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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

Four Reasons to Consider Private Representation in Your Case

W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, your future is on the line. To protect yourself, you might have three options. The first is to represent yourself. The second is to be represented by a public defender, if you qualify for one. The third is to seek out private counsel. Here are some reasons why you might want to choose being represented by a private attorney:

  1. Experience: A private attorney is probably going to have more experience dealing with drug cases than you or a public defender. This means that a private attorney is going to know how to craft the compelling legal arguments that you need on your side, fully utilizing statutory and case law as well as the rules of evidence.
  2. Attention: Public defenders are overworked, which means they’re typically just trying to push their cases toward resolution. A private attorney, on the other hand, is going to give your case the individualized attention that it deserves. This means that you’ll be active in developing your criminal defense, have your questions answered, and can make informed decisions that you think are best for you.
  3. Resources: Whether it’s time or access search engines, a private attorney is probably going to be able to provide you with greater access to resources with which to build your case.
  4. Motivation: Private attorneys build their firms on the strength of their reputation. This means that they’re motivated to achieve the best outcome possible for you and will fight to try to get you the outcome that you deserve.

Making the representation decision that is right for you

You have a lot to consider when you’re thinking about who will represent you in your criminal case. If you want to talk through the facts of your situation to gain a better idea of your criminal defense options, now may be the time for you to reach out to some of those firms that interest you most.

Client Reviews

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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