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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 16 - 20 of 182 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by Jack | September 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
He is a DUI FIGHTING MACHINE
I made a tragic mistake and was referred to Mr. Hanken by family and friends. Thank God I found him! My career was in his hands and he came through in ways I still cannot believe. I will be forever in his debt for the services provided for me and my family. He truly is the best in the business
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026Protecting your career and your family’s future is exactly the kind of high-stakes criminal defense work that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has been dedicated to for over 35 years in Springfield, Illinois. Referrals from trusted family and friends are the highest compliment a criminal defense attorney can receive, and I do not take lightly the trust placed in me when so much is on the line. Every criminal case I handle in the Sangamon County court system — whether it involves serious felony charges, DUI representation, or career-threatening criminal charges — is approached with the full weight of my experience as both a former Assistant State’s Attorney and a seasoned defense lawyer. It is deeply rewarding to know that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law was able to deliver the result you and your family needed. I wish you all the best going forward.
Posted by ALEXANDRE | August 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Knowledgeable and reliable lawyer. CDL driver recommended
My CDL overweight ticket was TOTALLY DISMISSED! Mr. Hanken is a great lawyer. His legal assistant Carrie always gave me full and updated information. I highly recommend Mr. Hanken as a reliable lawyer for any CDL tickets.
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026A complete dismissal of a CDL overweight ticket is the outcome every commercial driver deserves when the right legal strategy is applied, and it is exactly the result W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law fights for on behalf of drivers throughout Springfield, Illinois and the surrounding region. Protecting a commercial driver’s license means protecting a livelihood, and I treat every CDL traffic citation — from overweight violations to hours-of-service infractions — with the same serious attention I bring to any case handled through the Sangamon County court system. I am also proud to acknowledge Carrie, whose commitment to keeping clients informed and supported from start to finish reflects the standard of service W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law holds itself to. Thank you for trusting my office with something as important as your CDL, and I wish you many safe and successful miles ahead.
Posted by John | July 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Highly recommend Mr Hanken! Couldn’t have asked for a better experience! His knowledge and professional experience are second to none.
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026Hearing that the experience with W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law exceeded expectations is the standard I have held myself to throughout more than three decades of criminal defense practice in Springfield, Illinois. Whether a client comes to me facing DUI charges, felony criminal charges, CDL violations, or any other serious legal matter in the Sangamon County court system, my goal is always to combine deep legal knowledge with the hands-on courtroom experience that only comes from a career spent on both sides of the aisle — as a former Assistant State’s Attorney and as a dedicated defense attorney. That reputation for professionalism and results is something W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law works hard to earn with every single client. I genuinely appreciate the recommendation and thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Great Lawyer. Very knowledgeable about CDL holders
Got a speeding ticket in my personal vehicle well over posted speed. After talking with Scott Hanken about being a CDL holder, he understood the importance of the points going on my CSA. Hired Scott and he represented me in court and got ticket knocked down to a non-moving violation. Highly Recommend...
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026For a CDL holder, a speeding violation in a personal vehicle carries consequences that go far beyond a simple fine — CSA points, commercial driving record impacts, and the very real threat to a professional license are exactly what W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law understands how to address strategically. Reducing that citation to a non-moving violation was the critical outcome needed to protect your CSA score and keep your commercial driving career on solid ground, and that is the kind of result-focused representation I bring to every CDL-related case in the Sangamon County court system. With more than 35 years of legal experience in Springfield, Illinois, W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has the courtroom knowledge to recognize how a single traffic conviction can cascade into serious professional consequences for commercial drivers — and how to prevent it. I appreciate the recommendation and am glad we were able to protect what matters most — your livelihood.
Posted by anonymous | July 09, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Wonderful, Down-to-Earth, Professional Attorney
I am 1,000% happy with my choice to hire Scott Hanken to represent me. I was stopped at a road block after a wedding and was issued a DUI. I called Scott a couple days later and he immediately took action. When meeting with him, he made me feel comfortable and confident that I was in the right hands....
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026A first DUI charge at a roadblock is one of the most frightening legal situations a person can face, and the fact that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law was able to secure a court supervision outcome — meaning no conviction on your permanent record — is precisely the kind of result that experienced DUI representation in Springfield, Illinois can make possible. Illinois court supervision on a first-offense DUI is not guaranteed, and protecting a client’s record through every available legal avenue is the standard W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has delivered for clients throughout the Sangamon County court system for more than 35 years. I am glad the consultation put you at ease, because confidence between an attorney and client is the foundation of an effective DUI defense strategy — from the first phone call all the way through the final court date. You handled a difficult situation with courage, and it was my privilege to be in your corner. PS: My sarcasm is well earned!
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