By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI 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 lot of people walk into my office convinced they have a winning…
Continue reading ›Articles Posted in Illinois Criminal Law
By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best of Springfield & State Journal-Register Reader’s ChoiceSpringfield, IL • Sangamon County • (217) 544-4057 • hankenlaw.com The short version: Starting July 1, 2026, Illinois law treats the posting or distribution of a…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI 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 short answer: Illinois’ Joe Coleman Act, also called the Medical Release Act, lets someone…
Continue reading ›By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI 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 short answer: Under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act (Pretrial Fairness Act), the State has to…
Continue reading ›If you’ve been charged with a crime in Springfield, Illinois, or you’re worried that you could be held responsible for something someone else did, you’re not alone. Many Sangamon County residents searching for answers about “Illinois law of accountability,” “can I be charged for a crime I didn’t commit in Springfield IL,” or “accountability in…
Continue reading ›The “Fresh Start” You’ve Been Waiting For? If you live in Springfield or the surrounding Central Illinois communities, you know that a past mistake can feel like a life sentence. Whether it’s a background check for a state job at the Capitol or a housing application in Chatham, an old arrest record can close doors…
Continue reading ›Suppressors are among the most popular firearm accessories sold in the United States. Also known as silencers, suppressors help limit the noise generated when discharging a firearm. Using a suppressor can protect people who routinely shoot for hunting or training purposes from hearing damage. Suppressors also help limit recoil after firing, which can reduce cumulative…
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 In a lot of states,…
Continue reading ›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 ›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…
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