THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
People v. Lawrence Hancock 2023-CF-87
On January 7, 2026, a Vermilion County jury found Lawrence Hancock (DOB: 10/05/1989), of Danville, Illinois, guilty of Aggravated Battery – State Employee, a class 3 felony, and Aggravated Battery – Public Way, a class 3 felony. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Layne Roberts and Kevin Schneider. The trial was presided over by Judge Karen E. Wall. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 3, 2026.
The People presented evidence that on February 15, 2023, Lawrence Hancock was asked to follow a rule of the Court and remove his head covering before entering courtroom 1A of the Vermilion County Courthouse. When Hancock refused to remove his head covering, a deputy with the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department responded to the courtroom and Hancock was directed to wait outside the courtroom until his case was called. The bailiff then called Hancock back into the courtroom, and as he entered, he shoved the bailiff into the doorway, injuring the bailiff’s hand and causing it to bleed. The deputy responded again and Hancock was subsequently placed under arrest for the battery. The defendant stated to law enforcement that he could not be arrested because he was “just trying to push past the bailiff.”
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the members of the jury for their careful attention and service. She also thanked the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department and Court personnel for their swift response and professionalism in protecting everyone in the courtroom. She added, “This defendant’s actions endangered a public servant simply doing their job. The guilty verdict sends a clear message that violence in our courthouse will not be allowed, and supports our commitment to safety, accountability, and the rule of law.”
