Homicide is one of the most serious charges, with serious consequences. Being charged can be an overwhelming moment for you, your family, and your friends. These accusations carry enormous weight—socially, legally, and emotionally. Your life is worth defending. If you are facing a homicide charge in Wisconsin, you need a lawyer who is capable of developing a powerful and strategic legal defense. 

We designed Nelson Defense Group to defend people charged with serious crimes facing life-changing consequences. We know how to fight cases like yours: complex and complicated trials. Attorneys at Nelson Defense Group have won more Not Guilty verdicts in cases involving death than any law firm in the state of Wisconsin. In addition to our trial success, we have successfully negotiated cases to keep our clients out of prison. You are not alone. Nelson Defense Group is here to defend you. We are here to tell your story. 

If you have any questions or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help—because this isn’t just about legal strategy. It’s about your life.

The Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) presents the Martin Hanson Memorial award to those attorneys who obtain not guilty verdicts in cases involving a death.

For his work in homicide criminal defense, our founding attorney, Aaron Nelson, has won eight Hanson awards- more than any other attorney in Wisconsin. Attorney Nelson’s homicide defense awards are for the following:

• Not guilty verdict in alleged drunk driving vehicular homicide
• Not guilty verdict for client in gun shooting case, charged with first-degree intentional homicide
• Not guilty verdict for client in shooting case charged as felony murder — also resulted in not guilty verdict for additional charge of attempted armed robbery
• Three not guilty verdicts in an alleged texting while driving case involving a charge of negligent vehicular homicide
• Not guilty verdict for client in gun shooting case, charged with first-degree reckless homicide
  
  

In addition to the above trial victories, Attorney Nelson has found success in the following cases involving deaths:

• OWI-homicide — Dismissed (2016)
• Felony murder — Dismissed (2014)
• Felony charges of first-degree intentional homicide-unborn child, aggravated battery-unborn amended to misdemeanor charges with expungement options (2014)
• Not guilty: first-degree intentional homicide (2008)
• Not guilty: injury/death by giving alcohol to a minor child (1998)

What should I do if I’m charged with homicide in Wisconsin?

If you are ever in the unfortunate position of being investigated for or accused of a homicide, you should remain silent and request to speak with an attorney at your first available opportunity. Homicides carry some of the stiffest penalties in the criminal code and can have a devastating impact on your life.  While it can be tempting to tell your side of the story or ask questions, it is always in your best interest to remain silent until you have had time to have an attorney present. We also advise that people being investigated or charged not discuss the investigation or charges even with their closest friends and family. Your communication with them is not protected, and they can be compelled to testify about anything you say to them. The only conversations about your case that are protected are with your attorney. We will be here to talk through your case with you, and we want you to have every opportunity to challenge the case.  

Sometimes, law enforcement may approach you with promises to help you take care of your case if you share your side of the story or implicate others in the crime. Never speak to law enforcement without talking to your attorney first. Anything they can do for you should still be available when your attorney is present. If they will only talk to you alone, they are not acting in your best interests; they are simply trying to get you to talk to build a case against you. 

How soon should I contact a lawyer after being accused of homicide?

It is never too soon to consult with an attorney regarding your case and your rights. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start working with you to protect your interests, whether that is at the point of a charging decision or appearing in court to argue for fair and reasonable conditions of bond. Arrest and investigation of an alleged crime can be an intimidating and uncomfortable situation to be in, but a skilled attorney can guide you through the process and help you make the most advantageous decisions every step of the way. We will also make sure you understand timelines that apply to your case and work with you to make sure that you never miss an opportunity to challenge your charges.

Why is it important to hire a Wisconsin-based criminal defense lawyer?

If you are facing homicide charges in Wisconsin, a Wisconsin-based attorney will have the most experience not only with the law in Wisconsin but also with local rules, practices, and the criminal justice stakeholders involved in your case. Nelson Defense Group attorneys not only meet this criterion, but they are also leaders in Wisconsin criminal defense and are part of a supportive network of attorneys who focus on improving the criminal justice system for all and sharing their knowledge of criminal defense and homicide practice. When your life is on the line, you can’t afford not to have the most skilled attorneys on board to assist you in responding to the most serious of allegations.

What types of homicide charges does Nelson Defense Group handle?

The attorneys at Nelson Defense Group have the skills and experience to handle any type of homicide that you may be facing. Whether you are charged with an intentional, reckless, or negligent homicide, or a vehicular homicide or homicide by delivery of a controlled substance, the attorneys at Nelson Defense have a track record of successfully defending all homicide charges.  

Has Nelson Defense Group won homicide cases at trial?

Yes, attorney Aaron Nelson leads in the number of homicide cases he has won at trial in the state of Wisconsin. Not every attorney excels in or wants to specialize in homicide cases, which can be complex and grueling and last over significant periods. Aaron Nelson and the attorneys at Nelson Defense Group have shown that they have the unique skills required to handle not only the exceptional complexity of these cases but also endure the length of trials that are required, often lasting for several weeks at a time.

What is the Martin Hanson Memorial Award, and why does it matter?

The Martin Hansen award is given out by the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) to those attorneys who achieve the rare and difficult task of winning a criminal homicide case at trial. The award is named in honor of attorney Martin Hanson, one of the founders and original directors of WACDL, who was widely recognized as not only one of the most excellent criminal defense attorneys of his generation, but also as someone who found joy and success in defending the most difficult of cases, homicides.  

The award is significant because homicide cases are complex and challenging cases that require a high degree of skill and attention, whether it is the ability to cross-examine law enforcement and experts or deliver a persuasive and meaningful closing argument. Homicide cases involve the highest stakes and most involve a level of emotion that must be navigated to be successful. Nelson Defense Group brings a deep set of skills and experience greater than any law firm in the state of Wisconsin when it comes to the ability to defend a homicide case at trial.