By: W. Scott Hanken Former DUI Prosecutor | Voted “Best Attorney” by Illinois Times & State Journal-Register If you are facing a DUI or a high-stakes traffic violation in Springfield, Illinois, you are likely hearing about the “Digital Transformation” of our courts. While other counties have moved quickly, Sangamon County has taken a more measured,…
Continue reading ›Articles Posted in Illinois Law Updates
Facing a criminal charge or DUI in Springfield can be overwhelming. The anxiety of the unknown is compounded by the logistical nightmare of getting to the Sangamon County Courthouse, taking time off work, and finding childcare. Fortunately, the landscape of Illinois courts has shifted dramatically. Effective March 1, 2026, significant amendments to Illinois Supreme Court…
Continue reading ›As an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney practicing in Springfield, Illinois for over 35 years, I’ve fought tooth and nail for countless clients slapped with DUI charges based on flimsy evidence. Time and again, I see police officers from the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police leaning on the…
Continue reading ›What Is Illinois’ Implied Consent Law for Cannabis Impairment, and How Does It Affect Springfield Drivers? As a leading criminal and DUI defense lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, I’ve seen firsthand how the evolving landscape of cannabis laws can create confusion for drivers in Sangamon County. With recreational cannabis legal since 2020, many residents assume they’re…
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 ›Last Reviewed & Updated: August 28, 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 Most of what people…
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