Have you been arrested for DUI in Springfield or Sangamon County and received a notice of suspension from the Illinois Secretary of State? If cannabis was involved, you may face two separate administrative license suspensions — not just one. Many local drivers ask questions like: This comprehensive post breaks it all down with real-world problem-solving…
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Last Reviewed & Updated: September 20, 2026 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 Bottom Line: Field sobriety tests are…
Continue reading ›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 ›Navigating Illinois DUI laws can be confusing and stressful. Whether you are worried about license suspension or jail time, understanding the statutes is the first step toward a strong defense. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit under Illinois DUI laws? In Illinois, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or…
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 ›Receiving a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Illinois can be stressful. The court can suspend your driver’s license and may require you to file for an SR-22 before you can get it back. If you are facing a DUI charge, understanding the importance of an SR-22 can help you manage the process of…
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