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

Bar Associations

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

Past Positions

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

Certified Legal Specialties

Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Capital Litigation Bar, 2004

Classes & Seminars

Gaining The Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, NBI, 2009
Aggravated DUI - Resent Developments, ICLE, 2008

Published Works

Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, Attorney Continuing Legal Education, 2009

Current Employment Position

Solo Practitioner

Honors

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

Springfield, IL Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | 37 Years in Sangamon County Courts | Former Prosecutor | Avvo 10.0 | Super Lawyers 20 Years | W. Scott Hanken Learn more about how an aggressive and experienced Criminal, DUI and Traffic Defense Attorney can help you at www.hankenlaw.com

My mission is to obtain for each and every client the absolute best result achievable. Springfield, IL Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | 37 Years in Sangamon County Courts | Former Prosecutor | Avvo 10.0 | Super Lawyers 20 Years | W. Scott Hanken

Every DUI charge is a serious case, and I give my personal attention and focus to every client. Springfield, IL Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | 37 Years in Sangamon County Courts | Former Prosecutor | Avvo 10.0 | Super Lawyers 20 Years | W. Scott Hanken

My main goal is to help you keep your license and stay on the road. Springfield, IL Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney | 37 Years in Sangamon County Courts | Former Prosecutor | Avvo 10.0 | Super Lawyers 20 Years | W. Scott Hanken

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

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 36 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1989

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

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Location

W. Scott Hanken

1100 South Fifth Street, Springfield, IL, 62703

hankenlaw.com

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Online Presence

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W. Scott Hanken's Reviews

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Overall Rating
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5.0 /5.0

182 Client Reviews

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Practice Areas

Criminal Defense (56) Speeding & Traffic Ticket (52) DUI & DWI (47) Lawsuits & Disputes (15) Car Accidents (3) Drug Crime (3) Administrative Law (1) Business (1) Employment & Labor (1) Expungement (1) Immigration (1) Litigation (1) Violent Crime (1)

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 38 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Janet | May 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Great service

I got a ticket for speeding. I’m from out of town and was unable to attend court. I got a quick response when I called the firm. Gave me precise information on how it would be handled. They went to court and I’m very happy with the outcome.

W. Hanken

Replied last May 27, 2026

Handling traffic citations for out-of-town clients who cannot appear in court is a practical reality that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law is well-equipped to manage — and ensuring that distance never compromises the quality of your representation or the clarity of your communication is a standard I take seriously. Appearing in the Sangamon County court system on behalf of clients throughout Illinois and beyond means that a speeding ticket never has to disrupt your schedule, your travel, or your driving record when experienced local legal counsel is handling it on your behalf. That quick response you received from the first call forward reflects the responsiveness W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has built its reputation on throughout more than 35 years of legal practice in Springfield, Illinois. I am glad the outcome met your expectations and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience from afar.

Posted by Chenai | March 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney

GREAT customer service

My husband had gotten in trouble AGAIN, for the SAME thing he was CURRENTLY on probation for. Scott had already handled that case, from PREVIOUSLY being hired by myself. Low & behold, he came through AGAIN, for a SECOND time, to SAVE THE DAY, & my husband’s probation was EXTENDED an additional 2 yea...rs. ANYONE looking to hire a GREAT lawyer, w/YEARS of experience, I say, CALL Scott ! He’ll work w/you, if money is the issue, he’s 1000% HONEST & STRAIGHT UP ! I don’t think we could’ve gotten better services from ANYONE else ! Thank you, Scott, & keep up the great work !!!

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W. Hanken

Replied last May 27, 2026

When a probation violation involving the same underlying offense brings a client back before the court, the stakes could not be higher — and securing a probation extension rather than a revocation and incarceration is exactly the kind of outcome that requires both deep familiarity with the Sangamon County court system and the kind of tenacious criminal defense advocacy W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has delivered in Springfield, Illinois since 1989. Being trusted to handle a second serious criminal matter for the same family is not something W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law takes lightly — repeat clients represent the highest expression of confidence a client can place in an attorney, and that trust is met with the same level of preparation, honesty, and determination every single time regardless of the complexity of the circumstances. I also want to acknowledge that affordability and straight talk about fees are real concerns for real families facing real criminal charges, and this office has always worked to ensure that experienced criminal defense representation remains accessible when it is needed most. Thank you for trusting W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law twice — it was an honor both times, and I wish your family all the best going forward.

Posted by anonymous | March 03, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Mr. Hanken Takes Care of Business!

I had a significant speeding ticket on my hands and Mr. Hanken took care of everything! I didn't have to stress at all!

W. Hanken

Replied last May 27, 2026

Removing the stress of a significant speeding ticket entirely from a client’s hands — and delivering results — is exactly the kind of straightforward, efficient traffic defense that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has provided to drivers throughout Springfield, Illinois for more than 35 years. A serious speeding violation can carry meaningful consequences for your driving record, your insurance rates, and depending on your license status, your livelihood — and having experienced local counsel familiar with the Sangamon County court system handle every detail on your behalf since 1989 means you never have to walk into a courtroom alone or navigate the process without guidance. That peace of mind is not a byproduct of good representation at W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law — it is a deliberate part of it. Thank you for the trust you placed in this office, and I am glad we could make a stressful situation feel completely manageable.

Posted by G.Franklin | February 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney

The Areas Best Attorney

I was arrested for my third d.u.i. I thought my life and my driving privileges were over. I contacted attorney Scott Hanken to handle my case because obviously I was worried.Im self employed and live in a rural area so not having a license would of ruined everything I’ve worked for for the last five... years and basically take away my livelyhood besides my license. Attorney Hanken is a straight shooter no nonsense guy.He talked with me initially about the case and reassured me along the way.He didnt make any promises but he definitely gets results.Attorney Scott Hanken not only won my dui case he also saved my career.If you are looking for a dui,felony,misdemeanor, or even a traffic lawyer he is THE MAN to call.Ive hired several lawyers over the years and Scott Hanken is hands down the best I’ve ever hired.Super Attorney that demands respect in the courtroom and gets the results period.

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W. Hanken

Replied last May 27, 2026

A third DUI charge is among the most serious criminal matters an Illinois driver can face — carrying mandatory minimum sentencing, near-certain license revocation, and life-altering consequences that are especially devastating for a self-employed individual in a rural area whose livelihood depends entirely on the ability to drive — and the fact that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law was able to win that case outright and preserve both your driving privileges and your career represents the kind of result that only comes from combining 35 years of courtroom experience with an unrelenting commitment to every client’s future. That result was not built on promises; it was built on honest assessment, meticulous preparation, and the deep institutional knowledge of the Sangamon County court system that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has developed since 1989 — first as a former Assistant State’s Attorney who understands exactly how serious DUI cases are prosecuted, and then as a criminal defense attorney who has spent decades finding every available avenue to protect a client’s freedom, license, and livelihood. Whether the matter involves a felony DUI charge, a misdemeanor offense, or a career-threatening traffic violation in Springfield, Illinois, my approach has always been the same — straight talk, no empty promises, and an absolute determination to get results. Knowing that a self-employed livelihood and five years of hard work are still intact because of the representation W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law provided is the kind of outcome that defines why this work matters.

Posted by Donna | January 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney

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

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!

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W. Hanken

Replied last May 27, 2026

A complete dismissal of a CDL overweight axle ticket — including the substantial fine exposure that comes with it — is precisely the outcome W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law pursues for every commercial driver who contacts this office, and the fact that your brother never missed a day of work, never needed an in-person appointment, and walked away with a clean result reflects the streamlined, client-centered CDL defense process this office has refined throughout more than 35 years of legal practice in Springfield, Illinois. Protecting a commercial driver’s license from overweight violations, axle weight citations, and other CDL-threatening traffic matters before the Sangamon County court system requires both deep knowledge of Illinois commercial vehicle law and the kind of efficient case handling that allows drivers to keep working while W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law handles everything else — and that is precisely the standard this office delivered here, even through the unprecedented court delays of the COVID pandemic. I also want to recognize the staff whose seamless remote intake process — handling documentation and payment entirely by phone, fax, and email — made the entire experience as effortless as possible from the very first call. Five stars mean a great deal coming from a CDL family who understands exactly what is at stake, and it was a genuine privilege to protect your brother’s livelihood and keep his commercial driving record clean.

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