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W. Scott Hanken

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also known as Scott
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Avvo Rating10
  • Springfield, IL
  • Licensed for 31 years
  • Free consultation
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W. Scott Hanken
W. Scott Hanken
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About W.

I'm experienced and aggressive and I work tirelessly for my clients.

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 28 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.

Practice areas

Speeding and traffic ticketDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 40%

  2. DUI and DWI: 40%

  3. Speeding and traffic ticket: 20%

    31 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

1100 South Fifth Street
address map

W. Scott Hanken

1100 South Fifth Street
Springfield, IL, 62703

Website
https://www.hankenlaw.com

Firm Website
Illinois Weed Lawyer

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law198912/06/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers137
Legal guides40
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 10 Attorney - Criminal DefenseAttorney and Practice Magazine2018
Distinguished LawyerExpert Network2018
Nation's Top One PercentThe National Association of Distinguished Counsel2015
"10 BEST" Attorneys for the State of Illinois NomineeAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2014
Top 100 Trial LawyerThe National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers2014
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - IlinoisAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2013
Top 200 DUI Attoneys - IllinoisNational Advocacy for DUI Defense2013
Superlawyer - DUI LawSuper Lawyers2011
Super Lawyer - DUISuper Lawyers2010
Super Lawyer - DUISuper Lawyers2009
Super Lawyer - DUISuper Lawyers2008
Super Lawyer - DUISuper Lawyers2007
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyW. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law2011 - Present
Attorney/PartnerRabin, Myers & Hanken, P.C.1992 - 2011
Public DefenderSangamon County Public Defender1991 - 1993
Assistant State's AttorneySangamon County State's Attorneys Office1989 - 1991
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Sangamon County Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Capital Litigation Trial Bar AssocationMemberN/A
Chicago Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Illinois State Bar AssociationMemberN/A
American Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Illinois Trial Lawyers AssociationMemberN/A
American Trial Lawyers AssociationMemberN/A
Sangamon County Bar AssociationPast President2004 - 2005
Sangamon County Defense Bar AssociationPresident1993 - 2005
Sangamon County Bar AssociationDirector1992 - 1993
Sangamon County Bar AssociationVice President1990 - 1991
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
NBIGaining the best settlement in Auto Injury Cases2009
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Creighton University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1989
Marquette UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1985
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Attorney Continuing Legal EducationGaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases2009
Illinois DUI Defense SeminarAggravated DUI - Recent Developments2008
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
People v. LashNatural Life Imprisonment

Reviews

(135)
5 Star
99%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review W. Hanken

Excellent, worry free representation

Posted by

I’m beyond glad I found Mr Hanken for my traffic ticket. He was able to resolve the matter quickly and effectively and the outcome was the best possible. My matter was extra problematic as I am working in a different state but Scott was able to take care of everything.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
W. Hanken's response: Thank you!. I am glad we were able to achieve a dismissal.

Highly Recommend

Posted by

Scott was great! He and his legal team were able to help me through an unfortunate situation. He made this process as stress free as he possibly could. 10/10 would recommend!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Only atty you'll ever need if you have a CDL!

Posted by

5 Plus Stars for Scott & Staff. If you have a CDL & really want to protect it from Violations, overwt tickets, etc... You only need to make ONE phone call. My brother received an overwt axel ticket, easy fix, just adjust axles & ok to go, but of course was issued an Overwt ticket $750+. Called Scott Hanken, explained situation, stated he could either get it dismissed or greatly reduced. No appt needed, no missed work. Through his great staff was able to fax/email him all the information he requested w/ payment over the phone. He kept the faith all through this last year of Covid & was able to get ticket completely DISMISSED! Just call Scott, you'll be glad you did! Thanks Scott, definitely appreciate you & your staff!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Awesome

Posted by

Scott made one of the worst times of my life seem like a bump in the road. He’s always calm and keeps things in reality but also calms your nerves. I cannot say enough about how grateful I was to have him in my corner.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Above and beyond...

Posted by

The title for this post says it all. Mr. Hanken clearly communicated the process, is affordable, represented me professionally, was accessible and achieved results better than anticipated. I highly recommend him to be your attorney. He will not let you down.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very Professional

Posted by

Scott is a great lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and professional. He gets very good results!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

DUI

Posted by

Mr. Hanken was top notch. He responded to all my questions quickly and in a way that was easy to understand. I was given four tickets, one being DUI. I was not intoxicated, but did not submit to any field sobriety tests. I was able to keep my license with the CDL in tact. I would highly recommend his services to anyone who finds themselves in need of a good attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Scott Hanken does a great job for his clients

Posted by

Scott is a great lawyer! If you have a legal traffic issue, he is the one you need to help you! He gets very good results, and is so knowledgeable about the system. Highly recommend Scott
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very profesional

Posted by

Professional. Up to date with knowledge of case. Very happy with his service. Would recommend Scott for any legal issues.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

about lawyer

Posted by

Scott hanken was my attorney for a traffic case and I was very impressed with the outcome i recommend Scott hanken to anyone who needs a competent attorney in Springfield
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(7)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Dan Way, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 21, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is a very skilled attorney, well versed in the law, and he achieves great results for his clients.

Sara Mayo Vig, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Kevin Linder, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Brian Dees, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 26, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Dennis O'Brien, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Barbara Collins, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Ted Harvatin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 23, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Cost

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    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes