Biography
I was born in and have remained a lifelong resident of Springfield, Il. I attended Griffin High School and completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree at Marquette University. While growing up, I had frequent interaction with local attorneys and judges which played a large role in my decision to pursue a career as an Attorney. As a result, I attended Creighton University and obtained my Juris Doctor Degree in 1989. While in Law School I was a legal clerk/intern at several Law Firms located in Omaha and ultimately acted as a 711 Intern in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office. Following my graduation from Law School and based upon my internship, I was offered and accepted a position as an Assistant State’s Attorney. During my tenure as an Assistant, I handled and tried many Criminal, traffic and DUI cases and developed the skills necessary to navigate the criminal justice system.
I entered the private practice of law in 1990, and the core of my practice involved civil and criminal litigation. As time passed my practice migrated almost exclusively to Criminal, traffic and DUI Defense. In that time span I have defended a wide range of cases from a simple traffic matter to Capital Murder offenses. My goal and practice is the same no matter what the charge and I understand and appreciate the impact criminal charges have upon the lives and liberties of my clients. I believe my experience, background and proven results have garnered the numerous client reviews and testimonials from happy and grateful clients over my 35 years of practice. I endeavor in each case I handle to listen, communicate and provide the absolute best defense available for those facing charges.
My mission is to provide each and every client with the highest quality representation possible in order to obtain the best results achievable in every case. I am further dedicated to vigorously and aggressively defending every client facing charges and ensure that they are heard.
Education
- Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska - J.D. - 1989
- Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - B.A. - 1985
Honors: Political Science
Bar Associations
- Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Member
Member Since: 2004 - current
- Illinois State Bar Association, Member
Member Since: 1989 - current
- Sangamon County Bar Association, Member
Member Since: 1989 - current
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, President
Member Since: 2004 - 2005
- Sangamon Country Defense Bar Association, President
Member Since: 1993 - 2005
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, Director
Member Since: 1992 - 1993
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, President
Member Since: 1990 - 1991
- American Association for Justice, Member
Member Since: 1991
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member
Member Since: 1990
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Member
Member Since: 1990
Past Positions
- Attorney/Partner at Rabin, Myers & Hanken, P.C., 1996 to 2011
- Public Defender at Sangamon County Public Defender, 1997 to 1999
- Associate at Long, Morris, Myers and Rabin, P.C., 1994 to 1996
- Associate at Pfeifer & Kelty, P.C., 1990 to 1994
- Assistant State's Attorney at Sangamon County State's Attorney Office, 1989 to 1990
Certified Legal Specialties
- Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Capital Litigation Bar, 2004
Classes & Seminars
- Gaining The Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, NBI, 2009
- Aggravated DUI - Resent Developments, ICLE, 2008
Published Works
- Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, Attorney Continuing Legal Education, 2009
Current Employment Position
- Solo Practitioner
Honors
- Super Lawyer - DUI, Super Lawyers, 2007
- Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - Illinois (American Society of Legal Advocates), 2014
- Top 200 DUI Attorneys - Illinois (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), 2013
- Top Criminal Defense Lawyer Superb 10.0 Rating AVVO, 2010-2014
- Client's Choice Award - Criminal Defense AVVO, 2012
- Top Contributor - Criminal Defense AVVO, 2013
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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.
Scott is the best criminal defense lawyer. Never stops trying to get things to the best possible situation for you in a timely manner.
Scott absolutely amazing the best in Springfield. With an amazing team strongly recommend 10/10.
They handled everything fast and successfully! answered all my questions I had! stayed in communication the whole time. I would definitely recommend them.
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 .
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...
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...
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...
Coolest Guy and very fluent in defense law. I don’t think anyone can top him honestly. Springfield will miss him if he retires!
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...
Address
Our offices are located at the corner of South Fifth Street and Vine, in the historic Mary Bryant Home for the Blind.
Let's Put Up a Fight.
Fill out the contact form or call us at (217) 544-4057to schedule your free consultation.