W. Scott Hanken

W. Scott Hanken is a respected Illinois criminal defense attorney with over three decades of courtroom experience. As a solo practitioner based in Springfield, he focuses his practice on defending individuals facing criminal charges, DUI and traffic violations, and drug-related offenses. Known for his strategic and relentless advocacy, Scott provides personalized defense representation for clients across Illinois, protecting their rights and reputations through every stage of the legal process.

Scott earned his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law and his B.A. in Political Science from Marquette University. Since his admission to the Illinois Bar in 1989, he has also been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. His academic and professional training, coupled with years of hands-on litigation, give him the insight to build strong, effective defense strategies for a wide range of criminal cases.

Before founding his own practice, Scott served as an Assistant State’s Attorney and later as a Public Defender in Sangamon County. He also gained extensive trial experience as a partner at several Illinois law firms. His background on both sides of the courtroom enables him to anticipate prosecutorial tactics and deliver aggressive, results-driven defense for his clients.

W. Scott Hanken is widely recognized for his professional excellence, earning distinctions such as Super Lawyer in DUI Defense, Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Illinois, and a Superb 10.0 AVVO rating. A member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Scott continues to lecture on criminal law topics and remains committed to fighting for justice on behalf of every client he represents.

Law Office Affiliations

• Solo Practitioner, W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association
• Member, Sangamon County Bar Association
• President, Sangamon Country Defense Bar Association, 1993 to 2005
• Member, American Association for Justice, 1991
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1990
• Member, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1990

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Creighton University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Marquette University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges