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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 1 - 5 of 180 reviews
Posted by Melissa | November 02, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Efficient
Mr. Hanken and his whole staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Any questions that I had were answered in a timely manner. Would definitely recommend for any case that you may have, big or small.
Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2023
Superb lawyer
Scott always is there to help you in any way he can. He is always straight to the point and gets things done with out you having to worry about a thing. I have always chosen Mr. Scott W Hanken and will continue to. He genuinely cares about his clients! 100% recommend.
Posted by Frank | October 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Happy Speeder
Scott’s an excellent attorney he is on top of all of my speeding issues and he has saved my license more times than I can count! Thanks Scott
Posted by Matthew | June 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Unbelievable
From start to finish I was very impressed and pleased with the way Mr Hanken handled my case. The compassion he showed for my situation made me feel at ease when talking with him knowing that I had someone with strong ties, knowledge, and respect standing in my corner advocating for me. I had many qu...
Posted by Jim | January 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent attorney
I chose Scott because I had heard so many positive things about him. He got my charge reduced, which saved me as my occupation requires lots of driving and I could not afford to lose my license. He was easy to work with and I always felt comfortable talking with him. I highly recommend him if you eve...
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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22 Aug 2018