W. Scott Hanken

PRO

W. Scott Hanken

also known as Scott

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Springfield, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

1100 South Fifth Street, Springfield, IL

Free Consultation

About W.

Biography

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%

40%
DUI and DWI 40%

40%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 20%

36 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2019
...
+ 6
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 36 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1989

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

W. Scott Hanken

1100 South Fifth Street, Springfield, IL, 62703

hankenlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find W. online.

W. Scott Hanken's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

181 Client Reviews

Showing 46 - 50 of 52 reviews | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Best decision ever

Scott represented my daughter after she got two tickets within two weeks. He handled it quickly and got us great results. I would recommend him for anyone who has license issues that need resolution.

W. Hanken

Replied last May 29, 2026

Stepping in quickly to protect a young driver’s record after two traffic citations in rapid succession — and securing strong results for both matters — is exactly the kind of responsive, results-driven traffic representation that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has delivered for Springfield, Illinois families throughout the Sangamon County court system for more than 35 years. Two tickets within two weeks can set off a consequence cascade that young drivers and their families rarely see coming — accelerating insurance premium increases, triggering potential license suspension thresholds, accumulating points against a driving record that can take years to clear, and in some cases jeopardizing a young person’s ability to maintain the driving privileges essential to their education, employment, and independence. I understand the urgency that comes with protecting a young driver’s future, and W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law approaches every license issue, every traffic citation, and every moving violation with the same focused preparation and strategic resolve that I first developed as a former Assistant State’s Attorney and have applied to traffic and criminal defense matters in Springfield, Illinois without exception since 1989.

Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Grateful mother & son

We called Scott to help out for two tickets received by my 16 year old son. Being a new driver he made a couple of foolish mistakes on a holiday weekend, no less. Contacting him was the best thing I could have done! He not only helped us to know what to expect but also to advised us on what to do in ...regards to the tickets. He eased our nervousness and made court so much easier. Not only did he help us get one ticket dropped, he made sure my son was clear to not to continue to make driving mistakes or he would be driving nothing, but riding his bike in a sweet, but direct way. The same he would have told his own son. I couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome! I highly recommend his service and praying we won't need to call him again but definitely will if needed & without a doubt highly recommend. I still have another boy to survive in a few of years) Thank you Scott! From a forever grateful mother of a new driver!

Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Highly Recommend

Mr. Hanken took care of my wife's citation by representing her in court. He clearly explained the options and gave us assurance that he would take care of things and not to worry. He was very clear and prompt with his correspondence and follow-up. Highly recommend him.

W. Hanken

Replied last May 28, 2026

Standing beside a client — and their family — during a stressful legal matter and delivering a resolution they can feel confident about is what W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law is committed to every time I step into a Springfield, Illinois courtroom. Whether the matter involves a citation, a misdemeanor, or more serious criminal charges, my approach has always been the same since opening my practice in 1989: clear communication, honest counsel, and no unnecessary anxiety for the people who trust me with their case. I’m glad your family felt informed and at ease throughout the process, because that peace of mind is something W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law works hard to earn alongside every favorable outcome. Thank you both for the kind recommendation — it means a great deal.

Posted by Jen | July 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Very responsive and easy to work with

I reached out to this law office via their website about a ticket I received. Mr. Hanken got back to me right away and was very responsive throughout the process. Highly recommended!

Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Overweight Ticket

This was our first time as a company asking for Scott Hanken's assistance, and we couldn't be any more happy with the outcome of the trial and of his exceptional performance. Not only that, but with the lawyer we typically go through (and pay twice as much for), couldn't even get the ticket's dollar ...amount lowered as much as Scott did. You can bet that we will be keeping in touch with Scott Hanken for any future requests.

W. Hanken

Replied last May 28, 2026

I’m pleased that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law delivered such a strong outcome for your company in the Sangamon County court system, especially by securing a significantly lower ticket amount than your previous counsel. With more than 35 years of criminal defense experience in Springfield, Illinois—including my time as a former Assistant State’s Attorney—I’m always focused on achieving the best possible results for clients facing criminal charges or traffic matters. Thank you for trusting my representation and for your confidence in returning for future needs.

See All Client Reviews

W. Scott Hanken's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse W.
Dan E. Way headshot
Dan Way

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 21

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 headshot
Sara Mayo Vig

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin Lee Linder headshot
Kevin Linder

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 09

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 J. Dees headshot
Brian Dees

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 26

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 Sean O'Brien headshot
Dennis O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

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 Ballin Collins headshot
Barbara Collins

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ted Harvatin headshot
Ted Harvatin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 23

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."

View All Endorsements
Dan E. Way headshot
Dan Way

Probate lawyer

Daniel Lynn Fultz headshot
Daniel Fultz

Criminal defense lawyer

Sara Mayo Vig headshot
Sara Mayo Vig

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Lee Linder headshot
Kevin Linder

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Brian J. Dees headshot
Brian Dees

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Barbara Ballin Collins headshot
Barbara Collins

Mediation lawyer

Michael Joseph Mannion headshot
Michael Mannion

Government lawyer

Dennis Sean O'Brien headshot
Dennis O'Brien

Workers compensation lawyer

Ted Harvatin headshot
Ted Harvatin

Administrative law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

Past President

1993 - 2005

Sangamon County Defense Bar Association

President

1992 - 1993

Sangamon County Bar Association

Director

1990 - 1991

Sangamon County Bar Association

Vice President

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Lash

Natural Life Imprisonment

See More Legal Cases

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

Top Contributor

W. earned significant contribution points in 2012.

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution