Forest County Criminal Lawyers

A legal dispute can have a big effect on your life. Without representation, the court system can be intimidating and confusing. Joe Bauer is a native of Medford, WI. He received his law degree in May, 2018 from Mitchell-Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He passed the Wisconsin Bar Exam shortly after graduation. Joe has a combined three years of courtroom experience litigating a variety of issues from criminal defense to personal injury, where he secured good outcomes for his clients. Joe is a passionate advocate for individual liberty. He will fight for your rights with conviction and diligence.

Benjamin Van Severen is a criminal defense attorney who practices in Milwaukee and throughout the state of Wisconsin. He has experience handling all types of cases, from misdemeanors and OWI/DUI to serious felonies, including homicide, sexual assault, crimes involving firearms, and drug crimes. Focusing entirely on criminal defense, Attorney Van Severen has achieved an acquittal rate three times the state average. Attorney Van Severen received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in 2010, with majors in Political Science and Criminology, and a minor in Music. He then received his Juris Doctor from Marquette...

I have successfully defended the rights of the accused in the full range of criminal and traffic offenses since 1992. I am sensitive to the fact that while I have a busy caseload, this may be your only experience with the criminal justice system. Whether your are accused of a minor traffic violation or a serious felony, you can expect that your matter will be handled with a high level of professionalism, integrity and sensitivity. Remember, it's your case.


Proper communication between attorney and client is the hallmark of effective representation. Clients can expect copies of documents filed on their behalf...

We are the best criminal defense team in Northcentral and Northwestern Wisconsin. We have been helping clients resolve their matters for over 30 years. A criminal or OWI case can leave you with many hardships — from loss of a job, to financial hardships, community stigmatization and psychological and emotional distress. Defending a criminal or drunk driving case is difficult and stressful. You don't have to fight this battle alone. When a loved one is charged with a crime, the impact can be felt throughout the home. Many individuals struggle with enormous stress and anxiety due to the situation. This stress...

Rick Coad is the founder and principal of Coad Law Office, S.C., in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a top-rated criminal defense attorney with more than 19 years of experience. Rick focuses his practice on defending individuals and corporations in state and federal court. His skills have carried him to courts throughout the midwest, and he has argued a case in the United States Supreme Court. He has been named by Super Lawyers thirteen times in his career, most recently in 2023. He is widely considered a leading defense lawyer in Wisconsin.

Attorney John Birdsall has more than 30 years of experience and has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted criminal defense lawyers in Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin. With over 250 jury trails, mostly for serious felonies such as homicide, he has an acquittal rate that is three times the Wisconsin average. John’s practice is focused exclusively on defending the wrongly accused, and has recently helped a client named Eddie Gill. After being accused of shooting and killing a Milwaukee resident, John helped uncover that the police has interrogated Gill into confessing when he was in...

A true Wisconsin native, Attorney Wood earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin. From the beginning of her legal career, Attorney Wood dedicated herself to defending OWI cases—allowing her to gain valuable experience and insights that are used to help her clients. Attorney Wood is the first Wisconsin attorney to serve on the Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) held at Harvard Law School, an organization devoted to furthering education for attorneys in this field of law. She is also a frequent speaker at...

As an young and energetic attorney at Tracey Wood & Associates, Teuta Jonuzi fights hard for the rights or her clients.

Attorney Westley practices criminal defense and DUI/OWI all over Wisconsin. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2015 with a certificate in litigation and uses that every day. She did her undergrad at the University of Minnesota and graduated from there in 2011. She has done a stint with Americorps and regularly volunteers for Teen Court in Waukesha County as a judge.

She has won numerous awards for client satisfaction and works hard to get the best case scenario for her clients on a daily basis.

An accomplished defense attorney with a background in prosecution.

Attorney Glenn E. Gaskill III received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he studied Political Science and Philosophy in addition to being a member of the football team. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he practices today.

Through the practice of law, Attorney Gaskill has taken the skills that made him successful on the football field and translated them to the courtroom. He has used his work ethic and honed his competitive spirit to his advantage in the courtroom with victories in both misdemeanor and felony...

Brian Brophy is a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney. He’s had the benefit of extensive experience both prosecuting and defending criminal and civil actions. The majority of his practice is devoted to defending those charged with crimes and representing people who have been seriously injured in accidents.

Atty. Matthew Pinix has represented hundreds of individuals in postconviction, appellate, habeas, and civil rights matters. He has also given several educational talks to lawyers, law students, and the public about criminal appeals and the processes involved.

On multiple occasions, he has been invited by other lawyers to represent individuals or organizations before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in criminal cases.

Every year since 2013, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star, an award given to no more than 2.5% of the attorneys in Wisconsin.

Prior to becoming a practicing lawyer, Matthew worked as...

Attorney Cole D. Ruby is universally recognized as one of the leading appellate attorneys in the State of Wisconsin. He focuses his practice on litigating appeals following convictions at jury trials. He has successfully litigated post-conviction issues in cases involving, for example, drug trafficking, sexual assault, possession of child pornography, arson, and homicide. On several occasions, Attorney Ruby has been able to have convictions overturned and charges dismissed completely, even after a client was convicted at jury trial while represented by other attorneys. Attorney Ruby is also an accomplished trial lawyer. Together with Andrew Martinez, he’s a two-time recipient of...

Attorney Amy C. Scholz is a former state criminal prosecutor who primarily focuses her practice on providing the best defense to clients with criminal defense, traffic, and drunk driving matters. Amy began her practice in Ohio where she worked for the City of Akron Prosecutors Office. She then returned to Wisconsin where she worked as an assistant district attorney before refocusing her practice to criminal defense. Amy is a zealous advocate for her clients. She has successfully argued motions to the court, negotiated the reduction of felony and misdemeanor charges, prevailed at jury trials, and earned...

Kirk Obear began his career in the U.S. Air Force as a JAG, prosecuting military cases. He later became one of the most renowned defense lawyers within the military. In the 1990s, Kirk moved his practice to defend civilians in private practice. Today, with the help of superior legal professionals, he represents individuals facing the most serious crimes.

At our firm, we take a teamwork approach. To us, more muscle means getting the job done faster and better. Frequent meetings, brainstorming, extensive investigation, and applying our years of legal and scientific training are all part of what makes our teamwork approach...

My first trial after graduating law school was a homicide case and we achieved a not guilty verdict. Since then, our firm has achieved innumerable dismissals and acquittals. We have won cases that seem unwindable. We have won cases when clients have confessed to crimes. In one very remarkable case, one of our clients confessed to a crime and pleaded guilty with another lawyer. After coming to us for a second opinion we were able to withdraw his guilty plea, go to trial, and convince a jury of his innocence despite the fact that he confessed his guilt to the...

Attorney Andrew I. Martinez has devoted his entire legal career to helping people accused of crimes. He focuses his practice on defending people facing charges of homicide, attempted homicide, and sex-based crimes involving adults or children. He also handles cases involving allegations of domestic abuse. Attorney Martinez is an experienced and accomplished trial lawyer, having tried cases throughout Wisconsin on charges at all levels of severity. Together with Cole Ruby, he’s a two-time recipient of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Hanson Award, each for winning a not-guilty verdict in a jury trial involving a charge of first-degree intentional...

As a respected former federal prosecutor, Tom joined Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in 1978. His superlative understanding of the federal court system is highly praised among the Wisconsin Law community; however, he prides himself on tailoring his legal expertise to meet the unique needs of each client and each case. In his own words, Tom suggests that he is "not a lawyer, but rather an advocate for the client." Tom's experience in the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin has given him the tools needed to build a highly successful white-collar criminal defense...

Attorney Johansen is a Superior native who graduated from the UWS-Superior with a B.A. in History, cum laude. He earned his J.D. in San Diego, California. While in law school, Johansen worked for Federal Defender's of San Diego, Inc. After passing the bar examination, Johansen began handling cases in Douglas County and surrounding Wisconsin counties. Attorney Johansen has served as both President and Vice President of the Douglas County Bar Association and is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. For the past two decades, he has been President of Johansen Law Office, S.C. where he focuses...

Criminal defense attorney Brian C. Nelson earned his Bachelor degree from Indiana University in 2012. He continued his legal education at Indiana University, and earned his Juris Doctorate in 2016. During law school, Mr. Nelson focused on trial advocacy and criminal defense, taking every available course and clinic in those fields. In his second year, he interned at the Marion County Prosecutors Office for a semester before leaving to clerk for a private criminal defense attorney. Mr. Nelson was on the board of his legal fraternity, and competed as a member of his school’s trial advocacy team his last two...

Michael M. Hayes was a founding partner of the Milwaukee law firm of Hayes & Rothstein, 1983-2019.

A Milwaukee native, Mr. Hayes earned his Juris Doctor law degree in 1981 from Marquette University Law School, where he was the Lead Articles Editor on the Law Review. During this time, he also served as a Judicial Intern for Wisconsin Court of Appeals Chief Judge John Decker. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated in 1977. Within 3 years he was listed in Best Lawyers in America after founding what had...

Paul was born in Milwaukee, WI and grew up on the south side of Milwaukee. Paul has five brothers and was raised by a single mom. Growing up on the south side of Milwaukee, Paul attended the local Catholic grade school and worked his way through school by working at gas stations, having a paper route and doing whatever he could to raise money to pay for tuition and books. Paul attended Pius XI high school and, once again, worked to pay all costs of his education, as did his five brothers.

Upon graduating from high school, Paul took a year...

Mark R. Mullen Attorney at Law 619 N Bridge Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Telephone: 715-723-7160 Cell : 715-828-4780 Fax: 715-723-7162 Legal Work: Mullen, Schlough & Associates S.C. Managing Attorney (July 2002 – Present) - Center personal...

Admitted to practice law in Wisconsin since 1995, I have had my own law practice since 1997. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my practice concentrates on litigation in the areas of criminal defense (all levels, state & federal), family law (divorce, child custody/support, paternity), personal bankruptcy (and alternatives), state & municipal licensing and other areas. I am admitted to practice in Wisconsin and in both the U.S. District Courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. I earned my B.A. at the University of New Orleans in 1991 and my J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 1995. I am...

After working in a firm for the first four years out of law school, Candice opened her own law practice in Sparta, Wisconsin. While she thoroughly enjoyed the six years she spent working across multiple counties and a wide range of legal areas, Candice sought and received a judicial appointment to complete a term as La Crosse County Circuit Court Branch 5 Judge. Now that her term has concluded, Candice has returned to private practice with increased skill and knowledge to better serve her clients.

Eric Schanowski is an Associate with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to joining the firm, Eric worked as a prosecutor at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and as an employment litigator. Eric is admitted to practice in Wisconsin. Eric graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Spanish. He received his JD from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2018. While in law school, Eric was the Online Managing Editor for the Northwestern University Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Society....

I have dedicated my practice to criminal defense for the past decade. I have worked in both the private sector and public sector.

My experience in both sectors has given me the opportunity to meet and work with experienced attorneys across the State. Over the years I have dealt with a wide variety of legal matters that have provided invaluable experience and knowledge of the law and the legal system.

My desire is to provide the most effective and comprehensive defense available to my clients. I want my clients to know that I understand they are in a unique situation and that...

Franklyn M. Gimbel founded GRGB after serving as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1963 through 1968. His experience as a federal prosecutor has proven invaluable in developing a successful private criminal defense law practice.

Over the years, Frank has expanded his practice into civil litigation, including complex business, employment, communications, and First Amendment cases. He has represented small businesses and large corporations, as well as individuals ranging from working men and women to judges, CEOs, and other professionals. No person's problem is too insignificant or too complicated.

Helping people is Frank's passion and the cornerstone of his practice. As he so...

Attorney Nicole A. Muller has recently joined Birdsall Obear & Associates, SC as an associate attorney. Not only is Attorney Muller a graduate of Catholic University in Washington D.C. where she studied Political Science and Studio Art, but before going to law school also graduated from Columbia University in New York City. After graduating from Columbia, Attorney Muller decided to dedicate her life to fixing our broken criminal justice system in this country. This passion to bring about positive change is what brought Attorney Muller to the great state of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law School.

Attorney Muller graduated from Marquette...

Cameron Weitzner is an associate with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to joining the firm, Cameron spent five years advocating for clients and litigating cases at the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office. Cameron has represented clients pre-charge all the way to jury trial and has achieved successful outcomes for many clients. His motion practice resulted in cases being dismissed or evidence being suppressed because of unconstitutional police or government conduct. Cameron received his J.D. from Marquette University in 2015 where he graduated in the top 25% of his class. While in law school, Cameron was selected to...

Bryant J. Mcfadden is a partner attorney at Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Serving a diverse range of clients throughout the Milwaukee/Waukesha metro region, Attorney McFadden focuses his practice primarily on family law and divorce. In addition, he also represents the rights and interests of those with legal needs involving criminal and traffic defense and business law.

A Wisconsin native, Attorney McFadden earned his undergraduate degree in business in 2012 from the Lubar School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he also received his certification in international business. Following that, he attended Marquette University Law...

Attorney Christopher M. Glinski is an aggressive and experienced Racine criminal defense, divorce, and child custody lawyer. He has dedicated his career to aggressively defending the rights of his clients and getting his clients great results. He also handles traffic tickets.

Attorney Glinski has consistently been rated one of the top lawyers in Wisconsin. He was recently recognized as one of the "Top 40 Trial Lawyers under 40" in Wisconsin and nationally recognized as one of the "Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers." He works in Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Call (262) 632-1555 for a free consultation....

Jillian J. Scheidegger is a partner at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. Jillian has been with the firm since 2013. She focuses exclusively criminal defense and traffic matters. Her practice includes the representation of adults and juveniles charged with crimes. Her cases typically involve drugs, sexual offenses, property crimes, alcohol and domestic violence. Jillian has represented hundreds of clients, zealously advocating for the best possible result in each and every case. It is important to Jillian that her clients feel informed throughout the process and understand each step of the way. Jillian is passionate about obtaining excellent results for her clients...

Raymond M. Dall’Osto is a partner with the law firm of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is admitted to practice law in Wisconsin and Illinois. His practice areas are white-collar and criminal defense in federal and state courts, defense of regulatory investigations, professional discipline defense, ethics and licensing matters, civil litigation, personal injury, employment, and constitutional rights. Ray received his law degree from the Marquette University Law School in 1977. He taught there as an adjunct professor of law from 1985 to 1990, and also has lectured at the University of Wisconsin...

Jay Englund is the owner of Englund & Associates Law Office, LLC, which is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Attorney Englund focuses his individual practice on criminal defense. He has defended thousands of people charged in a wide range of criminal and traffic offenses ranging from the most serious felonies to minor traffic violations. Before private practice, Attorney Englund clerked with the Eau Claire County Public Defender's Office and at the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office, both of which provided him with invaluable knowledge of the criminal justice system. Attorney Englund's experience and knowledge, coupled with his skills as a...

Nicole M. Masnica is a Partner at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Working to serve Wisconsin clients and bettering her community has always been a top priority. Nicole has spent countless hours in circuit courts in Southeastern Wisconsin both as a trial attorney and appellate advocate. Prior to joining the firm, Nicole spent nine years representing countless individuals in all stages of criminal litigation at the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, from pre-charging conferences to appellate representation to administrative revocation proceedings. She has tried multiple cases to a jury with successful outcomes and has achieved relief for...