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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Madison, WI

Our Recommended Best Madison Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Madison criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

177Reviewed

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10Top Picks

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Providers

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
121 S Pinckney St Ste 550, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (17)
Avvo
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Led by a former criminal prosecutor, Hurley Law Office, LLC, protects the rights of the accused in Madison and the rest of Wisconsin. The law firm provides criminal defense to individuals who have been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, aggravated assault, and battery. It also offers drunk driving defense and investigates the prosecution's OWI case to identify flaws like breathalyzers giving false readings due to device malfunctions or law enforcement officers failing to follow standardized procedures.

Robert B. Hurley specializes in criminal defense and provides a unique perspective on handling cases from pre-charging to trial. He understands the consequences of a criminal conviction and aggressively defends his clients using every possible resource. Previous clients have praised him for being a man of his word.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
411 West Main Street, Ste 201, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (48)
Avvo
3.9 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Led by a former prosecutor with over 25 years of legal experience, the Chirafisi Law Office crafts effective strategies for protecting the accused. The firm works on criminal defense cases in Madison, Wisconsin, including DUI, domestic violence, theft, and drug offenses. Its team also takes on white-collar crime cases such as fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement. Additionally, the office defends clients facing non-felony charges such as bail jumping and resisting arrest.

Corey Chirafisi began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in Kenosha County, where he prosecuted individuals facing criminal charges, including all levels of drunk driving offenses. His expertise in this area has made him a sought-after speaker at continuing legal education seminars statewide and nationally.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
6441 Enterprise Ln Ste 109, Madison, WI 53719

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (57)
Avvo
5.0 (55)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Stangl Law Offices, S.C. is a criminal defense firm catering to those in Madison and the rest of Wisconsin. It advises defendants of their legal rights and options at every stage of the criminal investigation. It advocates for clients' best interests in court to help them escape conviction. Additionally, it assists them in obtaining just resolutions by fighting for them in the appellate process. Owner Patrick J. Stangl has been practicing law since 1991.

Criminal defense attorney Patrick Stangl is renowned for protecting clients from all forms of DUI accusations, including BAC, PAC, OWI, and DWI. From 2012 to 2016, The National Trial Lawyers ranked him among Wisconsin's Top 100.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
118 E Washington Ave Ste 300, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (4)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Since 1997, the Brophy Law Office has been providing criminal defense to those in Madison, Wisconsin, who are under investigation or charged with crimes. It works closely with defendants, outlining the court system's procedures and their options. It conducts investigations to gather information or evidence that proves clients’ innocence. Additionally, it fights for their best interests and constitutional rights in court to assist them in avoiding conviction and obtaining favorable outcomes for their cases.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
411 W. Main St., Ste 202, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (85)
Avvo
5.0 (10)
Yelp
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

DK Anderson has been working to prevent the incarceration of people in Madison, Wisconsin, since 2021. It takes on various criminal defense cases, including sexual abuse, shoplifting, arson, drunk driving, and traffic citations. It assists defendants in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. Additionally, it negotiates with the prosecutor or defends its client's best interests in the courtroom to aid them in achieving the most favorable results for their legal matters.

David Anderson is admitted to practice law in the U.S. District of Western Wisconsin. His strategy for defending his clients stems from a thorough comprehension of the technicalities and occasionally exaggerated reactions within the legal system. Regardless of the size or gravity of the case, he is committed to an aggressive defense approach.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
10 E. Doty St., Suite 800, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Zaleski Law Firm represents individuals facing criminal charges in Madison, Wisconsin. It works on building a strong legal defense by investigating the details of the arrest and reviewing witness statements, police reports, and court records. It also negotiates with the prosecution to achieve favorable results. The firm has been advocating for its clients' rights in criminal defense cases since 1993. Principal attorney Steven W. Zaleski is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar's Referral and Information Service. He has also been admitted to practice in Illinois and Texas.

Wisconsin native Steven W. Zaleski obtained his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. He is admitted to practice law before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Seventh Circuits and the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Wisconsin.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
6405 Century Ave Ste 103, Middleton, WI 53562

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (83)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Mays Law Office, LLC, provides criminal defense solutions to those in Madison and the rest of Wisconsin. It deals with various offenses, such as white-collar crimes, assault and battery, homicide, disorderly conduct, and drunk driving. It helps clients acquire reduced charges and penalties by negotiating with prosecutors. It also brings matters to court if fair settlements are not achievable. Owner Stephen E. Mays has more than 29 years of legal experience.

Stephen Mays, a prominent criminal defense attorney, has achieved significant victories in OWI cases at all levels of the Wisconsin court system. Recognized by Madison Magazine as a leading attorney in drunk driving and traffic violations, he previously served as president of the Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
316 W Washington Ave Ste 225, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (421)
Google
5.0 (378)

Why choose this provider?

Johnen Law Offices has been praised by its previous clients for its proactive approach and comprehensive responses to concerns. It provides criminal defense solutions to those in Madison, Wisconsin, who have been arrested for violent crimes and drug offenses. The law firm also helps individuals who have been charged with DUI. It verifies whether the traffic law enforcement office had a valid reason to stop a driver and if the equipment used for blood alcohol or chemical testing was properly calibrated at the time of arrest.

Sasa Johnen practices criminal law and has been licensed in Wisconsin for over a decade. He has more than 400 five-star ratings at Avvo and has been a recipient of the Client’s Choice award since 2015. Sasa obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
205 South John Paul Road, Milton, WI 53563

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (2)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Led by a former Rock County District Attorney, McCarthy Law Office provides comprehensive criminal defense services to the people of Madison and the rest of Wisconsin. With an in-depth knowledge of the local legal system, the firm develops effective defense strategies for misdemeanor and felony charges. Leveraging the expertise of a seasoned private investigator with over three decades of experience, McCarthy Law Office ensures its clients receive the strongest possible defense.

Scott McCarthy is a trial lawyer who has been in practice since 1991. He has received the American Jurisprudence Award for Advanced Trial Advocacy and lectures on topics such as the laws of arrest, search and seizure, and criminal procedure.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
110 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (82)
Facebook
4.6 (9)
Avvo
4.4 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Christopher T. Van Wagner SC has represented clients facing criminal charges for over 25 years. Mr. Van Wagner is a criminal lawyer in Madison who advocates for clients accused of DUI, white collar crimes, sexual assault, insurance and tax fraud, theft, and violent infractions. He also takes cases involving driving with a suspended license and drug crimes, including possession, manufacturing, and trafficking. Mr. Van Wagner is a member of the Dane County Bar Association and the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Compare Best Madison Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Hurley Law Office, LLC
121 S Pinckney St Ste 550, Madison, WI 53703
Chirafisi Law Office
411 West Main Street, Ste 201, Madison, WI 53703
Stangl Law Offices, S.C.
6441 Enterprise Ln Ste 109, Madison, WI 53719
Brophy Law Office
118 E Washington Ave Ste 300, Madison, WI 53703
DK Anderson
411 W. Main St., Ste 202, Madison, WI 53703
Zaleski Law Firm
10 E. Doty St., Suite 800, Madison, WI 53703
Mays Law Office, LLC
6405 Century Ave Ste 103, Middleton, WI 53562
Johnen Law Offices
316 W Washington Ave Ste 225, Madison, WI 53703
McCarthy Law Office
205 South John Paul Road, Milton, WI 53563
Christopher T. Van Wagner S.C.
110 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53703

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Madison, WI Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Madison, Wisconsin?

    If you need non-emergency dispatch, call the Madison Police Department at (608) 255-2345.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Madison, Wisconsin?

    There are a number of ways for the public to get police reports:

    • Call the Records Section of the Madison Police Department at (608) 266-4075.
    • Send requests through mail to: 211 S. Carroll St. Madison, WI, 53703
    • Visit the Records Section of the Madison Police Department in person: City-County Building 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Follow signs to the ground floor Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Monday-Friday
    • Send a fax at (608) 267-1117.
  • What is a misdemeanor crime in Madison?

    Misdemeanors in Madison are punishable by a year in jail and a $10,000 fine. Misdemeanor sentences are never more than one year in jail. Misdemeanor convictions and firearm possession are excluded. Domestic violence offenders are not allowed to acquire firearms under the 1996 Gun Control Act amendments. Section (g) (9) prohibits the ownership of a firearm by anybody "convicted in any court of a minor offense of domestic violence."

  • What are the most common sex crimes in Madison that lead to charges?

    Most sexual assault charges in Madison include child sexual abuse. This is because when a child reports being molested, the person they tell must inform the police and social services, which leads to a prosecution. Lack of consent is the second-most frequent accusation. It wouldn't be called "rape" if you had intercourse or touched someone sexually without their permission, which generally includes alcohol or force. Wisconsin sex crime investigations and charges usually include those two scenarios.

  • What constitutes a criminal battery in Madison?

    There are several types of battery charges in Madison. The most serious of these is felony battery. For felony battery, you could spend up to 10 years in prison and pay up to $10,000 in fines. There are three types of felony battery charges:

    • Assault with the intent to cause serious bodily harm -Aggravated battery
    • Substantial battery
  • Is it okay for law enforcement to not tell someone who has been arrested for a crime in Madison what their rights are?

    When you are arrested in Madison, police officers are not obligated to recite you of your Miranda rights. Law enforcement personnel are only obligated to read you your rights if you are detained, and their words will be used as evidence in your case. When police neglect to recite their rights to them, many individuals think their rights have been violated. If the police believe they have sufficient evidence against you and do not intend to use your remarks, they may continue without ever giving you your rights.

  • Can a person's previous criminal convictions be removed or expunged from their record?

    Wisconsin expunges adult State Circuit Court convictions in restricted circumstances. Eligibility depends on the person's sentence and completion. A judge may erase a misdemeanor or restricted felony conviction in Madison if it was imposed after July 1, 2009, and the offender was under 25. If a defendant was under 21 and convicted before July 1, 2009, a judge may erase a misdemeanor conviction from their record. A court request for expungement must be submitted and fought. Completing the sentence needs more than simply probation without being revoked. It also mandates no more convictions.