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W. Scott Hanken
also known as Scott
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About W.
Biography
I was born in and have remained a lifelong resident of Springfield, Il. I attended Griffin High School and completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree at Marquette University. While growing up, I had frequent interaction with local attorneys and judges which played a large role in my decision to pursue a career as an Attorney. As a result, I attended Creighton University and obtained my Juris Doctor Degree in 1989. While in Law School I was a legal clerk/intern at several Law Firms located in Omaha and ultimately acted as a 711 Intern in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office. Following my graduation from Law School and based upon my internship, I was offered and accepted a position as an Assistant State’s Attorney. During my tenure as an Assistant, I handled and tried many Criminal, traffic and DUI cases and developed the skills necessary to navigate the criminal justice system.
I entered the private practice of law in 1990, and the core of my practice involved civil and criminal litigation. As time passed my practice migrated almost exclusively to Criminal, traffic and DUI Defense. In that time span I have defended a wide range of cases from a simple traffic matter to Capital Murder offenses. My goal and practice is the same no matter what the charge and I understand and appreciate the impact criminal charges have upon the lives and liberties of my clients. I believe my experience, background and proven results have garnered the numerous client reviews and testimonials from happy and grateful clients over my 35 years of practice. I endeavor in each case I handle to listen, communicate and provide the absolute best defense available for those facing charges.
My mission is to provide each and every client with the highest quality representation possible in order to obtain the best results achievable in every case. I am further dedicated to vigorously and aggressively defending every client facing charges and ensure that they are heard.
Education- Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska - J.D. - 1989
- Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - B.A. - 1985Honors: Political Science
- Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Member Member Since: 2004 - current
- Illinois State Bar Association, Member Member Since: 1989 - current
- Sangamon County Bar Association, Member Member Since: 1989 - current
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, President Member Since: 2004 - 2005
- Sangamon Country Defense Bar Association, President Member Since: 1993 - 2005
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, Director Member Since: 1992 - 1993
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, President Member Since: 1990 - 1991
- American Association for Justice, Member Member Since: 1991
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member Member Since: 1990
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Member Member Since: 1990
- Attorney/Partner at Rabin, Myers & Hanken, P.C., 1996 to 2011
- Public Defender at Sangamon County Public Defender, 1997 to 1999
- Associate at Long, Morris, Myers and Rabin, P.C., 1994 to 1996
- Associate at Pfeifer & Kelty, P.C., 1990 to 1994
- Assistant State's Attorney at Sangamon County State's Attorney Office, 1989 to 1990
- Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Capital Litigation Bar, 2004
- Gaining The Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, NBI, 2009
- Aggravated DUI - Resent Developments, ICLE, 2008
- Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, Attorney Continuing Legal Education, 2009
- Solo Practitioner
- Super Lawyer - DUI, Super Lawyers, 2007
- Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - Illinois (American Society of Legal Advocates), 2014
- Top 200 DUI Attorneys - Illinois (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), 2013
- Top Criminal Defense Lawyer Superb 10.0 Rating AVVO, 2010-2014
- Client's Choice Award - Criminal Defense AVVO, 2012
- Top Contributor - Criminal Defense AVVO, 2013
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
181 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (181)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (137)
Advocacy (65)
Recommendation (61)
Practice Area Knowledge (38)
Professionalism (35)
Communication Style (25)
Responsiveness (24)
Character & Conduct (21)
General Knowledge (21)
Cost of Services (17)
Trustworthiness (14)
Compassion (9)
Staff & Support (5)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 6 - 10 of 182 reviews | 5 stars
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. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026I’m truly glad my criminal defense efforts led to your charge being reduced and protected your ability to drive for your job—it means a lot to help clients keep their livelihoods intact. Since 1989, and building on my experience as a former Assistant State’s Attorney, I take great pride in offering straightforward, supportive guidance to those facing criminal charges in the Sangamon County court system. It warmed my heart to hear you felt comfortable working with me, and I’m pleased that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law provided the clear communication and strong advocacy you needed right here in Springfield, Illinois. Thank you for trusting me with your case and for your kind recommendation. I’m always here to help others in the Springfield community who need experienced DUI representation or dedicated criminal defense.
Posted by Bob | December 12, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
Scott to charge from the start and made us all feel calm due to his expertise and experience. He accomplished everything he promised and more. Thank you Scott!
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026I’m deeply gratified that my experience and steady approach helped bring calm to you and your family while delivering even better results than promised in your case. Since 1989, and drawing from my background as a former Assistant State’s Attorney, I remain dedicated to providing that same level of confident, reassuring criminal defense representation for clients in the Sangamon County court system. It means a great deal knowing W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law earned your trust from the very beginning and followed through strongly here in Springfield, Illinois. Thank you for placing your confidence in me—I’m always ready to help others in the Springfield community who need experienced criminal defense.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best of the Best Attorney in springfield
Scott is incredible. I am so thankful and pleased that I found him. He kept me up to date on all handling of my case and stayed on top of things. Being very unfamiliar with the court process/handling, Scott kept me informed and walked me through each step of the way and lead my case as a perfect prof...
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026I’m truly heartened that my clear communication and step-by-step guidance helped ease your uncertainty through a very difficult case, ultimately resolving it without any conviction or court supervision and protecting your future. Since 1989, and drawing on my experience as a former Assistant State’s Attorney, I take deep satisfaction in delivering knowledgeable, professional criminal defense representation that clients in the Sangamon County court system can rely on. It means a great deal knowing W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law provided the consistent updates and strong advocacy you needed right here in Springfield, Illinois. Thank you for trusting me with your case and for your enthusiastic recommendation—I’m always ready to help others in the Springfield community facing criminal charges with the same dedication and care
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Would recommend
Very easy to work with, explains what is going on and fought for us. We are very happy with the outcome.
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026I’m genuinely pleased that my straightforward explanations and determined advocacy made the process feel manageable and delivered the positive outcome you and your family were hoping for. Since 1989, and with my background as a former Assistant State’s Attorney, I remain committed to fighting effectively for clients while keeping them clearly informed throughout their criminal defense matters in the Sangamon County court system. It warms my heart knowing W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law provided the approachable, supportive representation you needed right here in Springfield, Illinois. Thank you for trusting me—I’m always ready to help others in the Springfield community facing criminal charges with the same dedication and care.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
The BEST attorney.
DUI. Horribly bad. A no contest type of bad. Scott was able to get the charge reduced. I keep my drivers license and therefore my employment. I am forever grateful to he and Carrie
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026Securing a reduced charge and protecting your driver's license so you could maintain your employment is exactly the critical outcome I strive for in every case. As a former Assistant State’s Attorney who has practiced criminal defense since 1989, my mission at W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, is to provide highly strategic DUI representation even when a situation seems hopelessly difficult. Navigating severe DUI charges within the Sangamon County court system demands uncompromising advocacy, and my assistant Carrie and I are thrilled to have guided you through this daunting process right here in Springfield, Illinois. I am deeply grateful for your trust in my legal experience and your kind words regarding our dedication to safeguarding your future.
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
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
VETERAN’S COURT: Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act
27 May 2019
Legal Guide
What is a Preliminary Hearing?
14 May 2019
Legal Guide
ILLINOIS ENACTS STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE USE WHILE DRIVING
22 Aug 2018