Footville Criminal Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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 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...

Attorney Andrew I. Martinez has devoted his entire legal career to helping people accused of crimes. He focuses his practice on defending people facing charges of homicide, attempted homicide, and sex-based crimes involving adults or children. He also handles cases involving allegations of domestic abuse. Attorney Martinez is an experienced and accomplished trial lawyer, having tried cases throughout Wisconsin on charges at all levels of severity. Together with Cole Ruby, he’s a two-time recipient of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Hanson Award, each for winning a not-guilty verdict in a jury trial involving a charge of first-degree intentional...

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...

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...

Admitted to practice law in Wisconsin since 1995, I have had my own law practice since 1997. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my practice concentrates on litigation in the areas of criminal defense (all levels, state & federal), family law (divorce, child custody/support, paternity), personal bankruptcy (and alternatives), state & municipal licensing and other areas. I am admitted to practice in Wisconsin and in both the U.S. District Courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. I earned my B.A. at the University of New Orleans in 1991 and my J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 1995. I am...

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...

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...

Attorney Tom Grieve founded Grieve Law, LLC in October of 2013 that now ranks among the largest and most award-winning criminal defense and drunk driving firms in Wisconsin. The attorneys at Grieve Law are both proud and honored to be trusted by the citizens of Wisconsin to represent them in difficult times around the state.

Beyond the courtroom, Tom has served as a speaker at the University of Wisconsin Law School on behalf of the Federalist Society concerning the 2nd Amendment, appears frequently on the national broadcast panels of the United States Conceal Carry Association, serves as a guest legal commentator...

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...

Stephen Govin is an experienced and aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney, representing clients in state and federal courts throughout Wisconsin. He is dedicated to providing the highest level of legal services and personal care to clients facing charges from misdemeanors to serious felony offenses.

Stephen received a B.A. in Criminology from Marquette University in 1999. He attended on an athletic scholarship for soccer, where he helped Marquette reach its first NCAA Division I soccer tournament. His J.D. was earned at Marquette University Law School in 2003, focusing on criminal law from his first day. Stephen clerked for the Honorable Victor Manion in...

Jerome Buting was featured as one of Steven Avery's defense lawyers in the Netflix docuseries "Making a Murderer." He has handled many high profile cases and spoken worldwide about America's criminal justice system. His first book is "Illusion of Justice: Inside Making a Murderer and America's Broken System" (Harper 2017). His current and past speaking engagements are found at http://jbuting.com/speaking-engagements/

Mr. Buting is a shareholder in the Milwaukee area law firm of BUTING, WILLIAMS & STILLING, S.C., where he practices exclusively in the field of criminal law, handling both trials and appeals. He received his B.A. in Forensic Studies from Indiana...

A Traffic Ticket may seem like a small thing, but it can have larger consequences. Often, the fine is the least serious consequence of getting a Traffic Citation.
The experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at Kerner Law Offices can help you fight your tickets and prevent much of the damage and cost they will inflict on you, but only if you take action.

Attorney Sanders-Brown practices in the areas of Divorce, Paternity, Adoption, Personal Injury, Guardianship and Guardian ad Litem cases. Attorney Sanders-Brown started her career in Criminal Defense, taking appointments from the State Public Defender. She also held a Guardian ad Litem contract with Winnebago County for over ten years which allowed her to represent the best interests of children in CHIPS cases and adults in need of Guardianships and Protective Placement or Services. Attorney Sanders-Brown routinely secures the compensation her clients deserve in personal injury cases and protects the rights and interests of clients in family law matters. Serving as...

Over the past 15 years, Sydne has earned a solid reputation for fighting and winning probation violation revocation hearings. She is known by judges and probation agents for her creative and persuasive Alternatives to Revocation (ATRS). Sydne's background in clinical psychology gives her an edge over other criminal defense attorneys. Her clinical experience and training allows her to find the root cause of behaviors and uses this to help her clients avoid revocation. "I've spent the past 15 years helping people beat revocations, get ATRs, and go back home to their life and their loved...

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...

Criminal defense attorney Gregory Isaac earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Marquette University in 2012. He continued his legal education at Marquette and earned his Juris Doctor in 2016. Before his third year in law school, Mr. Isaac interned with in the Milwaukee office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender in the Revocation Division. Throughout his third year, Mr. Isaac again interned with the Milwaukee office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender in the Trial Division.

After graduation, Mr. Isaac worked as a clerk for one year in a large personal injury firm. He then worked as an...

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...

As a respected former federal prosecutor, Tom joined Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in 1978. His superlative understanding of the federal court system is highly praised among the Wisconsin Law community; however, he prides himself on tailoring his legal expertise to meet the unique needs of each client and each case. In his own words, Tom suggests that he is "not a lawyer, but rather an advocate for the client." Tom's experience in the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin has given him the tools needed to build a highly successful white-collar criminal defense...

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 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...

I have been practicing for four years in the State of Wisconsin, representing people in the criminal courts.