5-Star Rating in Google
Best of Springfield 2023 Winner - Illinois Times
Best of Springfield 2022 Winner - Illinois Times
Best of Springfield 2019 Winner - Illinois Times
2023 Readers' Choice - The State Journal-Register
2022 Readers' Choice - The State Journal-Register
Avvo 10.0 Superb - Top Criminal Defense Attorney

Springfield Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Former Prosecutor Who Knows How the State Builds Its Case — and How to Take It Apart

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Springfield, Illinois or anywhere in Sangamon County, the outcome of your case can hinge on the attorney you choose. W. Scott Hanken is a Springfield criminal defense lawyer with 37+ years of experience and a background as a former Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney — meaning he has spent decades seeing criminal cases from both sides of the courtroom. That insight into how prosecutors evaluate evidence, negotiate pleas, and prepare for trial shapes every defense strategy he builds.

You have constitutional rights at every stage of a criminal case — from the initial stop or arrest through sentencing. An experienced defense attorney’s job is to make sure those rights are protected and that the prosecution is held to its full burden of proof.

Call (217) 544-4057 for a free consultation, or contact the office online to discuss your case today.


Why Springfield Defendants Choose a Former Prosecutor

Understanding how a case looks from the state’s side is a distinct advantage in criminal defense. As a former Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney, Scott Hanken has firsthand knowledge of:

  • How prosecutors decide what charges to file and what plea offers to make
  • Which evidentiary weaknesses cause the state to reconsider a case
  • How local judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures in Sangamon County actually operate
  • When to push for a negotiated resolution and when a case is better fought at trial

Combined with 37+ years of criminal law experience, an Avvo 10.0 “Superb” rating, and recognition as “Best Attorney” by both the Illinois Times (Best of Springfield) and the State Journal-Register (Reader’s Choice), this firm brings both courtroom credibility and community trust to every case.

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 37 years of experience

Avvo rating: 10.0 “Superb”

99% of his client ratings on Avvo are 5 stars

Over 270 5-star ratings on Google

Over 340 FindLaw 5-star reviews

Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

A weathered roadside fireworks stand displaying a

July 1, 2026 By W. Scott Hanken When HOOSKER DOO’S become HOOSKER DONT’S: What Springfield and Sangamon County Residents Need to Know about FIREWORKS Before the Fourth of July By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon County Prosecutor | Springfield Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney |Voted “Best Attorney” — Illinois Times Best...

An elderly Black man smiles while holding up his driver's license through a car window with family beside him, illustrating the Sangamon County senior driver license law covered by attorney W. Scott Hanken.

June 30, 2026 By W. Scott Hanken Illinois Senior Driver’s License Renewal Laws Just Changed: What Sangamon County Drivers Need to Know Public Act 104-0169 took effect July 1, 2026 — raising the mandatory road test age to 87 and expanding the in-person renewal threshold to 79. By: W...

Springfield, Illinois courtroom scene illustrating the volume of order of protection hearings handled weekly at the Sangamon County Courthouse, as explained by attorney W. Scott Hanken.

June 28, 2026 By W. Scott Hanken Illinois Orders of Protection & No Contact Orders: Not Just for Celebrities — This Happens Every Day to Ordinary People A Complete Guide to Civil and Criminal Protective Orders, Violations, Penalties, and Defenses Under Illinois Law By: W. Scott Hanken | Former Sangamon...

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
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