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W. Scott Hanken
also known as Scott
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About W.
Biography
My mission is to provide each and every client with the highest quality representation possible in order to obtain the best result achievable in every case. I am further dedicated to vigorously and aggressively defending you, reviewing your case and communicating with you. I am a former Prosecutor and provide experienced and aggrerssive representation for those charged with Criminal, DUI and Traffic Offenses. Put my 30 plus years of experience to work for you!
I am a life long resident of Springfield having attended public elementary schools and Griffin High School. After completing my undergraduate degree at Marquette University I attended Creighton University School of Law. Following up on an internship in the Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office as a 711, I became an Assistant State's Attorney in the Traffic and Misdemeanor Division. During my tenure I tried numerous Traffic, DUI and Misdemeanor cases and thoroughly enjoyed the trial process. I entered private practice in 1990 and have primarily concentrated my practice in criminal and civil litigation. During my career I have tried everything from a petty traffic offense to multiple Murder charges including Death Penalty cases. No case is too big or too small and I believe every case is important and I strive to vigorously represent my clients regardless of the charge.
I'm experienced and aggressive and I work tirelessly for my clients.
My mission is to obtain for each and every client the absolute best result achievable.
Every DUI charge is a serious case, and I give my personal attention and focus to every client.
My main goal is to help you keep your license and stay on the road.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
DUI and DWI
40%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
20%
36 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2021 2020 2019
...
+
6
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 36 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find W. online.
W. Scott Hanken's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
180 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (180)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (135)
Advocacy (63)
Recommendation (61)
Practice Area Knowledge (38)
Professionalism (35)
Communication Style (25)
Responsiveness (23)
Character & Conduct (21)
General Knowledge (21)
Cost of Services (17)
Trustworthiness (14)
Compassion (9)
Staff & Support (5)
Punctuality (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 21 - 25 of 180 reviews
Posted by Janet | May 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Great service
I got a ticket for speeding. I’m from out of town and was unable to attend court. I got a quick response when I called the firm. Gave me precise information on how it would be handled. They went to court and I’m very happy with the outcome.
Posted by anonymous | May 07, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Great Results
Mr Hanken is a great lawyer. The results I received met my expectations above and beyond. I would definitely recommend Mr Hanken to anyone needing legal services.
Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best defense attorney in Sangamon County
Whether it's your fault or not,life can throw you curve balls. Scott Hanken is the right man for the job. Mr. Hanken can get your life back on track when you think all hope is lost. I highly recommend him for any defense needs.
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney
BEST IN ILLINOIS!
Mr. Hanken was phenomenal! He gave it to you straight with no chasers. He also works with you, is patient, and willing to go all out for his clients. I was in a bind and he came through and really helped me out. He is authentic, professional, goes the extra mile, and gets the job done! If you are loo...
Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Client
Scott is by far the best attorney out there. Not only is he a great attorney but he is a great human being. He truly cares about his clients and does everything in his power to help them with a favorable outcome. For me personally Scott saved myself and my family from what could’ve been a life alteri...
W. Scott Hanken's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a very skilled attorney, well versed in the law, and he achieves great results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Scott is an excellent, experienced DUI/DWI attorney and has extensive experience in the criminal law area. I have known Scott for many years and know of his work - he is diligent and conscientious and represents his clients aggressively. He has handled routine matters all the way up to murder trials."
"I have known and worked with Scott since 1988. His knowledge of law and his keen wit have been his trademarks. His dedication to his clients is surpassed by few, if any. I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a previous prosecutor I appreciate a reasonable attorney who can be a strong advocate for his client. Mr. Hanken does not wage unnecessary war when defending a client, but if the circumstances require it he is a formidable adversary. I would not hesitate to refer clients to him for criminal defense, indeed, i have done so."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Scott gets great results on DUI cases. He does not overpromise what he can do. I receive a lot of calls from people who want to hire me because they are unhappy with their current lawyer. Not ONCE has the lawyer they are unhappy with been Scott."
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Experience
Honors
2020
BEST ATTORNEY, State Journal Register Reader's Choice Award
2020
BEST LAW FIRM, Illinois Times Best of Springfield
2020
TOP RATED LAWYER, Avvo
2018
Top 10 Attorney - Criminal Defense, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2018
Distinguished Lawyer, Expert Network
2015
Nation's Top One Percent, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
"10 BEST" Attorneys for the State of Illinois Nominee, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - Ilinois, American Society of Legal Advocates
2013
Top 200 DUI Attoneys - Illinois, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2011
Superlawyer - DUI Law, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer - DUI, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer - DUI, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer - DUI, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer - DUI, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Attorney, W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law
1992 - 2011
Attorney/Partner, Rabin, Myers & Hanken, P.C.
1991 - 1993
Public Defender, Sangamon County Public Defender
1989 - 1991
Assistant State's Attorney, Sangamon County State's Attorneys Office
Associations
Sangamon County Bar Association
Member
Capital Litigation Trial Bar Assocation
Member
Chicago Bar Association
Member
Illinois State Bar Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Member
American Trial Lawyers Association
Member
2004 - 2005
Sangamon County Bar AssociationPast President
1993 - 2005
Sangamon County Defense Bar AssociationPresident
1992 - 1993
Sangamon County Bar AssociationDirector
1990 - 1991
Sangamon County Bar AssociationVice President
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Lash
Natural Life Imprisonment
Education
1989
Creighton University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
Marquette University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Attorney Continuing Legal Education
Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases
2008
Illinois DUI Defense Seminar
Aggravated DUI - Recent Developments
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
W. earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
I paid half cash and half of my bond does my lawyer take the bond at the end of the case?
18 Feb 2023
Q&A
When I look up my cases online it says I have a new charge w a unscheduled court appearance what does that mean?
18 Feb 2023
Q&A
2021 I let my son use my car he get stop for no driving license they impond the car give him a ticket and later say they found ?
14 Feb 2023
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