1. Coad Law Office, S.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience including U.S. Supreme Court argument
Practice Areas: Assault and battery, domestic battery, domestic violence, drug crimes, computer crimes, OWI/DUI, white-collar crimes, fraud, theft, sexual assault, federal crimes
Background: Simply put, the exceptional attorneys get exceptional results for clients. The criminal defense lawyers have decades of experience in state and federal court in Madison and throughout Wisconsin, and Rick Coad is one of the few Wisconsin defense lawyers to have argued a case in the U.S. Supreme Court. He established the firm in 2011 and has been practicing in Madison as a defense attorney for 20 years. Rick has been selected as one of the criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin by Super Lawyers more than a dozen times. In 2026 he was also named to the prestigious Best Lawyers In America list. The Coad Law Office is ranked among the criminal defense attorneys in Madison, WI in cases involving assault and battery, domestic battery and domestic violence offenses, drug crimes, computer crimes, OWI, white-collar crimes, fraud, theft, sexual assault, and federal crimes.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Contact: (608) 661-8080 | https://coadlawoffice.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense and family law litigation with significant courtroom experience
Practice Areas: OWI charges, traffic violations, drug charges, homicide, sex crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, family law litigation
Background: At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., in Madison, the attorneys bring together attorneys and staff members with valuable backgrounds and experience throughout the legal system. The entire team shares one goal: to provide aggressive, prepared trial litigation in Wisconsin state and federal courts. The firm proudly identifies itself as a boutique litigation and trial firm. The attorneys do not simply pay lip service to trial skills. Each attorney at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., has significant courtroom experience. The office has handled thousands of cases, and the attorneys are in Wisconsin courtrooms every day. The firm is devoted to mastering the rules of evidence, case law knowledge, and written and oral communication skills that set the representation apart from other firms because of the level of preparation and quality put into each case and client.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Contact: (608) 237-6854 | https://nglawyers.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Christopher T. Van Wagner S.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years experience and former prosecutor background
Practice Areas: DUI/OWI, sex crimes, drug charges, assault, theft, violent crimes, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: When your career, financial security and freedom are on the line, you need a criminal defense lawyer and law firm you can trust. For any area of criminal litigation, Attorney Christopher Van Wagner is a true trial attorney; he understands how to prepare a strong case for trial and how to clearly communicate your narrative in court for misdemeanor charges or other criminal cases. Mr. Van Wagner has defended clients from serious criminal charges for over 30 years. Previously, he served as a prosecutor in New Jersey and as a federal prosecutor in Wisconsin. This experience allows Mr. Van Wagner to view cases from a unique perspective. He knows how the other side thinks and develops their case. He uses this information to anticipate their arguments and to develop a stronger defense. Results include young man found not guilty of multiple child sexual assault cases, stepfather found not guilty of sexually assaulting stepdaughters, and grandfather found not guilty of sexually assaulting his grandchild.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Contact: (608) 284-1200 | https://www.vanwagnerlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available, 24/7 availability
4. Jasti, Zehawi & Johnson, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 50+ years of combined experience and results-oriented approach
Practice Areas: OWI, domestic violence, assault, battery, drug crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes, felonies, civil rights violations
Background: The firm has a reputation across Wisconsin as distinguished criminal defense attorneys who offer their clients in-depth legal knowledge, relentless work ethic, and strategic insight in each and every case. The founding attorneys have earned a reputation for giving effective legal counsel to clients and have more than 50 years of combined experience in criminal law. Each of the attorneys is dedicated to fighting tirelessly for their clients’ rights. As a results-oriented law firm, the focus, time and resources are placed on delivering the results clients expect. The State of Wisconsin has some of the toughest penalties for OWI, so choosing the right lawyer is important. Attorney Dailey M. Johnson, a distinguished criminal defense attorney in Madison, WI, offers hope and legal guidance to individuals facing criminal charges and centers on the belief that every person deserves a zealous defense.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Contact: (608) 351-0256 | https://jzjlawyers.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Mandell & Ginsberg Attorneys at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with four decades of trial experience
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug charges, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: The law firm of Mandell & Ginsberg Attorneys at Law has a well-established reputation for providing knowledgeable, cost-effective legal guidance based upon the principles of honesty, integrity and hands-on service to clients. A well-respected attorney with over four decades of trial experience, firm partner Bill Ginsberg represents clients in Madison and central Wisconsin. He will craft a powerful legal strategy that defends rights and future using every legal tool at his disposal. He has won hundreds of cases in state and federal courts for DUI/DWI, drug charges, and other felonies and misdemeanors. The firm is located in Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin, known for its vibrant cultural scene, and is also home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona and numerous parks and bike paths.
Location: 306 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703
Contact: (608) 620-7640 | https://www.mandellginsberglaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Wisconsin
Felony Classifications
Wisconsin classifies felonies into nine classes:
Class A Felony: Includes first-degree intentional homicide. Penalty is life imprisonment.
Class B Felony: Includes first-degree reckless homicide and first-degree sexual assault. Maximum 60 years imprisonment.
Class C Felony: Includes second-degree reckless homicide and armed robbery. Maximum 40 years imprisonment and $100,000 fine.
Class D Felony: Includes second-degree sexual assault and burglary. Maximum 25 years imprisonment and $100,000 fine.
Class E Felony: Includes third-degree sexual assault and theft over $10,000. Maximum 15 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine.
Class F Felony: Includes battery to certain persons and certain drug manufacturing. Maximum 12.5 years imprisonment and $25,000 fine.
Class G Felony: Includes theft $5,000-$10,000 and certain drug delivery. Maximum 10 years imprisonment and $25,000 fine.
Class H Felony: Includes OWI 5th/6th offense and theft $2,500-$5,000. Maximum 6 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Class I Felony: Includes OWI 4th offense and certain drug possession. Maximum 3.5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes battery, theft $500-$2,500, and OWI 2nd/3rd offense. Maximum 9 months in jail and $10,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and certain drug possession. Maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes certain minor offenses. Maximum 30 days in jail and $500 fine.
Expungement
Wisconsin allows expungement only in limited circumstances:
Eligibility: Must be under 25 at time of offense. Available only for certain misdemeanors and some Class H and I felonies. Judge must order expungement at time of sentencing. Must successfully complete sentence.
Effect: Record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain agencies.
Recent Changes: Wisconsin has expanded expungement eligibility in recent years, but it remains more limited than many other states.
OWI Laws
Wisconsin OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is typically a civil forfeiture (not criminal) with $150-$300 fine and 6-9 month license revocation. Second offense within 10 years is a criminal misdemeanor with 5 days to 6 months jail, $350-$1,100 fine, and 12-18 month revocation. Third offense is a criminal misdemeanor with 45 days to 1 year jail. Fourth offense is a Class H felony with up to 6 years prison. Fifth and sixth offenses are Class G felonies. Seventh and subsequent offenses are Class F felonies. Wisconsin has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Madison?
Criminal cases in Madison are heard in Dane County courts. Dane County Circuit Court handles both felony and misdemeanor cases. Madison Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin handles federal criminal cases. Having a Madison criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case. The Dane County Courthouse is located in downtown Madison.
What is the difference between OWI and DUI in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) rather than DUI (Driving Under the Influence). The terms refer to the same offense. Wisconsin OWI law prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher, or while under the influence of an intoxicant, controlled substance, or any combination. Unlike most states, a first OWI offense in Wisconsin (without aggravating factors) is typically a civil forfeiture rather than a criminal offense. However, it still results in license revocation and appears on your driving record. A Madison criminal defense attorney can help challenge OWI charges or negotiate for reduced penalties.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Wisconsin?
A felony conviction in Wisconsin carries consequences beyond incarceration. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Wisconsin law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and on supervision (automatically restored upon completion of sentence). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Wisconsin’s limited expungement eligibility means many felony convictions cannot be removed from your record. A Madison criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue expungement where eligible.
What resources are available for UW-Madison students facing criminal charges?
University of Wisconsin-Madison students facing criminal charges should understand that a conviction can impact their academic standing, financial aid, housing, and future career prospects. The university has a Dean of Students Office that handles student conduct matters separately from the criminal court system. Common charges affecting students include OWI, underage drinking, drug possession, and disorderly conduct. Several Madison criminal defense attorneys have experience representing students and understanding how criminal charges interact with university conduct processes. An attorney can help navigate both the criminal court process and advise on how to handle university conduct proceedings.
What diversion programs are available in Dane County?
Dane County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. Deferred Prosecution Agreements allow first-time offenders to complete conditions in exchange for dismissal. Drug Court is available for defendants with substance abuse issues and involves intensive treatment and supervision. Mental Health Court is available for defendants with mental health diagnoses. Veterans Treatment Court is available for veterans with service-related issues. OWI Court is available for repeat OWI offenders. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges. A Madison criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion.