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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 137 reviews | Case Results
Posted by Janet | May 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
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, 2026Handling 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 anonymous | May 07, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Great Results
Mr Hanken is a great lawyer. The results I received met my expectations above and beyond. I would definitely recommend Mr Hanken to anyone needing legal services.
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026Delivering results that surpass expectations is the standard W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has pursued on behalf of every client throughout more than 35 years of legal practice in Springfield, Illinois — and knowing that standard was met in your case is genuinely rewarding to hear. From DUI defense and criminal charges to CDL violations and traffic citations, every matter brought before the Sangamon County court system deserves the same level of preparation, experience, and commitment that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has built its reputation on since 1989. I appreciate both the recommendation and the trust you placed in my office, and I wish you all the best going forward.
Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best defense attorney in Sangamon County
Whether it's your fault or not,life can throw you curve balls. Scott Hanken is the right man for the job. Mr. Hanken can get your life back on track when you think all hope is lost. I highly recommend him for any defense needs.
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026When life takes an unexpected turn and the stakes feel overwhelming, having a seasoned criminal defense attorney in your corner can make all the difference — and that is precisely the role W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has proudly served for clients throughout Springfield, Illinois since 1989. From first-offense DUI charges and serious felony criminal charges to CDL violations and complex traffic matters, no case before the Sangamon County court system is too daunting when approached with the right experience, strategy, and commitment to the client’s future. That philosophy — that every person deserves a fierce and knowledgeable advocate regardless of the circumstances — is the foundation upon which W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has built more than 35 years of criminal defense practice. It was an honor to be the attorney you trusted when it mattered most, and I am glad to know hope was restored.
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney
BEST IN ILLINOIS!
Mr. Hanken was phenomenal! He gave it to you straight with no chasers. He also works with you, is patient, and willing to go all out for his clients. I was in a bind and he came through and really helped me out. He is authentic, professional, goes the extra mile, and gets the job done! If you are loo...
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026Straight talk, genuine advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to going the extra mile for every client — that is the approach W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law has brought to criminal defense practice in Springfield, Illinois for more than 35 years, and it is gratifying to know that philosophy came through clearly when you needed it most. Whether a client is navigating DUI charges, serious felony criminal charges, or any other difficult legal matter before the Sangamon County court system, my job is to be completely honest about where things stand and then fight with everything I have to move them in the right direction. Authentic, results-driven legal representation is not a slogan at W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law — it is the standard that has defined my practice since 1989 and the reason referrals and recommendations like this one continue to mean so much. It was my privilege to be in your corner, and I am glad we got it done.
Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Client
Scott is by far the best attorney out there. Not only is he a great attorney but he is a great human being. He truly cares about his clients and does everything in his power to help them with a favorable outcome. For me personally Scott saved myself and my family from what could’ve been a life alteri...
W. Hanken
Replied last May 27, 2026Standing between a client and a life-altering consequence — for them and for their family — is the most profound responsibility a criminal defense attorney can carry, and knowing that W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law delivered when that weight was at its heaviest is the most meaningful measure of this practice’s purpose. That depth of commitment is not something developed overnight; it is the product of more than 35 years of criminal defense experience in Springfield, Illinois, first as a former Assistant State’s Attorney who learned the law from the inside out, and then as a dedicated advocate fighting for clients throughout the Sangamon County court system since 1989. At W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, genuine care for a client’s future is not separate from legal strategy — it is the driving force behind it, and every case is approached with that conviction regardless of the charges involved. It was an absolute honor to protect your family, and reviews like this one are a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
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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