Justia Rating Badge 10
Best DWI Attorney Top Rated 2017
Rated by Super Lawyers
Avvo Top Contributor in Criminal Defense 2013
Avvo 10.0 Superb - Top Criminal Defense Attorney
Top 10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction - American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 2024
Avvo Client's Choice in Criminal Defense 2014
Avvo 10.0 Superb - Top Divorce Attorney
Avvo Top Contributor in Criminal Defense 2016
Rated by Super Lawyers
Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Firm 2023 - Attorney and Practice Magazines
Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Firm 2020 -  Attorney and Practice Magazines
Martindale-Hubbell - Distinguised Peer rated
Best of Springfield 2023 Winner - Illinois Times
Best of Springfield 2022 Winner - Illinois Times
The Official Community Choice Awards Springfield
The Official Community Choice Awards Springfield 2023
2022 Readers' Choice - The State Journal-Register
10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction - American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Elite Lawyer in Criminal Defense 2023
Lawyers of Distinction 2023
Best of the Best - Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2024
Best of the Best - Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2025
NACDA Top Ten Ranking 2025
5-Star Rating in Google
Avvo Excellent Top Attorney Criminal Defense DUI & DWI

Springfield Criminal Lawyer

Charged with a criminal offense in Illinois? Don’t just sit back and take it. You have rights – and I am prepared to fight to preserve them.

At W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, I provide tough-minded criminal defense representation for defendants in Springfield and surrounding communities in Sangamon County. My name is Scott Hanken. I am a former criminal prosecutor, and I understand what the other side is likely to do to get a conviction. With over 35 years of criminal law experience, I will bring my knowledge, personal service and track record of success to your corner.

Skills, Service And Strategies That Leave Nothing To Chance

When your life, your freedom and your future are on the line, you can’t leave anything to chance. That includes your choice of attorney. At W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, I am a fighter who won’t back down from aggressively standing up for your rights. When you and I determine the best strategy for your case, I will not retreat during negotiations with the prosecutor, and I will fully prepare your case as if it’s going to trial.

I represent clients in a wide range of state and federal criminal matters, including cases involving serious felony and misdemeanor charges; drug offenses, such as possession, trafficking and cultivation; first-time and repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenses; driving suspension and revocation; violent crimes; weapons offenses; and more. Don’t head into the bout without an experienced, aggressive attorney in your corner – contact me today for help. Call W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, at (217) 544-4057 to get the defense you need.

W. Scott Hanken

A Tenacious Trial Attorney

Don’t lose precious time by waiting to select and contact a lawyer. At W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, I want to help you seize all the legal options available to you. The time to fight is now – don’t wait a moment longer to hire an experienced attorney who can prepare a strong defense against the charges brought against you...

Client Reviews

Driving home from St Louis, halfway home my path crossed a Sangamon officer in a little sting among the interstate. I was ticketed and Officer Friendly (not his real name) provided anxiety-provoking information about an upcoming mandatory court date and all of...

jlynno111

Scott resolved my issues beyond expectations. He is not only highly knowledgeable but also takes the time to explain things clearly and thoroughly. His advice is always fair, courteous, and honest. I truly appreciate his professionalism and dedication. Scott’s...

Laura W.

I am writing to strongly recommend Scott Hanken because of his outstanding legal representation in my traffic case. I was cited following a motor vehicle accident for a violation I believed was unjust. From our first consultation through the bench trial, Mr...

Robert S.

Dear Mr. Hanken, I am writing to formally express my sincere appreciation for your exceptional legal representation and dedication in successfully securing the dismissal of the firearm charge in my case. Your professionalism, legal expertise, and attention...

Donald H.

Mr. Hanken is the definition of a genuine person. My experience was nothing short of amazing. Scott made me comfortable and heard from the moment I walked into his office. He gave me back my reputation and dignity by receiving a not guilty verdict, but most...

Nena M.

Scott Hanken saved my life. Prior to this id not been in a situation where I'd needed a lawyer. Throughout the entire process he made sure I was aware of what was going on with my case, what my options were, and was always prompt. He delivered in everything...

Anonymous

If I could give Scott Hanken 6 stars I would, I called 2 weeks prior to my court date with multiple charges against me, He gave me a great price for his services and got my charges dropped. I would personally recommend him to anyone needing legal services.

Anonymous

Scott Hanken has helped me twice in the last year with a couple of legal issues. I was super impressed with his professional attitude, compassion and kindness. His attention to detail and extensive knowledge made a stressful situation much less so and I would...

Sandy

Mr. Hanken is a fantastic attorney who I highly recommend to anyone needing representation. Excellent advocate who will give you peace of mind from the first phone call. Great communication and got me the perfect outcome, all at an extremely fair price. Thank...

Brian W.

Was my first mess up legally and it was pretty major through just what laws I acted against, didn’t know what to expect and was freaking out until my court date. Scott called and let me know that all I have to pay is a fraction of a fine, and a months...

Josiah L.

One of the most difficult and scary times of my life was handled with seamless care. AWESOME JOB I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS LAW FIRM. Scott is a pure professional very knowledgeable and more important The lines of communication were always open, which is very...

Jay T.

Scott is a phenomenal lawyer! He can truly work miracles! He’s a no holds barred kinda guy! Tells you like it is and what he can do for you, then he does it! He was recommended to me and I will recommend him to anyone that needs his services!!!! Scott is...

Rennie B.

Exceptional Follow Up and Support. W.Scott Hanken put me at ease and provided value to my understanding and overall experience. I will not hesitate to use his services if I ever need representation. Thank you so much

Jem

I found myself facing 7 charges and 2 felony charges for reckless driving, fleeing and eluding and sorts. He got ALL of the charges dismissed and I only have to pay a $500 fee and 1 year of court supervision. Nothing on my driving record. He was very...

Alison H.

Working with W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, was outstanding. The firm resolved my case quickly and professionally, kept me informed at every step, and achieved a full dismissal. I recommend them without reservation.

Alex H.

Scott is the best criminal defense lawyer. Never stops trying to get things to the best possible situation for you in a timely manner.

Gannon F.

Scott absolutely amazing the best in Springfield. With an amazing team strongly recommend 10/10.

Sasha A.

They handled everything fast and successfully! answered all my questions I had! stayed in communication the whole time. I would definitely recommend them.

Seth C.

Scott Hanken is a very good lawyer ( best ) . Dependable and always shows up for court . His fees are reasonable . I would hire Mr. Hanken again if i ever would need a lawyer .

Sami S.

I had a small fender bender in Springfield...cops showed up and gave me a failure to reduce speed ticket...i hired Scott to reduce it to a non-moving violation....prosecutor wouldn't budge so Scott had it go to trial...i live in St. Louis...Scott kept me...

Bryan L.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Scott Hanken, who successfully helped me out of a bad situation. I was impressed with Scott's meticulous attention to detail, which made all the difference. I highly recommend Scott to anyone in need of legal...

Holly G.

Scott is a phenomenal attorney. If you find yourself looking for the best criminal defense in Central Illinois, you have without a doubt found your guy. Scott knows the law inside and out and will shoot you straight in every aspect along the way. He is quick...

Austin K.

Coolest Guy and very fluent in defense law. I don’t think anyone can top him honestly. Springfield will miss him if he retires!

Dylan D.

Amazing person, considerate, gets the job done, and is very kind. Not only did Scott provide me with an outcome I wanted, but he was so personally kind to me and helped me feel secure and less stressed. I couldn't be happier with my choice to seek help from an...

Addison S.

Come Out Swinging – Get Tough, Personalized Defense Help Today

Former prosecutor

Over 35 years of experience

Avvo rating: 10.0 “Superb”

99% of his client ratings on Avvo are 5 stars

Over 190 5-star ratings on Google

Over 270 FindLaw 5-star reviews

Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

Illustrated book cover titled

May 29, 2026 By W. Scott Hanken The Ultimate Guide to DUI Defense in Sangamon County By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois...

Springfield, Illinois driver filming an Illinois State Police officer at the open car door during a traffic stop, illustrating Springfield traffic stop rights as explained by attorney W. Scott Hanken.

May 27, 2026 By W. Scott Hanken Do I Have to Get Out of My Car When a Police Officer Asks? By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois...

Worried driver holding a traffic citation in her car, illustrating how a traffic ticket outside Illinois impacts your driving record, with Springfield attorney W. Scott Hanken.

May 26, 2026 By W. Scott Hanken How a Traffic Ticket Outside Illinois Impacts Your Driving Record By: W. Scott Hanken Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois...

Address

Our offices are located at the corner of South Fifth Street and Vine, in the historic Mary Bryant Home for the Blind.

Springfield Office
1100 S 5th St

Springfield, IL 62703

Let's Put Up a Fight.

Fill out the contact form or call us at (217) 544-4057
to schedule your free consultation.

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