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2025

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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.

182Reviewed

115Curated

15Top Picks

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Providers

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (53)
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.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
6605 University Ave, Suite 101, Middleton, WI 53562

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (34)
Yelp
3.5 (3)
Facebook
4.3 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Tracey Wood and Associates is a group of criminal defense attorneys that helps residents of the greater Madison area. The brokerage focuses on OWI offenses, building defense strategies on improper stops by police and inappropriate interactions between officers and plaintiffs during arrests. The criminal defense practice represents those accused of drug possession, aggravated assault, theft, and white-collar crimes. Common defenses include establishing proof of self-defense and unlawful search and seizure.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
5555 Odana Rd Ste 101, Madison, WI 53719

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Charles Kyle Kenyon is a criminal defense attorney based in Madison who has been practicing law since 1979. Mr. Kenyon advocates for the rights of clients arrested for drunk driving, homicide, armed battery, driving under the influence of a controlled substance, theft by fraud, extortion, and prescription forgery. He is a member of the Wisconsin and the National Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers, as well as the National College for DUI Defense.

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
5.0 (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.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
2501 Parmenter St. Suite 100A First Floor, Middleton, WI 53562

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (15)
Avvo
4.6 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Fuhrman + Dodge, S.C., provides a wide array of legal services to clients in Madison and its surrounding communities. It defends individuals from accusations of disorderly conduct, battery, domestic abuse, DUI, and DWI. It also offers legal counsel and representation in the areas of bankruptcy, construction, business, real estate, intellectual property, and family law. Christopher J. Dodge, one of the firm's partners, has extensive litigation experience and serves as president of the Leadership Greater Madison Alumni Association.

  • DWI/DUI

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.

  • DWI/DUI

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 (10)
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.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
10 E Doty St Ste 513, Madison, WI 53703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Coad Law Office SC offers residents of Madison legal representation in criminal defense cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Head attorney Rick Coad has over 15 years of experience defending clients from a range of crimes, such as drug possession and trafficking, sexual assault, underage drinking, property damage, domestic battery, disorderly conduct, burglary, and homicide. The firm also serves clients in administrative and trial courts, defending clients accused of Medicaid fraud.

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (394)
Google
4.8 (212)

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.

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.

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

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.

  • DWI/DUI

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (71)
Avvo
5.0 (10)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

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.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Madison
995 Applegate Rd Suite 8, Madison, WI 53713

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Attorney Jair Alvarez represents clients in business and criminal law matters in Madison. He protects the rights and interests of individuals facing criminal charges, including OWI, sexual assault, drug possession, and disorderly conduct. Alvarez has represented more than 580 clients, with 28 trials litigated in small claims and circuit court since 2014. He also helps clients establish, protect, and expand their businesses and financial assets. Alvarez speaks Spanish, allowing him to cater to the legal needs of the Hispanic community.

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)
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
6441 Enterprise Ln Ste 109, Madison, WI 53719

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (47)
Avvo
5.0 (44)
Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Stangl Law Offices SC is a criminal defense firm that operates throughout Madison and Hayward. Attorney Pat Stangl has more than 25 years of experience defending clients against a range of criminal offenses, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, drug distribution, prostitution, counterfeiting, and conspiracies. He also represents clients in drunk driving cases. Mr. Stangl has a number of published appellate opinions in both the state and federal Courts of Appeals.

Compare Best Madison Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Mays Law Office, LLC
6405 Century Ave Ste 103, Middleton, WI 53562
Tracey Wood & Associates
6605 University Ave, Suite 101, Middleton, WI 53562
Charles Kyle Kenyon
5555 Odana Rd Ste 101, Madison, WI 53719
Chirafisi Law Office
411 West Main Street, Ste 201, Madison, WI 53703
Fuhrman + Dodge, S.C.
2501 Parmenter St. Suite 100A First Floor, Middleton, WI 53562
Hurley Law Office, LLC
121 S Pinckney St Ste 550, Madison, WI 53703
Christopher T. Van Wagner S.C.
110 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53703
Coad Law Office, S.C.
10 E Doty St Ste 513, Madison, WI 53703
Johnen Law Offices
316 W Washington Ave Ste 225, Madison, WI 53703
McCarthy Law Office
205 South John Paul Road, Milton, WI 53563
Zaleski Law Firm
10 E. Doty St., Suite 800, Madison, WI 53703
DK Anderson
411 W. Main St., Ste 202, Madison, WI 53703
Attorney Jair Alvarez
995 Applegate Rd Suite 8, Madison, WI 53713
Brophy Law Office
118 E Washington Ave Ste 300, Madison, WI 53703
Stangl Law Offices, S.C.
6441 Enterprise Ln Ste 109, Madison, WI 53719

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.