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

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

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

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

190 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 59 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by Colton | September 05, 2026 | Hired Attorney

If you find yourself in the middle of a criminal legal matter, hire the Hanken team. They are the BEST around!

Hiring Scott was the best decision I could have made during one of the darkest and most stressful times of my life. Facing a DUI and several other charge is incredibly overwhelming, but the moment I connected with this firm, a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders.What truly sets them apart is t...he incredible team dynamic. While Scott was busy crafting a powerful legal strategy, Carrie was my absolute lifeline. They never judged me or made me feel like just another file on a desk. Instead, they both listened with real empathy, answered my frantic questions, and kept me calm and informed through every twist and turn of the process. Whether it was Scott breaking down complex court details or Carrie checking in on me and handling paperwork seamlessly, I always felt completely protected and cared for.Thanks to their collective hard work, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail, we achieved a fantastic outcome that saved my future. They didn't just defend me in court; they protected my livelihood and gave me my peace of mind back. If you want a legal team that treats you like family and fights for you with everything they have, look no further.

W. Hanken

Replied last September 08, 2026

Facing a DUI charge alongside multiple additional criminal charges in the Sangamon County court system — during what a client describes as the darkest and most stressful time of their life — demands more than legal competence. It demands a team that listens with genuine empathy, communicates through every complexity, and fights with meticulous dedication to protect a client's future at every stage of the process. W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law brings the prosecutorial insight of a former Sangamon County Assistant State's Attorney and Super Lawyers recognition every year since 2007 to exactly those high-stakes DUI defense and criminal defense matters — combining powerful legal strategy with the kind of human care and team-wide commitment that makes a client feel protected rather than processed. At W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, defending a client in court and protecting their livelihood, peace of mind, and future are never separate goals — they are the unified mission every case demands and every client deserves.

Posted by Jessica | August 10, 2026 | Hired Attorney

The best path forward

It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are for everything he has done for our son and our family. Our son found himself going down the wrong path and making some choices that could have had a lasting impact on his future. During an incredibly difficult and stressful time for our family, we were ...fortunate to have an attorney who not only advocated for him, but genuinely cared about him as a person. He was honest and straightforward with our son, while still treating him with compassion, respect, and dignity. He helped him navigate situations we never imagined we would be facing as parents, answered his questions, eased our worries, and worked incredibly hard to give him the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and move forward. As parents, there is nothing more important than knowing someone is truly in your child’s corner when they need it most. We will always be grateful for the role he played during this chapter of our son’s life and for the positive impact he had during a time when our family truly needed it. We sincerely hope we never need a criminal attorney again, but if we do, there is absolutely no question who we would call. We would hire him again without hesitation and recommend him wholeheartedly to any family who finds themselves needing someone knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly willing to fight for their client.

W. Hanken

Replied last August 10, 2026

The opportunity to learn from a mistake, correct course, and move forward without a lasting criminal record defining a young person’s future is exactly what W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law fights to preserve in every criminal defense matter handled in the Sangamon County court system. With over 37 years of experience — including years as a former Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney who understands how the system evaluates young people facing serious choices — W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law brings both the legal knowledge and the genuine personal investment that families need when a son or daughter’s future is on the line. At W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, every client is treated as a person worthy of compassion, honesty, and dignity — not simply as a case to be managed — because the difference between those two approaches can shape the trajectory of an entire life. Knowing your family would return without hesitation and recommend this office wholeheartedly is the trust W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law works to earn in every case, for every client, and for every family counting on this office when it matters most.

Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Incredible outcome

I retained Attorney Scott after being charged with a DUI. During my consultation I knew he had the knowledge and confidence to defend me properly. He was willing to take the case to trial and deliberated with the state on my behalf. I was speechless with my outcome and the speed at which an agreement... was made. If I could give 1000 stars I would!

W. Hanken

Replied last July 21, 2026

A DUI charge resolved swiftly and favorably in the Sangamon County court system is not a matter of chance — it is the product of trial-ready preparation, prosecutorial experience, and the kind of courtroom confidence that moves cases toward the best possible resolution. W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law brings the perspective of a former Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney to every DUI defense matter — an inside understanding of how the state evaluates cases and where agreements can be reached. Super Lawyers has recognized that depth of knowledge and advocacy every year since 2007, and it is exactly what shapes strategy from the first consultation through the final resolution. When a client is speechless at the outcome, that is the standard W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law is built to deliver.

Posted by Jim | January 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney

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...r find yourself in trouble and don’t know what to do. He will help you tremendously!

W. Hanken

Replied last May 27, 2026

I’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 anonymous | December 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney

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...essional. my case was very difficult but he resolved it without any conviction or court supervision and he saved my future. He is extremely professional, very intelligent and knowledgeable in criminal law! He did excellent job in my case. I Strongly recommend him to everyone. Thank you Mr. Scott.

W. Hanken

Replied last May 27, 2026

I’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

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

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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