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TOP-RATED WISCONSIN CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS SINCE 2012

Since 2012, the criminal defense attorneys at Van Severen Law Office have been identified by Super Lawyers as “Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorneys” in Milwaukee, WI. Our defense attorneys are recognized throughout Wisconsin as experienced and trusted advocates for individuals facing all criminal and drunk driving charges.  Whether you’re facing a Class A felony, a misdemeanor, a forfeiture, or any other kind of conviction, one of our defense lawyers can certainly help.  We regularly represent defendants facing high-profile criminal cases, and we’re familiar with the special attention these cases require.  But even if your case isn’t in the news, we’ve represented many individuals in yours shoes.

At Van Severen Law Office we defend individuals facing criminal charges throughout all of Wisconsin.  The majority of our practice focuses on Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Dodge, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac Counties, but we certainly travel throughout the state for clients seeking the best criminal defense representation from one of the best attorneys in Wisconsin.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Understand the criminal procedure.

Know what you’re up against and what to expect when you or a loved one is charged with a crime.

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

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Legal News and Notes.

Keep up with the latest Wisconsin law news and insights on our legal blog.

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ABOUT

Our law firm dedicates itself to aggressive representation, but we strive for more. Our smart criminal defense strategies allow us to more effectively achieve the best results in your criminal case. The skill and dedication of your defense attorney will have an impact on your criminal case.  Whether your case requires motion practice, aggressive negotiation, or strong jury trial representation, we can help.

ABOUT THE ATTORNEYS

THE BEST DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Drunk driving cases in Wisconsin are serious.  Although your first offense usually does not carry any kind of incarceration, it’s important to fight your charges from the very beginning.  A first-offense drunk driving charge sticks with you for the rest of your life.  And it certainly counts on your record.

Subsequent drunk driving charges are even more important to defend.  Starting with a second offense OWI, convictions lead to time in jail.  And once you hit a fourth offense, it’s a felony.  The fact that your first offense was simply a ticket hurts you more when you get to these offenses.  Judges see your “free chance” as more of a reason to punish you later on.

At Van Severen Law Office, our criminal defense attorneys are always on top of changes in drunk driving, OWI, DUI, and PAC law.  Whether you were illegally stopped by police, illegally arrested after incorrect standardized field sobriety tests, or subject to some other unjust procedure, we’re here to help.  Our criminal defense attorneys are some of the best in Wisconsin, and are here to help you.

What do past clients say about Van Severen Law Office?

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OUR CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS FIGHT CHARGES THROUGHOUT WISCONSIN

Our criminal defense attorneys are constantly recognized throughout the state as experts in this field.  Whether you’re in need of a sexual assault defense attorney, a drunk driving defense attorney, or a drug defense attorney, we have your back.  100% of our representation focuses on defending individuals accused of violating the laws in Wisconsin.  If you’re looking for a specialist, our criminal defense attorneys are certainly a match.

Wisconsin Criminal Defense:  We represent defendants throughout Wisconsin.  No matter which corner of the state you’re located in, if you’re serious about representation, we’re prepared to help.

Milwaukee Criminal Defense:  Our main office is located in Milwaukee, WI.  We operate satellite offices throughout southeastern Wisconsin.  This helps us better serve clients in the more urban areas of our state.

 

We win criminal cases.  Call us today.  Let’s start fighting your case together.

WHAT HAPPENS IN COURT?

Criminal cases can be complex and confusing. At Van Severen Law Office we’re dedicated to making the process work well for you.

ABOUT CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

AREAS OF PRACTICE

DRUNK DRIVING – OWI / DWI / PAC DRUG CRIMES VIOLENT CRIMES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FIREARM CRIMES PROPERTY CRIMES HOMICIDE SEX CRIMES CHILD NEGLECT / CHILD ABUSE PAROLE / PROBATION TRAFFIC CRIMES

Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter Defense Attorneys

Homicide is one the most serious crimes in Wisconsin.  The homicide defense lawyers at Van Severen Law Office regularly defend individuals charged in all kinds of homicide cases.  Whether your case is a reckless homicide charge based on an overdose, a first degree intentional homicide charge based on a shooting, or anything in between, we can help you.  We’ve defended cold cases, we’ve defended high profile cases, and we’re familiar with the issues related to all homicide cases.  We firmly believe that only the best criminal defense lawyers in Wisconsin should fight the most serious charges.  Your life literally depends on the skill of your criminal defense attorney.

Learn More about Homicide Charges

Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys

Sexual assault charges, like homicide charges, carry the most significant criminal penalties in Wisconsin.  And like homicide, sexual assault charges carry numerous issues specific to the criminal charge.  Certainly many “victims” of sexual assault are aware that a simple lie is enough to remove you from their life and send you to prison for decades.  Collateral consequences, such as being forced to report on the sex offender registry often accompany these charges.  Our criminal defense lawyers take sexual assault charges very seriously, and are prepared to fight for you from your initial appearance through jury trial.   Your life could rely on the result of your case.  Hire the very best criminal defense lawyer you can afford.

Learn More about Sexual Assault Charges.

Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

Our drunk driving defense attorneys represent a significant number of individuals facing OWI (operating while intoxicated), DUI (driving under the influence), and PAC (prohibited alcohol concentration) charges. Although your first offense drunk driving charge in Wisconsin is typically not a crime there are still significant consequences associated with a conviction. You face a driver license suspension, steep fines, demerit points on your license, and a potential ignition interlock device. Subsequent offenses carry mandatory jail sentences, starting with 5 days jail for a second offense. And finally, a fourth offense drunk driving conviction carries felony penalties and potential time in prison.

Learn More about Drunk Driving Charges

Domestic violence defense attorneys

Our criminal defense attorneys all started their careers defending a significant amount of domestic violence cases.  It’s also where a number of our attorneys had their first jury trials.  No matter the domestic violence charge you’re facing, our attorneys are familiar with the issues.  We recognize that the individual accusing you may be lying and that credibility is frequently an issue in these cases.  And we recognize that a domestic violence conviction is embarrassing.  It will change your life.  Don’t count on an appeal – win your case the first time.  Contact one of our top trial attorneys and let’s see how we can help.

Learn More about Domestic Violence Charges

Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

Drug crimes vary from simple possession of marijuana all the way to serious felony charges like delivery of heroin.  One of these charges could result in a deferred prosecution agreement. The other will start with a significant prison recommendation from the government.  Both of these charges are best fought with the assistance of a Milwaukee criminal defense lawyer.  Whether it’s marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, a designer drug, or any other substance, we can help you.  Like our experiences in domestic violence court, many of our defense lawyers have defended drug crimes from the very beginnings of their careers.  Contact us to speak with a top Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer.

Learn More about Drug Charges

Violent crime defense attorneys

Prosecutors take violent crimes very seriously.  There’s a chance that simply upon being accused of a violent crime, the local news media decided to cover your case.  Don’t let them scare you.  Individuals accused of violent crimes, like individuals accused of all other crimes, deserve to be represented by an aggressive, assertive defense lawyer.  You’ll find the Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys at Van Severen Law Office to be exactly those things.  We’ve successfully defended thousands of individuals in your position.  Call us today, and come speak with us regarding your pending criminal charges.  Let’s start fighting your case together.

Learn More about Violent Crime Charges

What is the Alien Enemies Act of 1798?

May 14th, 2025 by

Criminal defense attorney Ben Van Severen explains the Alien Enemies Act of 1798: The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of four laws passed by the United States Congress in 1798 during the presidency of John Adams.  The laws were enacted amid heightened tensions between the United States and France (specifically the Quasi-War, an…

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Do I need to let Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents into my home?

April 18th, 2025 by

Are Wisconsinites required to open their doors to ICE officials? Quickly after Donald Trump took office in 2025, he began pursuing one of his campaign promises: to reign in illegal immigration, secure the border, and deport individuals in violation of immigration laws.  Unfortunately, his plans quickly expanded, a prison in El Salvador got involved, and…

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Wisconsin drunk driving laws in 2025

March 20th, 2025 by

Wisconsin drunk driving laws in 2025: What are they?  Have the laws changed over the last year? Sometimes, state criminal laws change quickly.  Criminal drunk driving laws are no exception.  Prior to 2017, a fourth offense OWI was a misdemeanor in Wisconsin, so long as no prior drunk driving offense had occurred within the last…

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