Photo of W. Scott  Hanken

W. Scott Hanken

Attorney in Springfield, IL

Free Consultation Virtual Available

★★★★★ 5.0/5 (1 reviews)

Non‑Stuffy Rating: 10.0/10

“W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, a former Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney with 37 years of experience, defends criminal, DUI and traffic cases in Springfield, Illinois and Sangamon County. Call 217-544-4057 or visit hankenlaw.com ”

About W. Scott

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.

Practice Areas

Bar Admissions & Licenses

StateBar NumberYear AdmittedStatus
IL ISBA # 6201334 N/A Active

Contact Information

Address1100 South Fifth, Springfield, IL, 62703
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Education

Creighton University School of Law (1988)
Marquette University — B.A. (1985)

Awards & Recognition

  • Super Lawyers (2007)

Professional Associations

  • Illinois State Bar Association

Fees & Payment

Free initial consultation available

Hourly Rate: $300-$500

Client Reviews (1)

Anonymous
★★★★★ 5/5
My Experience

Scott Hanken is an exceptional lawyer who exceeded my expectations every step of the way. From the beginning, he was knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely committed to helping me achieve the best possible outcome. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always made me feel like my case was a priority. What impressed me most was his attention to detail, strong communication, and dedication to fighting for his clients. His expertise and confidence gave me peace of mind during a stressful time, and his hard work truly made a difference.