Not  Guilty, Means Everything

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What to look for in a
Criminal Defense Attorney

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Wisconsin means looking beyond general experience. You need someone with knowledge, skills, and proven results in cases like yours—whether it involves drug charges, drunk driving, violent crimes, or sex offenses. Criminal law is complex, and hiring a law firm with attorneys capable of handling potentially life-changing charges is of utmost importance.

At Nelson Defense Group, we specialize in defending individuals facing criminal charges. With in-depth knowledge of Wisconsin’s legal system, we’re prepared to fight for your rights—with experience, insight, and determination. Your life is worth defending. We have the mindset, motivation, and skills to tell your story and defend you. 

Key Areas of Focus

  • Criminal Defense
  • Sex Crimes
  • Drunk Driving – OWI/DUI
  • Juvenile Defense
  • Violent Crimes
  • Drug Crimes
  • Gun Crimes
  • Property Crimes 
Defense team walking into court
Working table of Nelson Defense Group

Consultation Process

Many lawyers will offer a free or low-cost consultation to determine if they would be able to represent you effectively. This gives you a chance to meet the lawyer in person, if possible, and determine if you have confidence in their skills. Don’t feel obligated to go with the first lawyer you speak with if you don’t feel like they are a good fit. Yes, it is beneficial to find an attorney as quickly as possible, but be sure to spend quality time having consultations in order to find the best fit. The best lawyer for you is not always the first lawyer you speak to.

 

At Nelson Defense Group, we prioritize you as an individual. From the start, we take the time to listen to your story and understand your circumstances. We don’t rush through any part of the process because we know the importance of truly grasping the full picture of your case.

 

Unlike other law firms that may handle a wide variety of cases, Nelson Defense Group only does criminal defense. We’re here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure that you feel confident about moving forward. The right lawyer is the one who listens, understands, and fights for you, not just your case. And that’s what we do at Nelson Defense Group.

Aaron Nelson talking with Steve Miller about a case

Experience

It is perfectly acceptable to ask during the initial consultation about the attorney’s experience and the extent of their practice’s focus. You should not hire a lawyer who gives vague or unrevealing answers. Try to find an attorney who has successful results with cases like yours.

 

A reputable attorney will discuss their experience in detail and provide clear answers to questions like:

 

  • Have you obtained a not guilty verdict in a case like mine?
  • Have you had charges like mine reduced or dismissed?
  • Have you successfully suppressed evidence in a case like mine?
  • How many jury trials have you handled, and how many have you won?
  • Do you focus on criminal defense in Wisconsin?

 

Our approach to criminal defense is rooted in a collaborative process. We believe that the key to successful defense is the collective strength of our team. Not only do we have individual experience, but we work together, bringing everyone’s expertise to your case. Each case we take on benefits from the combined successes, knowledge, and insights of our dedicated attorneys. 

 

We designed Nelson Defense Group to handle serious crimes in Wisconsin. We do it well and are some of the best attorneys in the state. 

Emma Campion in her office at Nelson Defense Group

Commitment

Not all experience is created equal. Your lawyer should present a dedicated approach to your case, giving you time, attention, and a defense tailored to you. This takes more than just years of practice or hours spent on your case-it takes strategy. The best defense requires an understanding of case law, an understanding of how it pertains to the facts of your case, and an ability to creatively and precisely deliver an argument to get you the best outcomes. 

 

Our methodology focuses on a deep, thorough analysis of every aspect of your case. We don’t take things at face value; we dig into the evidence, investigate all angles, and leave no stone unturned. Whether it’s a DUI, sex crime, or violent crime, we tailor our defense strategy to the unique details of your case, ensuring a powerful, personalized theory of defense. We never see our clients as a case number. We’re here to take care of you as a whole person. 

 

Additionally, a lawyer should be dedicated to more than just your defense. They should also be committed to understanding your situation, your well-being, and your long-term goals to get you back to your life or a better one. 

 

We understand that there is a unique story behind each person who finds themselves in the criminal justice system. Individuals who are charged often hold an intense burden when facing prosecution from a government that does not see defense as a critical part of justice. We will work not only to assist you in navigating your way through and out of the criminal justice system, but we will also be here to help you make sure that you never find yourself back in the system ever again. We are dedicated to not only serving individual clients but to improving the system as a whole, educating criminal justice partners about the way the system affects individuals caught in it and broader negative ripple effects in the community and beyond.  

 

In 2022, Attorney Liesl Nelson was awarded the Aulik award by the Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals. The Aulik award recognizes those who “have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in promoting the establishment, effectiveness, and/or sustainability of problem-solving courts throughout the state. Their efforts have had an impact on the problem-solving court movement, thus positively affecting the lives of Wisconsin’s citizens to break the cycles of addiction, mental illness, and criminal activity, while increasing public safety.” It’s this type of commitment and dedication to clients that makes Nelson Defense Group lawyers leaders in criminal defense. 

Aaron Nelson, Steve Miller, and Liesl Nelson working in the library at Nelson Defense Group

Reputation

When searching for an attorney, don’t be afraid to ask around. Are the attorneys well-known in the community? Are they respected by other attorneys? Have past clients had positive experiences with them? 

 

At Nelson Defense Group, not only do we have a lengthy history of positive experience with our clients, but we are leaders among criminal defense attorneys. Since 2005, our attorneys have been recognized as Superlawyers in the State of Wisconsin- a rating for outstanding lawyers with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. In 2014, attorney Aaron Nelson was presented with the David C. Niblack award by the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The David C. Niblack award was created to honor and preserve the memory of David Niblack, “an outstanding attorney who devoted his life and considerable talents to the defense of those who needed it but could not pay for it.” Recipients of the award are recognized for their effective defense of the indigent, either through cumulative career contributions or through outstanding individual accomplishments. Lead attorney Aaron Nelson has also previously served as the president of WACDL. 

 

Along with an outstanding record of legal practice, Nelson Defense Group attorneys are also responsible for teaching criminal defense locally, statewide, and across the country. Attorneys routinely present to other attorneys at numerous Continuing Legal Education courses (Wisconsin State Public Defender Conference, Wisconsin State Public Defender Trial Skills training), WACDL, and the National College of Criminal Defense. 

 

Attorney Keith Belzer is known nationally as a lecturer, teacher, and faculty member for NCDC. He has taught criminal defense lawyers in almost all 50 states about trial techniques, strategies, and storytelling. Attorney Belzer even has experience internationally, informing and advising criminal defense attorneys and various organizations across the world. 

 

Not only are Nelson Defense Group attorneys successful trial lawyers, but we are also always at the forefront of cutting-edge practices, leading the practice of criminal defense. 

Nelson Defense Group team in the war room, talking through case.

Communication

Effective communication is at the core of any defense attorney's work. It’s not just about how the attorney communicates with the court—it’s about how they communicate with you. At Nelson Defense Group, we know that this process can be intimidating and overwhelming, and that’s why we make sure you are never left in the dark.

 

Your attorney should always be willing to answer your questions and never make you feel like you are bothering them. While your attorney will take the lead in your defense, you should still be an important part of the process. Our attorneys are always accessible, answering your questions and making sure you feel heard throughout the entire process. We don’t believe in legal jargon or ambiguous answers. We take the time to break things down in plain language, so you can make informed decisions every step of the way. 

 

Our commitment to open communication and transparency is what sets us apart at Nelson Defense Group. From the moment you contact us, we are with you, fighting for your rights and your freedom. 

Mac Blessen and Keith Belzer talking in Emma Campion's office at Nelson Defense Group.