A Springfield Dui Lawyer Who Knows Both Sides of the Courtroom

A Springfield DUI Lawyer Who Knows Both Sides Of The Courtroom

In Illinois, driving under the influence of any drug – prescription drug or illegal – carries severe penalties that can affect your future in different forms. When facing these charges, you need immediate Springfield drugged driving defense attorney’s help.

I am Scott Hanken, a former prosecutor now at W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, defending clients across Sangamon, Cass, Morgan, Montgomery and Macoupin counties. With 35 years of criminal law experience and hundreds of successful DUI cases behind me, I know exactly how prosecutors build their cases – and how to tear them down.

Different Types Of Drug-Related DUI Cases

Illinois law does not differentiate between impairment caused by alcohol and drugs. Even prescription medications can lead to a DUI if they impair your ability to drive safely. Substances that commonly lead to DUI charges include:

• Cases involving prescription drugs that impair driving ability
• Marijuana-related charges, even with legal possession
• Possession of drugs in the vehicle during traffic stops
• Cases involving heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine
• Combined alcohol and drug impairment allegations

Having seen countless cases from both sides of the courtroom, I identify the weak points in prosecution evidence and challenge improper testing procedures.

Penalties For Drug-Related DUI In Illinois

A drug-related DUI conviction carries serious consequences:

• Fines of up to $2,500 for a first offense
• License suspension or revocation
• Mandatory drug and alcohol education programs
• Community service or probation
• Jail time, particularly for repeat offenders

Aggravating factors, such as accidents causing injury or driving with a minor in the car, can lead to enhanced charges and penalties.

Tailored Defense Strategies

Having served as a prosecutor, I recognize critical issues like search and seizure procedures and recognize the common mistakes in drug-related DUI investigations. I can employ the following defense strategies:

• Challenging the validity of the traffic stop
• Investigating whether chemical tests were conducted properly
• Highlighting issues with field sobriety tests
• Addressing prescription drug use that did not impair driving ability

Judges and prosecutors often take a hard stance on DUI cases, which is why having strong advocacy from a lawyer like me by your side matters the most.

Time Matters In These Cases: Contact Us Today

Each passing day could mean lost evidence or missed deadlines that could help your defense. Call Scott Hanken’s Springfield office now at 217-718-4951 or reach out online for a free consultation.