W. Scott Hanken Attorney at Law

08/10/2025

Choosing the right criminal and DUI defense attorney can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know who to trust. In deciding on an attorney, client reviews are an invaluable resource in making this important decision. My satisfied clients have shared their experiences, and I am proud to showcase their glowing reviews. Seeing real people share their positive experiences working with an experienced and aggressive attorney can give you the confidence you need in selecting your legal representation. From DUI charges to serious criminal cases, I have the experience and expertise needed to handle the toughest cases. My clients have praised my communication skills, attention to detail, dedication to their cases, and ability to achieve positive outcomes in even the most challenging circumstances. See for yourself what my clients have to say via: https://tinyurl.com/HankenFindlaw https://tinyurl.com/HankenAVVO https://tinyurl.com/HankenGoogle When it comes to your legal defense, you deserve the best. To learn more about how an aggressive and experienced Criminal, DUI and Traffic Defense Attorney can help you defend yourself against whatever allegations you may be facing, call 217 544-4057 or visit hankenlaw.com.

08/10/2025

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04/26/2025

The Financial Cost of a DUI in Illinois: A Sobering Reality

The Financial Sting of a DUI in Illinois
A DUI conviction in Illinois delivers a harsh financial blow, with costs piling up from fines, attorney fees, alcohol monitoring devices, Illinois Secretary of State fees, and soaring auto insurance premiums. Understanding these expenses highlights the value of skilled legal representation to lessen the burden.
Fines and Court Costs
A first-time DUI, a Class A misdemeanor, carries fines up to $2,500, plus ~$1,400 in mandatory court costs. Repeat or felony DUIs can escalate fines to $25,000. The Illinois Secretary of State pegs the average first-time DUI cost at $18,130.
Attorney Fees
Hiring a DUI attorney is essential for navigating complex legal waters. Fees typically range from $2,500-$5,000 for a first offense in Cook County. A skilled lawyer can reduce charges or secure dismissals, potentially saving thousands in penalties.
Alcohol Monitoring Devices
First-time offenders seeking a Monitoring Device Driving Permit often need a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). Installation costs $75-$100, with $80-$95 monthly rental fees and a $30 monthly state fee. Over six months, costs can hit $933; a year may reach $1,683.
Secretary of State Fees
License reinstatement costs $250 for a first DUI, while revocation (common for repeat offenses) demands $500 and a $50 hearing. Alcohol evaluations ($200-$500) or rehab programs ($1,000-$5,000) add to the tally, prolonging financial strain if unpaid.
Auto Insurance Premiums
A DUI spikes insurance rates by 50%-100% ($650-$2,400/year) for years. An SR-22 certificate, required for reinstatement, adds $100-$300 annually, making affordable coverage tough to secure.
Takeaway
A first-time DUI in Illinois can cost $10,000-$18,130, with long-term impacts. A savvy attorney can mitigate penalties, saving significant expenses. Better yet, responsible choices prevent this costly ordeal.

03/19/2024

Don't Hit and Run: Navigating Illinois Leaving the Scene of an Accident Laws

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and confusing experience. If the accident results in damage or injury, understanding your legal obligations is crucial. Today, I’ll break down the key Illinois statutes regarding leaving the scene of an accident, with a focus on penalties and how these offenses can impact your driving privileges.

Understanding the Statutes:

There are three main Illinois statutes that deal with leaving the scene of an accident, each with its own severity and consequences:

§ 11-401: Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Death or Personal Injury: This is the most serious offense. It applies when an accident results in injury or death to any person. The law requires drivers to:
Immediately stop at the scene (or as close as possible without obstructing traffic).
Remain at the scene until the requirements of Section 11-403 (exchanging information) are fulfilled.
Report the accident to the police within 30 minutes if unable to stay at the scene (with exceptions for hospitalization).
Penalty: Failing to comply is a Class 4 Felony, with potential prison time and driver's license revocation.

§ 11-402: Motor Vehicle Crash Involving Damage to Vehicle: This applies to accidents with only property damage (no injuries). Drivers must:
Stop at the scene (or as close as possible without obstructing traffic).
Remain at the scene until information exchange requirements are fulfilled (Section 11-403).
Drivers can move their vehicle to a safe location off the road if it's obstructing traffic, but must still remain in the area.
Penalty: Failing to comply is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time. Additionally, if the damage exceeds $1,000, your driver's license will be suspended.

§ 11-403: Duty to Give Information and Render Aid: This applies to all accidents, regardless of injury or damage. It requires drivers to:
Exchange information with everyone involved, including name, address, registration number, and driver's license (if requested).
Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including transporting them to medical attention if necessary.
Report the accident to the police if no one is able to receive information and no officer is present.
Penalty: Failing to comply is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time.

Impact on Driving Privileges:

A conviction for any of these offenses can have serious consequences for your driving privileges. Depending on the severity of the offense (felony vs. misdemeanor) and any property damage involved, your license could be suspended or revoked.

Remember:

Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, is a crime in Illinois. If you're involved in an accident, the best course of action is to stop, exchange information, and render aid if needed.

03/16/2024

Don't Pass a Stopped School Bus: Illinois Law and the Risks

Keeping our children safe is paramount, and Illinois traffic laws strictly regulate how drivers must approach and overtake stopped school buses. This blog post explains the Illinois law regarding stopped school buses and the significant penalties for violating it. I also clarify the exceptions for vehicles traveling in opposing lanes on multi-lane roads.

Synopsis:

* Drivers must stop completely before reaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign arm, regardless of location (highway, private road, parking lot, etc.).
* Drivers may not proceed until the stop sign arm is retracted, the bus driver signals them, or the flashing red lights turn off.
* Specific rules govern the operation of the school bus's visual signals (flashing red lights and yellow warning lights).
* Vehicles traveling in opposing lanes on a four-lane or more road with a physical median separating traffic do not need to stop for a stopped school bus in the opposite lane.

Summary of Penalties:

* A first offense for failing to stop for a stopped school bus carries a mandatory 3-month driver's license suspension and a $300 fine.
* Second or subsequent offenses within 5 years result in a one-year license suspension and a $1,000 fine.
* Community service is also mandatory for all violations.

Exceptions for Opposing Lanes on Multi-Lane Roads:

* This law only applies to vehicles traveling in the same direction as the stopped school bus.
* Drivers in the opposing lanes on a four-lane or more road with a physical median separating traffic do not need to stop.
* However, always exercise caution and be aware of pedestrians crossing the road near the bus.

The Importance of Obeying the Law:

School bus safety regulations are in place to protect children. By following these laws, you significantly reduce the risk of a tragic accident.

Facing Charges? I Can Help!

If you have been ticketed for failing to stop for a school bus, contact W. Scott Hanken today. I have extensive experience handling traffic violations and can help you navigate the legal process.

**Disclaimer:** This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

02/29/2024

Understanding Illinois Laws on Underage Drinking: Crimes, Penalties, and Driver's License Consequences

In Illinois, protecting young people from the dangers of alcohol is a top priority. The state maintains strict laws prohibiting minors from possessing, purchasing, and consuming alcohol. Violating these laws carries severe consequences, including criminal charges, hefty fines, driver's license sanctions, and lasting impacts on a young person's future.

Criminal Offenses and Penalties

Several criminal offenses in Illinois address underage alcohol use:

Illegal Consumption or Possession of Alcohol:** It is a Class A misdemeanor for a person under 21 to possess or consume alcohol in public, on the street, or in any place open to the public. Penalties can include:
* Fines up to $2,500
* Up to one year in jail
* Mandatory community service

Providing Alcohol to Minors: Adults who purchase, furnish, or give alcohol to anyone under 21 face criminal charges. Penalties generally range from a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class 4 felony, depending on the circumstances and any prior convictions.

Social Hosting: Adults who allow their property to be used by underage persons for the illegal consumption of alcohol can also face charges, including:
Social host offense (Class A misdemeanor)
Felony charges if renting a hotel/motel room is involved and the adult knew about the intended illegal activity.

Driver's License Sanctions

Illinois maintains a "Zero Tolerance" policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning the following consequences apply:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Any driver under 21 found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.00% will face automatic license revocation for a minimum of two years for a first offense.

Traffic Stop with Trace of Alcohol: If a driver under 21 is stopped and found to have any trace of alcohol in their system, their license will be suspended for a minimum of six months. Even refusing to submit to testing leads to license suspension.

Secretary of State Administrative Hearings:** Aside from criminal proceedings, the Illinois Secretary of State holds administrative hearings that result in additional driver's license sanctions when underage alcohol violations occur.

Long-Term Impacts

Beyond immediate penalties, underage alcohol offenses carry lasting consequences for young people:

Education: Criminal charges can jeopardize enrollment, scholarships, and financial aid, affecting educational pathways.
Employment: Future employment prospects can be negatively affected by a criminal record, even for minor offenses.
Reputation: Alcohol violations have potential social repercussions and damage a young person's standing within their community.

Important Considerations

Fake IDs:Utilizing a fake ID to obtain or consume alcohol carries separate penalties, including potential felony charges in some cases.
Medical Exceptions: Illinois law does contain narrow exceptions for underage alcohol consumption in specific medical emergencies.

**Conclusion**

Illinois actively combats underage drinking to deter serious harm and protect young people from the far-reaching consequences of alcohol misuse. Understanding the state's laws, penalties, and the impact on driving privileges is crucial for parents, educators, and young people themselves.

Resources:

* Illinois Liquor Control Commission: [https://www.illinois.gov/ilcc/](https://www.illinois.gov/ilcc/)
* Illinois Secretary of State: [https://www.ilsos.gov/](https://www.ilsos.gov/)
* Illinois Compiled Statutes - 235 ILCS 5/ (Alcohol-related offenses): [invalid URL removed]

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information and should not be interpreted as legal advice. If you have specific questions or require representation, it's strongly recommended to consult with a licensed attorney.

02/24/2024

Dedicated representation to a strong defense.

01/19/2024

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12/27/2023

The state of Illinois passed more than 300 new laws that will go into effect in 2024, and many of them could have an impact on how you commute, how you charge your cars or even how you stay safe on roadways.

New Illinois laws impact on drivers

HB 2389: No vehicle shall be stopped or searched by law enforcement solely because of a violation of driving with any object placed or suspended between the driver and front windshield, rear windshield, side wings, or side windows.

HB 2431: Videoconferencing while driving will now be prohibited.

HB 2582: Motorcycle licenses will no longer be offered to residents under the age of 18, with specific exceptions.

HB 3876: Residents of Illinois who buy vehicles in another state must apply for registration and certificate of title no less than 45 days after the purchase of the vehicle.
SB 0896: Auxiliary lighting on motorcycles may not emit blue lights. Auxiliary lights may only emit red light if they are actively braking.

SB 1251: Operators of ambulances or other rescue vehicles must have specified training in the operation of that vehicle. In municipalities with population of under one million residents, sirens and lamps must be in operation at all times when pedestrians and other drivers are present, and when that vehicle has been called to a bona fide emergency or has been directed to disregard traffic laws in the operation of the vehicle. The ambulance must also slow down at red lights to achieve safe operation.

SB 1526: The Department of Transportation must develop a mobile app that provides motorists with updated travel conditions.

SB 1653: The Department of Transportation and local authorities must institute a pilot program to erect and maintain hazard bars, or visual signs and additional signage, for all viaducts and underpasses with a clearance of less than 15 feet. Hazard bars must hang at the same clearance level as the viaduct or underpass, and be located at least 500 feet in front of them.

SB 2028: Requires best practices on stranded motorists to be included in Illinois Rules of the Road publications.

09/15/2023

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09/15/2023

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