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 Top Contributor in Criminal Defense 2016

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

Best of the Best - Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2024

Best of the Best - Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2025

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.

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Practice Areas

Drunk Driving

Drug Crimes

Traffic Tickets

Violent Crimes

Gun Crimes

Theft Crimes

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...

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

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And in This Corner...

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

October 31, 2025 By W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team Can Illinois Gun Owners Use Suppressors? Suppressors are among the most popular firearm accessories sold in the United States. Also known as silencers, suppressors help limit the noise...

October 16, 2025 By W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team The Difference Between Assault and Battery in Illinois Illinois prosecutes people who cause harm to others. There are a variety of different criminal charges that the state can pursue after a violent...

A tumbler glass with car keys on a table

October 8, 2025 By W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team Do You Need an Sr-22 After a Dui? Receiving a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Illinois can be stressful. The court can suspend your driver’s license and may require you to...