Wisconsin Criminal Lawyers

We are the best criminal defense team in Northcentral and Northwestern Wisconsin. We have been helping clients resolve their matters for over 30 years. A criminal or OWI case can leave you with many hardships — from loss of a job, to financial hardships, community stigmatization and psychological and emotional distress. Defending a criminal or drunk driving case is difficult and stressful. You don't have to fight this battle alone. When a loved one is charged with a crime, the impact can be felt throughout the home. Many individuals struggle with enormous stress and anxiety due to the situation. This stress...

Kirk Obear began his career in the U.S. Air Force as a JAG, prosecuting military cases. He later became one of the most renowned defense lawyers within the military. In the 1990s, Kirk moved his practice to defend civilians in private practice. Today, with the help of superior legal professionals, he represents individuals facing the most serious crimes.

At our firm, we take a teamwork approach. To us, more muscle means getting the job done faster and better. Frequent meetings, brainstorming, extensive investigation, and applying our years of legal and scientific training are all part of what makes our teamwork approach...

A true Wisconsin native, Attorney Wood earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin. From the beginning of her legal career, Attorney Wood dedicated herself to defending OWI cases—allowing her to gain valuable experience and insights that are used to help her clients. Attorney Wood is the first Wisconsin attorney to serve on the Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) held at Harvard Law School, an organization devoted to furthering education for attorneys in this field of law. She is also a frequent speaker at...

I have successfully defended the rights of the accused in the full range of criminal and traffic offenses since 1992. I am sensitive to the fact that while I have a busy caseload, this may be your only experience with the criminal justice system. Whether your are accused of a minor traffic violation or a serious felony, you can expect that your matter will be handled with a high level of professionalism, integrity and sensitivity. Remember, it's your case.


Proper communication between attorney and client is the hallmark of effective representation. Clients can expect copies of documents filed on their behalf...

Rick Coad is the founder and principal of Coad Law Office, S.C., in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a top-rated criminal defense attorney with more than 19 years of experience. Rick focuses his practice on defending individuals and corporations in state and federal court. His skills have carried him to courts throughout the midwest, and he has argued a case in the United States Supreme Court. He has been named by Super Lawyers thirteen times in his career, most recently in 2023. He is widely considered a leading defense lawyer in Wisconsin.

Michael M. Hayes was a founding partner of the Milwaukee law firm of Hayes & Rothstein, 1983-2019.

A Milwaukee native, Mr. Hayes earned his Juris Doctor law degree in 1981 from Marquette University Law School, where he was the Lead Articles Editor on the Law Review. During this time, he also served as a Judicial Intern for Wisconsin Court of Appeals Chief Judge John Decker. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated in 1977. Within 3 years he was listed in Best Lawyers in America after founding what had...

I have dedicated my practice to criminal defense for the past decade. I have worked in both the private sector and public sector.

My experience in both sectors has given me the opportunity to meet and work with experienced attorneys across the State. Over the years I have dealt with a wide variety of legal matters that have provided invaluable experience and knowledge of the law and the legal system.

My desire is to provide the most effective and comprehensive defense available to my clients. I want my clients to know that I understand they are in a unique situation and that...

Franklyn M. Gimbel founded GRGB after serving as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1963 through 1968. His experience as a federal prosecutor has proven invaluable in developing a successful private criminal defense law practice.

Over the years, Frank has expanded his practice into civil litigation, including complex business, employment, communications, and First Amendment cases. He has represented small businesses and large corporations, as well as individuals ranging from working men and women to judges, CEOs, and other professionals. No person's problem is too insignificant or too complicated.

Helping people is Frank's passion and the cornerstone of his practice. As he so...

Raymond M. Dall’Osto is a partner with the law firm of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is admitted to practice law in Wisconsin and Illinois. His practice areas are white-collar and criminal defense in federal and state courts, defense of regulatory investigations, professional discipline defense, ethics and licensing matters, civil litigation, personal injury, employment, and constitutional rights. Ray received his law degree from the Marquette University Law School in 1977. He taught there as an adjunct professor of law from 1985 to 1990, and also has lectured at the University of Wisconsin...

Attorney John Birdsall has more than 30 years of experience and has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted criminal defense lawyers in Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin. With over 250 jury trails, mostly for serious felonies such as homicide, he has an acquittal rate that is three times the Wisconsin average. John’s practice is focused exclusively on defending the wrongly accused, and has recently helped a client named Eddie Gill. After being accused of shooting and killing a Milwaukee resident, John helped uncover that the police has interrogated Gill into confessing when he was in...

Benjamin Van Severen is a criminal defense attorney who practices in Milwaukee and throughout the state of Wisconsin. He has experience handling all types of cases, from misdemeanors and OWI/DUI to serious felonies, including homicide, sexual assault, crimes involving firearms, and drug crimes. Focusing entirely on criminal defense, Attorney Van Severen has achieved an acquittal rate three times the state average. Attorney Van Severen received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in 2010, with majors in Political Science and Criminology, and a minor in Music. He then received his Juris Doctor from Marquette...

Paul was born in Milwaukee, WI and grew up on the south side of Milwaukee. Paul has five brothers and was raised by a single mom. Growing up on the south side of Milwaukee, Paul attended the local Catholic grade school and worked his way through school by working at gas stations, having a paper route and doing whatever he could to raise money to pay for tuition and books. Paul attended Pius XI high school and, once again, worked to pay all costs of his education, as did his five brothers.

Upon graduating from high school, Paul took a year...

Attorney Jeremiah Meyer-O’Day has dedicated his career to the service of others and the protection of the “little guy.” His legal career began at a non-profit law firm in Madison, Wisconsin, where he helped people in both criminal and civil proceedings, including evictions, collections, and family-law issues. Attorney Meyer-O’Day then joined the Office of the State Public Defender, working in the Lancaster, Wisconsin office. There, he defended people accused of crimes at all levels of severity. He has extensive trial experience, and a record of successfully litigating issues involving the violation of clients’ constitutional rights. He’s convinced judges to throw...

I opened my office in 2013 and limit my practice exclusively to criminal law. Prior to opening my office, I worked for area firms for about ten years. In deciding to limit my practice to criminal defense, I have been able to focus on helping others out of what is typically the lowest point in their life. That is the hard part about my job - always meeting people at a horrible point in their lives. The best part of my job is helping them through the process and out the other side of things. Providing answers and direction to...

Raised in Northcentral Wisconsin, Attorney Wojan attended UW-Oshkosh and Marquette University Law School. Attorney Wojan has practiced at Petit & Dommershausen since 2012.

Nils Wyosnick is an attorney for Murphy Desmond S.C., based in Madison, Wisconsin. With a concentration in defending clients charged with drunk driving offenses and misdemeanor and felony crimes, Nils represents clients in Wisconsin and Illinois. A graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Law, Nils began his career as a prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in Chicago. As an Assistant State's Attorney, Nils prosecuted in some of the busiest courtrooms in the nation, gaining extensive trial work experience and training. In 2014, Nils left the State's Attorney's office for private practice; continuing his experience in...

As an young and energetic attorney at Tracey Wood & Associates, Teuta Jonuzi fights hard for the rights or her clients.

Mr. Cafferty’s credentials and awards include: + Graduate of Marquette University Law School + Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers + Member of the Wisconsin Association Criminal Defense Lawyers + Named in Super Lawyers Magazine 2008 – 2021 + Earned the Distinguished Martindale-Hubbell AV* Peer Review Rating + Named in Best Lawyers in America 2013-2021 Edition for Criminal Defense Mr. Cafferty has developed solid professional relationships and a reputation of being honest with judges and prosecutors throughout Southeast Wisconsin. From offices in Racine, criminal defense lawyer Patrick Cafferty defends the rights of people charged with state and federal criminal offenses throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern...

For a Green Bay Attorney that PUTS YOU FIRST, look no further! The Schenk Law Firm, LLC is a "Client-First" Law Firm serving Green Bay (Brown County), Appleton (Outagamie County), Oshkosh (Winnebago County), and all other areas in Northeastern Wisconsin & Michigan. The Schenk Law Firm provides powerful legal representation to the people of Wisconsin, we are available for 24/7 Emergency Legal Assistance 911@SchenkLegal.com as well. Our Attorneys are some of the most sympathetic and considerate. Whether you're experiencing a Criminal Felony or Misdemeanor Law Case, Traffic, Probation Revocation, Appeals, Family Law Case, Divorce, Child Custody, Tribal Court, or Federal...

Attorney Westley practices criminal defense and DUI/OWI all over Wisconsin. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2015 with a certificate in litigation and uses that every day. She did her undergrad at the University of Minnesota and graduated from there in 2011. She has done a stint with Americorps and regularly volunteers for Teen Court in Waukesha County as a judge.

She has won numerous awards for client satisfaction and works hard to get the best case scenario for her clients on a daily basis.

Michael F. Hart has been one of Wisconsin's leading criminal defense attorneys for the past twenty-nine years. His imposing courtroom presence has distinguished him as a prominent trial lawyer, and his dedication to justice has earned him the recognition of being a Wisconsin Super Lawyer by many of the state's judges and lawyers.

His successes include a variety of practice areas, and his clients range from high-profile members of the National Football League to white collar workers. Most notably, his triumphs include one of the largest defamation awards in Wisconsin history against a private individual, where Michael successfully helped his client...

Active Scout leader and Council Board member, Elderly Housing Board, Local party treasurer, Radio broadcasting board member. Past Red Cross Chapter President and Water Safety Chair and WSIT. Concentrate in Criminal Law, Probate, Real Estate and General Practice.

Attorney Glenn E. Gaskill III received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he studied Political Science and Philosophy in addition to being a member of the football team. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he practices today.

Through the practice of law, Attorney Gaskill has taken the skills that made him successful on the football field and translated them to the courtroom. He has used his work ethic and honed his competitive spirit to his advantage in the courtroom with victories in both misdemeanor and felony...

An accomplished defense attorney with a background in prosecution.

Atty. Matthew Pinix has represented hundreds of individuals in postconviction, appellate, habeas, and civil rights matters. He has also given several educational talks to lawyers, law students, and the public about criminal appeals and the processes involved.

On multiple occasions, he has been invited by other lawyers to represent individuals or organizations before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in criminal cases.

Every year since 2013, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star, an award given to no more than 2.5% of the attorneys in Wisconsin.

Prior to becoming a practicing lawyer, Matthew worked as...

Kristen Nelson is a Partner at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to joining the firm, Kristen was a solo practitioner in private practice, specializing in criminal and health care defense. She has represented clients before the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, the Wisconsin Department of Hearings and Appeals, Wisconsin State Courts, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Kristen graduated from DePaul University College of Law, earning a Health Law Certificate along with her law degree. In September 2012, she became licensed to practice law in the...

Attorney Cole D. Ruby is universally recognized as one of the leading appellate attorneys in the State of Wisconsin. He focuses his practice on litigating appeals following convictions at jury trials. He has successfully litigated post-conviction issues in cases involving, for example, drug trafficking, sexual assault, possession of child pornography, arson, and homicide. On several occasions, Attorney Ruby has been able to have convictions overturned and charges dismissed completely, even after a client was convicted at jury trial while represented by other attorneys. Attorney Ruby is also an accomplished trial lawyer. Together with Andrew Martinez, he’s a two-time recipient of...

Brian Brophy is a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney. He’s had the benefit of extensive experience both prosecuting and defending criminal and civil actions. The majority of his practice is devoted to defending those charged with crimes and representing people who have been seriously injured in accidents.

Jillian J. Scheidegger is a partner at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. Jillian has been with the firm since 2013. She focuses exclusively criminal defense and traffic matters. Her practice includes the representation of adults and juveniles charged with crimes. Her cases typically involve drugs, sexual offenses, property crimes, alcohol and domestic violence. Jillian has represented hundreds of clients, zealously advocating for the best possible result in each and every case. It is important to Jillian that her clients feel informed throughout the process and understand each step of the way. Jillian is passionate about obtaining excellent results for her clients...

Attorney Micabil Diaz has been practicing law over 30 years. His legal career can succinctly be summarized as one of service; both at the governmental and the not-for profit arena. His career includes significant litigation experience in both state and federal venues, including the military pursuant to the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Upon his honorable discharge from military service, Attorney Diaz returned to Wisconsin where he appeared as the attorney of record in over 200 cases in courts throughout the state, representing individuals and institutions in a myriad of legal areas. As to...

Attorney John Miller Carroll is the founder of our Appleton law firm, John Miller Carroll Law Office. At our firm, we focus on protecting the rights of the residents of Wisconsin, including but not limited to, Outagamie and Winnebago counties and surrounding east-central Wisconsin who face charges for state & criminal offenses. We proudly defend clients arrested for a variety of offenses, including:

• Homicides

• Drug offenses

• Assault

• OWI

•...

Attorney Amy C. Scholz is a former state criminal prosecutor who primarily focuses her practice on providing the best defense to clients with criminal defense, traffic, and drunk driving matters. Amy began her practice in Ohio where she worked for the City of Akron Prosecutors Office. She then returned to Wisconsin where she worked as an assistant district attorney before refocusing her practice to criminal defense. Amy is a zealous advocate for her clients. She has successfully argued motions to the court, negotiated the reduction of felony and misdemeanor charges, prevailed at jury trials, and earned...

Before joining Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP as an Associate, Adam J. Schleis worked for seven years in the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office where he did trial-level defense work. His practice later expanded to include cases beyond criminal defense such as those involving mental health, guardianship, child protective services and family law— working with clients from pre-charging all the way through jury trial. In his eight years of experience, Adam has tried plenty of cases in front of a jury. To schedule your initial consultation with the Wisconsin Criminal Defense Attorney, visit online or call 414-271-1440.

I have lived in Appleton, Wisconsin my entire life other than attending college in Madison and law school in Chicago. I started my own law practice within the first year of graduating from law school, and continue to work with my same partners at our law firm Hammett, Bellin & Oswald, LLC. I am proud of the quality of individuals representing our law firm and am happy that we have helped so many people over the years. I am an active member of our community and serve in many different ways. I...

Scott McCarthy has been in practice since 1991 and is one of the most experienced trial lawyers in southern Wisconsin. Scott has taken countless cases to trial in Rock County, Dane County, Waukesha County, Jefferson County and more surrounding counties and counties around the State. He has won at every level including the Supreme Court Scott's success was noticed in 2007 when one of the larger firms in Madison asked Scott to join their litigation team. Scott founded the Janesviille branch of Murphy Desmond and was quickly named to the firm's Litigation Executive Committee where he helped guide the...

Breanne Bucher joined the firm in April, 2014. She previously was an associate attorney at a general practice law firm in Waukesha County. Breanne graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2010 and passed the Wisconsin Bar Examination on her first attempt.

In law school, she was a member of the Valparaiso Law Criminal Law Clinic, in which she represented indigent clients charged with both low-level misdemeanors and violent felony offenses. She also interned with the Lake County Public Defender’s Office in Lake County, Indiana and continued to gain experience in criminal defense. Although passionate about criminal law, she discovered...

My first trial after graduating law school was a homicide case and we achieved a not guilty verdict. Since then, our firm has achieved innumerable dismissals and acquittals. We have won cases that seem unwindable. We have won cases when clients have confessed to crimes. In one very remarkable case, one of our clients confessed to a crime and pleaded guilty with another lawyer. After coming to us for a second opinion we were able to withdraw his guilty plea, go to trial, and convince a jury of his innocence despite the fact that he confessed his guilt to the...

Mr. Chadwick Kaehne graduated from the University of Wisconsin
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Shortly after his
undergraduate studies, Mr. Kaehne founded a mental health clinic serving
clients throughout Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Outagamie, and Brown
counties. Mr. Kaehne established his law practice shortly after
receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton School of
Law in Ohio. Using the philosophy grounded from his experiences from the
mental health field, Mr. Kaehne believes that not only should a law
firm be both reputable and aggressive in serving the needs of their
clients; but also passionate, with...