Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense
We help people and organizations under criminal investigation and prosecution.
One of Wisconsin’s top criminal defense firms
We help people and organizations under criminal investigation and prosecution. Strang Bradley is consistently recognized as one of the top criminal defense firms in Wisconsin. At Strang Bradley, we represent people across Wisconsin in state court and nationwide in federal court in legal matters that profoundly affect our clients and their families. We take pride in helping real people tell their stories, fight back, and save their liberty, their reputations, and what matters most in their lives.
We are more expensive than most criminal defense firms, in part because we intentionally keep our caseloads low so we can conduct thorough investigations, immerse ourselves in the facts of the case, strategically pursue pretrial motions and briefs, and retain the best experts available.
We do the quiet stuff better than others. We write better; we think more creatively about pretrial issues; we consider opportunities to advance our clients’ cause while also seeking systemic change when we can; we prepare more thoroughly; and we speak and write with intellectual integrity and nuance, rather than with indifference and noise.
Advancing Effective Strategies to Respond to Unique Circumstances
At Strang Bradley, we have the skill and experience to develop and advance an effective strategy for each unique circumstance. We understand that when you are accused of a crime, nothing is more important than working toward the best possible outcome.
Intelligently Employing Innovative and Aggressive Defense Strategies
We vigorously defend individuals accused of criminal misconduct at all stages of criminal proceedings. From the initial investigation to pre-charging negotiations, motion hearings, jury trial, and, if necessary, sentencing hearings, we work closely with a skilled, experienced private investigator and use innovative discovery techniques to obtain information and build the most effective defense at every stage.
Featured Criminal Defense Victory
Skilled Strategy, Relentless Preparation, and Staying the Course to a Not Guilty Verdict
Carlton Schley has been a Wisconsin farmer his entire life. One day, he was driving his tractor home when he was involved in an accident with a car, which resulted in the death of the driver. Carlton was criminally charged with Second Degree Reckless Homicide. After years of litigation — motion hearings, forcing the government to turn over evidence related to its experts, and challenging the conclusions of those experts — Strang Bradley secured a not guilty verdict at a jury trial. Carlton walked out of the courtroom a free man.
What Happened
The State had a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper perform an accident reconstruction that concluded Carlton failed to stop at a stop sign, causing the fatal crash. Through extensive research, retaining a qualified accident reconstruction expert, and cross-examining the State’s expert twice at two separate preliminary hearings, the lawyers at Strang Bradley determined the Trooper’s report was wrong because the Trooper had no experience reconstructing accidents involving a tractor, did not understand the basic mechanics of tractor propulsion, and did not understand the speedometer design of the specific tractor involved.
Pre-Trial Litigation
With a qualified expert who understood how to reconstruct an accident with the exact tractor involved, we demonstrated that the State’s report was wrong, then aggressively defended the case throughout pre-trial litigation — filing subpoenas for the reconstruction data, repeated motions to compel discovery, a motion for a jury view, motions in limine, and a motion for sanctions against the prosecutors for failing to disclose exculpatory evidence.
The Resolution
With superior planning, preparation, and a skilled expert witness, our lawyers presented a compelling case at trial. The State’s experts — the ones the prosecutor relied on to charge the case and needed to prove a crime occurred — were severely discredited. The jury of 12 returned a unanimous decision: Not Guilty.
Why This Case Matters
Far too often, police and prosecutors fail in their duties to conduct a proper investigation — by mistake, neglect, bias, or tunnel vision — which can lead to people being wrongfully charged and convicted. Having a team of skilled, experienced, and determined criminal defense lawyers on your side can help preserve your rights and liberty, even and especially when fighting against the vast resources of the government.
Working on Carlton’s defense was a team effort, involving every single criminal defense attorney in our firm — from our first meeting to the final day of trial. I am proud to have represented Carlton, and that together we achieved the right result: Not Guilty.
John Bradley, Strang Bradley
Strang Bradley Criminal Defense Lawyers Who Worked On This Case
State Court vs. Federal Court
State Court
More than 95% of criminal prosecutions in this country happen in state, not federal, courts. As respected as we are in federal courts in Wisconsin and elsewhere, the majority of our cases are in the courthouses of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. We handle the full range of those cases, from misdemeanors carrying a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail to the most serious felonies carrying mandatory life sentences in prison.
The norm in defense of state criminal cases is oral advocacy, with little focus on pretrial legal issues or written work. We do not respect that norm. Precisely because they are not the norm, strong pretrial motions and briefs—those that develop and press interesting, creative legal issues—stand out in state court.
Federal Court
This firm was co-founded by Wisconsin’s first Federal Defender, Dean Strang, who started and ran the federal defender offices in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison. We remain one of relatively few Wisconsin firms that can say honestly that they do significant federal criminal defense work. Federal cases are far fewer but, on balance, also carry far higher potential sentences. They invariably are serious. So are we. And our edge in written work and legal research—in innovative, persuasive motions and briefs, including on systemic issues broader than any single client’s case—is exceptionally important in, and matched to, federal criminal cases.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
We defend the full range of state and federal criminal matters across Wisconsin.
- Homicide The most serious accusation a person can face often carries the prospect of life in prison. These cases turn on intent, self-defense, forensic evidence, and witness credibility, and demand immediate, meticulous investigation. Learn more
- Violent Crimes Charges can be elevated by allegations of injury or the use of a weapon. A careful defense scrutinizes the evidence, the alleged intent, and any claim of justified force to protect your freedom and your record. Learn more
- Sex Offenses A conviction can mean prison, mandatory registration, and lifelong consequences. These emotionally charged cases frequently rest on competing accounts, making a careful, discreet, and aggressive defense essential. Learn more
- Drug Crimes From simple possession to manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking. Many cases hinge on whether police conducted a lawful search and seizure — and suppressing illegally obtained evidence can change the entire outcome. Learn more
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Computer Crimes Unauthorized access, hacking, identity theft, and possession of illicit digital material involve complex technical evidence. A lawyer who understands the technology behind the allegations is essential to challenging the government’s case.
- Property Crimes Theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, criminal damage, and arson. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect future employment and housing; a strong defense examines intent, ownership, identification, and how the evidence was gathered. Learn more
- Financial Crimes Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and other white-collar offenses turn on proving an intent to defraud — frequently the weakest part of the prosecution’s case. A thorough, document-driven defense can be decisive. Learn more
- Gun Crimes Unlawful possession, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession by a prohibited person. Many gun cases raise constitutional questions about the legality of the stop, search, or seizure that produced the weapon. Learn more
- DUI/OWI An OWI arrest can put your license, job, and freedom at risk even on a first offense. These cases often turn on the validity of the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of breath or blood testing. Learn more
- Juvenile Offenses The juvenile system has its own rules, procedures, and dispositions, and in serious cases prosecutors may seek to charge a minor as an adult. We focus on protecting a child’s record and future. Learn more
- University Discipline Academic misconduct, Title IX allegations, and code-of-conduct proceedings move quickly, often lack the protections of a criminal court, and can run parallel to criminal charges. Learn more
- Restraining Orders An injunction can restrict where you live, whom you contact, and whether you can possess a firearm — and a violation can lead to criminal charges. Skilled representation at the hearing matters. Learn more
- Federal Crimes Investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, federal cases carry mandatory minimums and proceed under rules that differ sharply from state court. Early, experienced representation is invaluable. Learn more
- Expungement & Record Sealing A past conviction or arrest can stand between you and a job, a home, or a license. We review your record, determine eligibility, and pursue the relief that gives you a fresh start. Learn more
- Post-Conviction & Appeals An unfavorable verdict is not always the end. We handle appeals and post-conviction motions in state and federal court, including before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Learn more
- Pardons & Commutations Executive clemency can restore rights, reduce a sentence, or formally forgive a conviction. We help build and present the strongest possible application. Learn more
Our Team
Strang Bradley’s Criminal Defense Lawyers
Answers
Criminal Defense FAQs
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Should I talk to the police if I am under investigation?
You should do what your attorney tells you to do. You should speak with a criminal defense lawyer before talking to investigators. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, and what you say can be used against you. Strang Bradley can advise you and communicate with law enforcement on your behalf.
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Do you handle federal criminal cases?
Yes. Strang Bradley was co-founded by Wisconsin’s first Federal Defender, Dean Strang, and we are one of relatively few Wisconsin firms that do significant federal criminal defense work, in courts across the state and nationwide.
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What is the difference between state and federal criminal charges?
More than 95% of prosecutions occur in state court, which handles everything from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Federal cases are fewer but typically carry far higher potential sentences and turn heavily on written motions and legal research—an area where our firm has a particular edge.
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How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Fees depend on the charges and the complexity of the case. We intentionally keep our caseloads low so we can investigate thoroughly and prepare relentlessly. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and our fees.
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What should I do if I have been arrested or charged?
Invoke your right to counsel. Exercise your right to remain silent; do not discuss your case with anyone but your lawyer, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Early, experienced representation can protect your rights and shape the outcome of your case.
Arrested or under investigation? Talk to us first.
There is nothing more important than working toward the best possible outcome. Consultations are confidential.