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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI

Our Recommended Top 20

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Milwaukee 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.

455Reviewed

281Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

316 N Milwaukee St Ste 200, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (86)
Avvo
5.0 (15)
Facebook
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Van Severen Law Office, S.C., offers criminal defense to the residents of Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. It provides aggressive representation and support to individuals accused of various crimes like homicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, OWI and DWI, robbery, and misdemeanor and felony offenses. It helps clients understand and weigh their legal options and assists them in navigating the entire criminal procedure, from initial appearance to appealing the case. The law firm has been delivering legal services to clients since its inception in 2012.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Sexual Assault
  • Firearm Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Benjamin Van Severen - OwnerActive11 yrs

Milwaukee, WI

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Milwaukee? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

330 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202

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Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (16)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP offers criminal defense services in Milwaukee and works on both state and federal charges. Its attorneys are adept at handling cases involving white-collar fraud, property crime, manslaughter convictions, drug charges, and computer-related offenses. They represent clients in campaign finance legal issues and guide individuals previously charged with criminal convictions in applying for pardon or expungement. Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown is an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Wisconsin Association for Justice.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Franklyn Gimbel - Founding PartnerActive64 yrs
Raymond Dall'osto - Partner and trial attorneyActive47 yrs

1219 North Cass Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (21)
Avvo
4.6 (9)
Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Birdsall Obear & Associates LLC is a law firm in Milwaukee that solely practices criminal defense. It defends the rights of clients accused of state crimes, including drug possession, drunk driving, homicide, domestic assault, cybercrimes, theft of property, and statutory rape. The firm also handles cases in federal courts, including RICO conspiracies, Medicare fraud, and Internet sex crimes. Attorney John A. Birdsall is on the Wisconsin State Bar's Board of Governors.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John Birdsall - PartnerActive35 yrs

251 W Broadway Ste 205, Waukesha, WI 53186

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Szczewski Law LLC is a criminal defense law firm representing those accused of felonies and misdemeanors in and around Milwaukee. The firm guides clients throughout the criminal justice process, including the arrest, hearings, and the trial. It assists clients who are being charged with drug possession, homicide, and drunk driving. Founding attorney Jeff Szczewski has been practicing law since 2010, and he has been honored by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jeffrey Szczewski - PrincipalActive14 yrs

11220 W Burleigh St, Wauwatosa, WI 53222

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Review Sources

Google
4.8 (22)
Avvo
5.0 (19)
FindLaw
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Lee Law Firm, LLC, represents individuals in Milwaukee who have been charged with a crime. The firm works on battery cases ranging in gravity from class a misdemeanors to class e felonies. It deals with drug and gun crimes, such as the possession of illegal substances and concealed carry violations. Owner May Lee worked in higher education before founding her practice. She was an assistant district attorney and is part of the National College for DUI Defense.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

630 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (31)
Avvo
4.6 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Robert A. Levine is a three-generation family-owned law practice that offers criminal defense and advocacy for accused individuals. The purview of its criminal justice attorneys in Milwaukee includes defense and counsel for clients facing charges such as sexual assault, domestic violence, computer crimes, drug crimes, OWI/DUI, and firearms offenses. It also takes on cases involving federal crimes, and it assists drivers with OWI license suspensions. All of the firm's attorneys are AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Levine - OwnerActive56 yrs
Jonathan james Cattey - AssociateActive14 yrs
Michael Levine - PartnerActive20 yrs

1578 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (39)
Avvo
5.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Christopher & De Leon Law Office provides immigration law and criminal defense services in Milwaukee. Among the criminal cases it handles are traffic offenses such as OWI or operating while intoxicated. The firm's lawyers seek to keep updated with the latest cases to provide clients with the best legal representation. Marc E. Christopher, who has nearly two decades of legal experience, has represented clients in criminal justice-related matters before the Wisconsin Legislature. Christopher & De Leon also helps immigrant clients avoid deportation by working to vacate criminal convictions.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Marc Christopher - AttorneyActive20 yrs

1106 East Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (39)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Gasparri & Joyce S.C. is a law firm serving clients throughout the Milwaukee area. It provides legal counsel and services for various practice areas, including criminal defense. Its team also represents clients in cases that involve personal injury, family law and divorce, and real estate law. John S. Joyce, the co-principal of the firm, has extensive criminal defense experience and has represented clients in state and federal courts. He is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and German.

1223 North Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (6)
Yelp
1.0 (1)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Alex Flynn & Associates represents clients throughout Milwaukee, including Spanish speakers. Flynn works with his team in handling felony and misdemeanor cases in both state and federal courts, including homicides, DUI/DWI offenses, and drug crimes. He has participated in numerous speaking engagements involving various criminal and personal injury law topics, as well as trial preparation and litigation. For his defense in a first-degree homicide case, he was awarded the Martin Hanson Advocate Prize by the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

1001 W Glen Oaks Ln Ste 110, Mequon, WI 53092

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Blumenfield & Shereff LLP in Milwaukee has more than 35 years of experience handling criminal defense needs of defendants in the local area and surrounding communities. Mr. Blumenfield, a skilled criminal lawyer, is a former prosecutor and municipal judge, and he leverages that insight to help clients accused of both felonies and misdemeanors. The practice also takes on white-collar cases and cases involving juveniles charged in criminal court. Mr. Blumenfield holds AV Preeminent status with Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Cobby Shereff - PartnerActive27 yrs
Charles Blumenfield - PartnerActive50 yrs

320 East Buffalo Street, Suite 700, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (30)

Why choose this provider?

Halling & Cayo Attorneys at Law is a full-service firm that caters to the locals of Milwaukee. It works with its clients on a personal level throughout the handling of the case, protecting their constitutional rights as it works to reduce the charges' negative consequences. Some of the cases it has handled include grand and petty larceny, assault, and DUI. Partner Robert Dvorak handles criminal law and has been in service since 1979. He is also licensed to practice in Minnesota.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

3970 N Oakland Ave Suite 703, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (28)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Jeff Purnell, a criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience, provides legal representation to people in Milwaukee. He handles criminal cases and defends individuals accused of drug possession, drunk driving, illegal firearm possession, sexual assault, homicide, or murder. He supports clients by advising them before interrogation and informing them of what to do if they are the focus of a law enforcement investigation. Professional athletes, politicians, police officials, other attorneys, and business executives are among Purnell's clients.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

569 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (32)
Avvo
5.0 (10)
Facebook
3.4 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Vargas Law Office, LLC, located in Milwaukee, has been providing professional legal services to individuals and businesses since 1996. The firm represents clients who have been charged with a crime. It helps clients reduce their sentences in a variety of criminal defense accusations, including DUI, homicide, and traffic violations. The firm's founder, Ronnie Vargas, formerly worked for Velez Moreno and Vargas, where he handled criminal defense litigation for nine years. He can also communicate with Spanish-speaking clients.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

1661 N Water St Ste 406, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (377)
Avvo
5.0 (75)
Facebook
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Grieve Law LLC is a criminal defense law firm serving the community of Milwaukee that has three other offices in the state. The firm guides clients throughout their interactions with the criminal justice system, beginning with the initial arrest and investigation and continuing with the hearings and trial. It takes cases involving drunk driving, weapons violations, domestic violence, and homicide. Partner Tom Grieve was featured in the National Trial Lawyers' Top 40 Under 40 ranking.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Grieve - Managing Attorney and FounderActive14 yrs

111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1925, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.3 (6)
Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Jensen represents clients in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas in criminal defense cases. It protects the legal rights of individuals who have been charged with felonies or misdemeanors in state or federal courts. Founding attorney Jeffrey W. Jensen has been practicing criminal defense in the metro for over three decades. He also publishes The Jensen Defense, which provides insights and updates on the Wisconsin criminal justice system from the viewpoint of the defense.

  • Expungement
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

757 North Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Pruhs & Donovan, S.C., works on trial and appellate cases concerning criminal law matters throughout Milwaukee. Its team works on behalf of defendants in appealing for sentence modifications, filing adjustment motions, and pushing for post-revocation sentencing. It focuses on each aspect of a case, including potential facts and relevant details that fall within local laws, to reinforce its defense arguments for clients. One of the firm's partners, Martin J. Pruhs, began his practice in criminal defense while working under Machulak, Robertson, Hutchinson & O’Dess, S.C.

  • Federal Crime

2505 N. Mayfair Road Suite 219, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.3 (6)
Google
4.2 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Kerri Cleghorn Law Office is a legal firm that defends the rights of criminally charged individuals in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities. Attorney Kerri Cleghorn has been in the legal field since 2003, representing first-time offenders and those facing severe criminal penalties and jail terms. She handles cases ranging from murder and weapon offenses to drunk driving and drug possession. She extends her representation to family law services and takes on juvenile matters and appeals.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

400 N Executive Dr Ste 205, Brookfield, WI 53005

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (44)
Facebook
5.0 (3)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Buting, Williams & Stilling, S.C., represents clients facing serious criminal charges in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin. Its attorneys have a background in trial and appellate advocacy, having handled cases involving homicide, sexual offenses, drug-related crimes, and wrongful convictions. It employs innovative legal strategies, such as leveraging DNA and forensic evidence to challenge convictions, which they also offer to other attorneys for consultations. The firm has been advocating for the rights of the accused for over three decades.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jerome Buting - PartnerActive43 yrs
Kathleen Stilling - PartnerActive43 yrs
Dudley Williams - PartnerActive43 yrs

3111 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Anderegg & Associates represents Milwaukee residents facing criminal charges. The firm handles a wide range of serious cases, from drunk driving to homicide. The office investigates white-collar crimes and cases of disorderly conduct or domestic violence. It also files motions for new trials and petitions for appeals for post-conviction relief. The practice has been representing clients in the state for over 30 years and is led by Rex Anderegg who has participated in close to 300 appellate cases.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Van Severen Law Office, S.C.
316 N Milwaukee St Ste 200, Milwaukee, WI 53202Free consultation
Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP
330 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Birdsall Obear & Associates LLC
1219 North Cass Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Szczewski Law, LLC
251 W Broadway Ste 205, Waukesha, WI 53186
Lee Law Firm, LLC
11220 W Burleigh St, Wauwatosa, WI 53222
The Law Offices of Robert A. Levine
630 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Christopher & De Leon Law Office
1578 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Gasparri & Joyce S.C.
1106 East Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Alex Flynn & Associates
1223 North Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Blumenfield & Shereff, LLP
1001 W Glen Oaks Ln Ste 110, Mequon, WI 53092
Halling & Cayo Attorneys at Law
320 East Buffalo Street, Suite 700, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Jeff Purnell Criminal Defense Attorney
3970 N Oakland Ave Suite 703, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Vargas Law Office, LLC
569 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Grieve Law LLC
1661 N Water St Ste 406, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Jensen
111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1925, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Pruhs & Donovan, S.C.
757 North Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Kerri Cleghorn Law Office
2505 N. Mayfair Road Suite 219, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Buting, Williams & Stilling, S.C.
400 N Executive Dr Ste 205, Brookfield, WI 53005
Anderegg & Associates
3111 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208

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.

Milwaukee, WI Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    Contact the MPD at 414-933-4444.

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

    Verify or request accident reports from the MPD's Open Records Section at (414) 935-7502. You can also send an email to [email protected] or visit the office personally at 2333 N. 49th Street (2nd Floor) from Tuesdays to Thursdays, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

  • Are police officers required to read Miranda rights when a person is arrested for a criminal offense in Milwaukee?

    No. Police officers are not required to read your rights whenever you are arrested. They are only required to do so when you are taken into custody for criminal charges in Milwaukee and plan to use your statements as evidence. If there is enough evidence for you, they can proceed to arrest you without reading your rights.

  • Can a defendant face both criminal and civil trials in Milwaukee?

    Yes. You can face criminal and civil charges in Milwaukee if you are accused of violating criminal laws and charged with causing damage to a civilian party. For example, if you are caught with a felony DUI that caused an injury, you will face criminal charges for the DUI and civil charges from a personal injury lawsuit filed by the injured.

  • Should a person in Milwaukee give consent to a police search?

    No. You should not consent to any request for a police search without speaking to a lawyer. The police should have a valid warrant before they are allowed to conduct a search. You have the right to be protected by the law from any illegal searches from law enforcement in Milwaukee.

  • If individuals facing criminal charges in Milwaukee are innocent, should they still hire a lawyer?

    Yes. If you are facing criminal charges in Milwaukee and are innocent, you have to hire a lawyer to protect your rights. The criminal justice system is put in place to punish persons found guilty of crimes and you have to work to clear your name in court. The process of defending yourself in legal proceedings entails a lot of risks and with so much at stake, it is best to let a lawyer do it for you.

  • If defendants are unable to pay for a lawyer in Milwaukee, who should they contact?

    Contact the office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender – Trial at (414) 227-4805 if you are facing criminal charges and seeking advice or representation. You may contact the same number if you need a lawyer for your criminal appeal cases. You can also visit the public defender office at the Milwaukee State Office Building at 819 North 6th Street.