathalyzer test led to drunk driving charges, accused drivers can benefit from understanding how they may be able to challenge a breathalyzer test. Accused drivers should be familiar with all of their criminal defense options and how they may be able to help them fight drunk driving charges. How can accused drivers challenge…
Continue reading ›People in Illinois drink alcohol for many different reasons. There is generally nothing wrong with consuming alcohol either, however, some of the choices they make while drinking can cause trouble for themselves and others. One choice that can get people in trouble with the law is deciding to drive after they have consumed too much…
Continue reading ›A charge of armed robbery should be taken very seriously, as it can carry significant penalties and consequences. Under Illinois law, armed robbery is a Class X felony, which means there is a mandatory prison sentence of between 6 to 30 years. Penalties may be adjusted, or prison time extended depending on the specific facts…
Continue reading ›Last Reviewed & Updated: August 13, 2026By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & Drug 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 The impact of a drug…
Continue reading ›Very few of us have never received a traffic ticket. Given enough time, much like car accidents, nearly everyone will receive some kind of traffic citation. Of course, these citations can range in consequences from simply annoying to potentially, life changing. This is why it is so important for everyone to know their basic traffic…
Continue reading ›Many people in Illinois will get pulled over for one offense or another, and assume that if the officer gives them a ticket, he must have seen them do something illegal. But getting a ticket is not an admission of guilt, it is just an accusation. Many residents of Springfield will just pay the fine,…
Continue reading ›Nearly every Illinois resident is probably familiar with the terms assault and battery, and it is common to think they both mean the same thing. People generally think a physical or violent attack on someone is both an assault and battery, but that is not true. In reality, the two offenses are quite distinct. Assault…
Continue reading ›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…
Continue reading ›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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