Areas served: Madison, WI and surrounding Dane County
Madison's criminal defense landscape reflects its position as Wisconsin's state capital, with attorneys practicing in both Dane County Circuit Court and federal court for the Western District of Wisconsin. The legal community includes former prosecutors from the Dane County District Attorney's office, public defenders with extensive trial experience, and private practitioners specializing in areas from OWI defense to white-collar crime. This directory provides detailed profiles of criminal defense attorneys serving Madison, evaluating their case experience, jurisdictional knowledge, and track records across misdemeanor and felony matters.
Johnen & Holevoet Law Offices is a Madison-based criminal and traffic defense firm specializing in OWI/DUI offenses, traffic tickets, drug charges, domestic abuse, sex crimes, and violent crime defense throughout Wisconsin. Led by experienced attorneys, the firm provides aggressive representation and free case evaluations to help clients understand their legal options and work toward beating or reducing charges. They also handle Wisconsin pardon and commutation applications.
Casper Mehlos Law Group is a criminal defense and personal injury law firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, led by attorney Corey Mehlos. The firm specializes in serious felony defense including sexual assault, homicide, DUI/DWI, drug charges, and other major criminal charges across Wisconsin. Beyond criminal defense, they also handle personal injury cases. The firm is known for aggressive case investigation, challenging evidence, and securing dismissals, acquittals, and favorable outcomes for clients facing significant prison time.
Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC is a Madison-based law firm specializing in criminal defense, representing clients facing DUI/DWI charges, felony accusations, misdemeanor charges, and drug-related offenses. The firm's experienced attorneys provide aggressive advocacy and personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances. They are committed to protecting clients' rights and achieving the best possible outcomes in criminal proceedings.
Mays Law Office, LLC is a small criminal defense and workers' compensation law firm in Middleton, Wisconsin, serving Madison and surrounding areas. Led by attorneys with over 60 years of combined experience, they specialize in DUI/OWI defense, criminal charges, and workers' compensation claims. The firm emphasizes compassionate, personalized representation in a relaxed environment, with all consultations free and bilingual services available.
Coad Law Office, S.C. is a criminal defense firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, founded by Rick Coad who has been practicing defense law for over 20 years. The firm specializes exclusively in criminal defense, defending felony, misdemeanor, and OWI cases including assault, domestic battery, drug crimes, sexual assault, fraud, white-collar crimes, and federal crimes. Rick Coad has been recognized by Super Lawyers and named to Best Lawyers in America, and is one of the few Wisconsin defense attorneys to have argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Grieve Law is a criminal defense law firm serving Fitchburg and Dane County with experienced trial attorneys specializing in DUI/OWI, drug charges, domestic abuse, sexual assault, homicide, and both misdemeanor and felony cases. The firm includes several former prosecutors who leverage their inside knowledge of prosecution tactics to build aggressive defenses aimed at reducing or dismissing charges. Since 2013, their award-winning team has earned recognition as Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Wisconsin and Premier attorneys in criminal defense.
Hurley Burish, S.C. is a Madison-based law firm of 14 attorneys specializing in Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, and Business & Personal Services. Founded in 1984, the firm has built a reputation for handling complex and challenging cases, with significant work generated through referrals from other attorneys who trust them with clients outside their own specialties. They combine the comprehensive and creative work of larger firms with the personal relationships and cost-effectiveness of a smaller practice.
Stangl Law Offices, S.C. is a full-service criminal defense law firm in Madison serving clients across Wisconsin, led by Patrick J. Stangl, a nationally-recognized OWI and criminal defense attorney in practice since 1991. The firm provides skilled legal representation for drunk driving charges (OWI), drug charges, fraud, weapons offenses, assault, vehicular homicide, federal charges, and criminal appeals, with a proven track record of jury acquittals and favorable plea negotiations. Attorney Stangl also handles personal injury claims and offers free consultations to evaluate cases.
Attorney Jair Alvarez is a criminal and business lawyer serving southwestern Wisconsin since 2014, with particular expertise defending individuals and families in criminal matters and advising small business owners on corporate law and asset protection. A native Spanish speaker certified to practice in all Wisconsin state and federal courts, he has represented over 850 clients, litigated 28 trials with an 18:10 win record, and secured 15 complete criminal charge dismissals. His practice combines criminal defense, business law, and contract litigation with personalized service including home visits and bilingual representation.
Grieve Law is an award-winning criminal defense firm serving Madison and Dane County with experienced trial attorneys specializing in DUI/OWI, drug charges, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and homicide cases. Led by founder Tom Grieve and a team that includes former prosecutors, the firm has built a strong record since 2013 defending clients across Wisconsin's state and federal courts. They offer free consultations and aggressive advocacy focused on reducing or dismissing charges.
Chirafisi Anderson, S.C. is a Wisconsin criminal defense law firm exclusively focused on defending individuals accused of crimes throughout Southern and Central Wisconsin. The firm represents clients facing OWI/impaired driving, drug charges, domestic violence, sex offenses, violent crimes, felony allegations, and other serious criminal charges. Their attorneys emphasize early case intervention, evidence analysis, motion practice, and trial-ready preparation, with experience across multiple Wisconsin jurisdictions.
Avena Law Office, LLC is a criminal defense firm in Madison, Wisconsin, led by Attorney Glenn E. Avena, who brings over 10 years of experience defending clients against misdemeanor and felony charges. The firm specializes in OWI/DUI defense, drug possession cases, and serious criminal offenses across 13 Wisconsin counties. Glenn offers bilingual services in English and Spanish, transparent fixed-fee pricing, flexible payment plans, and free confidential consultations, with extended hours and in-home consultations available for clients who need accommodations.
Christopher T. Van Wagner S.C. is a criminal defense law firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, serving clients throughout the state. Attorney Christopher Van Wagner specializes in DUI/DWI defense, felony charges, misdemeanor offenses, and drug-related criminal charges. The firm provides aggressive legal representation for individuals facing serious criminal charges, with a focus on protecting clients' rights and achieving the best possible outcomes.
Dailey M. Johnson Attorney at Law is a Madison-based legal practice offering comprehensive criminal defense and DUI/DWI representation. Attorney Dailey M. Johnson handles felony and misdemeanor cases, providing aggressive courtroom advocacy and strategic legal counsel for clients facing serious criminal charges. The firm emphasizes personalized attention and works to protect clients' rights throughout the criminal justice process.
Tracey Wood & Associates is a criminal defense law firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, specializing in DUI/DWI defense, drug charges, felony and misdemeanor offenses, and juvenile defense. Led by attorney Tracey Wood, the firm provides aggressive legal representation for clients facing serious criminal charges and offers free initial consultations to evaluate cases. The firm is known for its thorough case preparation and dedicated advocacy in Wisconsin's criminal justice system.
Grieve Law Criminal Defense provides aggressive criminal defense representation for clients facing DUI, felony, misdemeanor, and drug charges in Baraboo and surrounding areas. Led by experienced criminal defense attorneys, the firm specializes in protecting clients' rights through thorough case investigation and strategic courtroom advocacy. They offer free consultations to discuss your case and potential defense options.
Ruth Robert T is a criminal defense attorney based in downtown Madison serving clients throughout Dane County. With a focus on DUI/DWI defense and criminal matters, this firm provides experienced legal representation for individuals facing criminal charges. The attorney offers personalized defense strategies and is available to discuss your case.
Wyosnick Legal, LLC is a Madison-based law firm specializing in criminal defense, serving clients throughout Wisconsin. Founded by experienced attorneys, the firm handles DUI/DWI cases, felony and misdemeanor defense, drug charges, and juvenile defense matters. They offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to provide aggressive representation when clients need it most.
Grieve Law is a criminal defense firm serving Middleton and the Madison area, specializing in DUI/DWI, felony, misdemeanor, and drug charge defense. The experienced legal team works to protect clients' rights throughout the criminal justice process, from arrest through trial and appeal. They offer free consultations to help clients understand their options and build a strong defense strategy.
The Law Office of Nicholas J. Rifelj is a criminal defense firm serving Madison and Dane County, Wisconsin. Attorney Nicholas J. Rifelj specializes in defending clients facing criminal charges, including DUI/DWI, drug offenses, felonies, and misdemeanors. The firm provides aggressive legal representation and free consultations to help clients understand their rights and options.
Attorney Joseph Kennedy is a Madison-based criminal defense lawyer specializing in OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) cases, DUI/DWI defense, and related drunk driving charges. With a focus on protecting clients' driving privileges and minimizing legal consequences, Kennedy provides experienced representation for those facing serious traffic and criminal charges in Wisconsin.
Strang Bradley, LLC is a criminal defense law firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, specializing in DUI/DWI defense, felony charges, misdemeanor offenses, and drug-related charges. The firm provides aggressive representation for clients facing serious criminal charges, with a focus on protecting rights and achieving favorable outcomes through experienced legal strategy.
Hurley Law Office, LLC is a Madison-based criminal defense firm led by Attorney Robert Hurley, a former Assistant District Attorney in Dane County who now uses his insider knowledge of law enforcement and prosecution tactics to defend clients. The firm specializes in criminal defense across all felonies and misdemeanors, with particular expertise in drunk driving (OWI) defense, drug crimes, and violent crime cases. Attorney Hurley is known for personalized client care, reasonable fees, payment plans, and free consultations—providing experienced representation during the critical early stages following arrest or investigation.
Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. is a full-service law firm in Madison specializing in criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. The firm represents clients in serious felony and misdemeanor cases, divorce and custody matters, and comprehensive estate planning services. With deep roots in the Madison community, they provide aggressive representation and personalized legal counsel for individuals navigating complex legal challenges.
Stroud, Willink & Howard Criminal Defense Group is a Madison-based criminal defense firm specializing in DUI, felony, misdemeanor, and drug charge defense. The experienced attorneys provide aggressive representation for clients facing serious criminal charges, with a commitment to protecting rights and achieving the best possible outcomes. They offer free consultations and are available to discuss your case.
Johnen & Holevoet Law Offices is the top-ranked criminal defense firm in Madison with a Lantern Score of 85.59/100 and a perfect 5-star rating based on 421 reviews. They specialize in OWI/DUI offenses, drug charges, domestic abuse, sex crimes, and violent crime defense for Wisconsin residents.
Madison has numerous specialized DUI/OWI defense options, including Johnen & Holevoet Law Offices (Lantern Score 85.59), Casper Mehlos Law Group (85.52), and Stangl Law Offices (82.32), which features Patrick J. Stangl, a nationally-recognized OWI attorney. These firms offer aggressive representation specifically tailored to intoxicated driving cases.
Casper Mehlos Law Group (Lantern Score 85.52/100, 5 stars, 337 reviews) specializes in serious felony defense and is recommended for individuals facing sexual assault accusations and aggressive criminal defense needs across Wisconsin. The firm is led by attorney Corey Mehlos and maintains the second-highest ranking in Madison.
Yes, Mays Law Office, LLC (Lantern Score 84.63/100) and Avena Law Office, LLC (81.68/100) both offer bilingual Spanish-speaking representation. Mays Law Office has over 60 years of combined experience from its attorneys, while Avena Law Office specializes in DUI/OWI and felony/misdemeanor defense for Spanish-speaking clients.
Johnen & Holevoet Law Offices leads with 421 reviews and a Lantern Score of 85.59/100, followed by Casper Mehlos Law Group with 337 reviews (Lantern Score 85.52). Both maintain perfect or near-perfect 5-star ratings, reflecting strong client satisfaction.
Multiple top-ranked firms handle drug charges, including Johnen & Holevoet Law Offices (Lantern Score 85.59), Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC (85.31), and Coad Law Office, S.C. (84.05). These firms provide specialized defense for drug-related offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies across Wisconsin.