Keith A. Belzer

Keith Belzer is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney, renowned for his expertise in trial advocacy and his dedication to defending the rights of individuals accused of serious crimes. His career blends courtroom excellence, national teaching influence, and a creative background that fuels his compelling storytelling in the courtroom.

Professional Recognition and Teaching


• Nationally known lecturer and teacher on criminal defense topics, trial techniques, and strategies


• Faculty member at the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia, and the Wisconsin Trial Skills Academy


• Has taught or lectured criminal defense lawyers in most of the 50 states


• Presented internationally to the Israeli National Public Defender, the Puerto Rican CJA Panel, and as a keynote speaker at the first-ever regional public defender training in the People’s Republic of China


• Named a Wisconsin Super Lawyer every year since the award’s inception in 2005


• Received the “Leaders in the Law” award from the Wisconsin Law Journal in 2006

Notable Cases and Media Appearances


• Frequently appears as a legal commentator on national, state, and local issues, including on shows like 48 Hours, Good Morning America, Crime Scene Investigation, The O’Reilly Factor, and Geraldo at Large

• Successfully represented three Wisconsin Innocence Project clients who were ultimately exonerated, including Evan Zimmerman, whose retrial and exoneration were the focus of the documentary Facing Life: The Retrial of Evan Zimmerman, aired on the Arts and Entertainment Network and the History Channel.

Creative Background


• Brings a unique perspective to trial work from a background in theater as an actor, director, and playwright


• Has performed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Connecticut


• Authored plays produced in California, Illinois, Connecticut, and Wisconsin


• Before law school, co-founded one theater company, managed two others, and spent nearly a decade devoted exclusively to theater

Keith’s work is grounded in the conviction that every person has a story worth defending and a right to justice, no matter the odds.

2008 – Dunn
2013 – Douglas
2014 – Douglas

2015 – Pierce
2016 – Chippewa
2017 – Dunn
2021 – Saint Croix
2023 – Saint Croix

2024 – WACDL Stilling Sensitive Crimes Award Winner