This is the way it usually works in IL as far as most DNR officers i have spoken to. You admit it ... You will pay the fine, and a stern look from the officer! You get caught trying to pull a fast one (which in this case, looks inevitable) They will get you for anything/everything they can. In your case, if you dont come clean, and since you checked in already, I would say sooner or your just gonna get fined either way. Dont beat yourself up to much, every year it seems like our RULES are re-written and it's tough to keep tabs.