Kirk Bowden Obear

PRO

Kirk Bowden Obear

4.9
25 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Sheboygan, WI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

603 South 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI

Free Consultation

About Kirk

Biography

"Defense done right."

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

29 years

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

I am considered one of the leading attorneys in the state of Wisconsin in this area. I receive referrals from clients, judges, other attorneys and law enforcement agents. I have successfully resolved hundreds of DUI cases in favor of my clients. Please refer to my website page "casework" for a listing of specific results.

27 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2016

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 31 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1994

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Kirk Obear Attorney at Law

603 South 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI, 53081

kirkobear.com

Kirk Bowden Obear's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 23 reviews

Posted by Shawn | June 11, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Amazing Attorney

Kirk Obear gave me my life back. I was accused by my ex of heinous acts that I didn’t commit, and the city of Sheboygan charged me with zero evidence that I did anything. Kirk took my case and was a Godsend. We went to jury trial and he completely obliterated the prosecution and won. It was amazi...ng watching him do what he obviously takes great pride in. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to defend me, and I would highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you to Kirk and his team for giving me my life back!

Posted by anonymous | September 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Everything was under control

End of the year in 2019 and I was facing 2 felony charges for something that never even happened. I was scared that something like this could happen, even though there was no evidence whatsoever. From the get-go Kirk tried to get the charges dropped for various reasons, but the prosecutor apparently ...had a big ego or something to try and prove. These charges should have been dropped from the beginning and Kirk knew this. Anyways a full year later (mostly due to COVID) I finally make it to jury trial and Kirk "gave it to them" in the court room. Not once did he stumble. He was FULLY prepared to show them what a waste of time and tax payers money that was used to fight this. Needless to say the jury was in agreement and I was found "Not Guilty".

Posted by anonymous | July 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thorough,dedicated, and caring

Out of nowhere i was hit with some felonies facing up to 35 years. Never being in trouble before i was terrified of what was going to happen. I met with at a lot of different firms but none made me feel as safe as Kirk's. From the start he explained everything with extreme detail. Kirk and his team w...ere very thorough through thebwhole process and even got one of my charges dropped. When everything was set and done i got probation and i get to keep my life on track. I could easily say kirk saved my life

Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Kirk Basically Saved My Life!

48 hours after my 20th birthday I was charged with a C class felony and an I class felony, facing 40 years in prison. I thought my life was absolutely over. My mother and I hired Kirk and his amazing team and he fought well for me, set me up with a psychologist to prove that I had mental health issue...s, got me out of jail, back home, and sentenced to only probation convicted of only the one felony and not the other. The team helped me and boosted my confidence the whole way through and are now helping me keep me nursing license. Life is back to normal, I'm working, and getting the help I need and the nightmare is over all thanks to Kirk and his associates. Thank You Kirk.

Posted by anonymous | February 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

So Happy!!!!!!!

In the fall of 2012, I was charged as an adult with a federal crime. I was facing felony charges and up to 40 years if convicted. I panicked! I didn’t know where to begin to look for a lawyer, and started going through the yellow pages that night. In call after call, voice messages were left beca...use it was after work hours. When I called Kirk around 8:30pm, I was surprised, pleased and thankful that he picked up the phone. My decision to hire Kirk was specifically because of his strong background in these types of cases. Kirk and his staff were wonderful to work with. Their professionalism and knowledge was not only impressive, but outstanding. With Kirk’s help and expertise the charges were reduced to misdemeanors. Then I had to meet the terms of a plea agreement in order to have everything dismissed from my record. I am happy to say, it happened! I will always be so grateful to Kirk. This outcome would not have been possible with any other lawyer.

See All Client Reviews

Kirk Bowden Obear's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kirk
Corey Geoff Mehlos headshot
Corey Mehlos

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Kirk's reputation as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in our state is well deserved. The results speak for themselves."

John E. Dobogai III headshot
John Dobogai

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Obear is a great jurist."

Charles K. Kenyon Jr. headshot
Charles Kenyon

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.He is an innovative and strong advocate. You can't go wrong by having him on your side."

Dudley A. Williams headshot
Dudley Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Kirk is extremely bright and a great lawyer. He is a zealous advocate for his clients. He gets great results in very difficult cases."

Michael C. Witt headshot
Michael Witt

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an unwavering advocate for his clients."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent lawyer."

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kirk Obear has a deserved reputation as one of Wisconsin's finest attorneys. I have sought his advice and I would not hesitate to refer a family member or loved one to him. If you are in trouble, Kirk Obear has the knowledge, skill, experience and compassion to provide you with the very best representation. This is an easy endorsement."

Dennis Michael Melowski headshot
Dennis Melowski

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"Having worked with Kirk for nearly ten years, I can say without hesitation that he is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin. Highly skilled and equally dedicated, he has consistently achieved exceptional results for his clients."

Karyn T. Missimer headshot
Karyn Missimer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kirk embodies all of the necessary traits of a skilled advocate - intelligence, thoroughness, and passion. I would trust him to represent myself or my family."

View All Endorsements
Michael C. Witt headshot
Michael Witt

Criminal defense lawyer

Dennis Michael Melowski headshot
Dennis Melowski

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Named Superlawyer in Criminal Defense, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Wisconsin SuperLawyer(R), Law & Politics/Milwaukee Magazine

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Wisconsin SuperLawyer(R), Law & Politics/Milwaukee Magazine

2008

Milwaukee Best in Business, Forbes Magazine

2007

Wisconsin SuperLawyer(R), Law & Politics/Milwaukee Magazine

2007

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

1999

Air Force Meritorious Service Award, USAF

1997

Air Force Commendation Medal, USAF

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Owner, Kirk Obear Attorney at Law

1999 - 2008

Associate, Partner, Melowski, Obear & Cohen

1994 - 1999

Judge Advocate General- Area Defense Counsel, USAF

Associations

2009 - Present

National College for DUI Defense NCDD

Member

2009 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)

Board of Directors

2008 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)

Legislative Director

2006 - Present

International Criminal Defence Attorneys Association

Member

2000 - Present

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Legal Committee

Legal Committee

2000 - Present

Seventh Circuit Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Council of Affiliates

Life Member

1999 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors

1999 - Present

Sheboygan County Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2006 - 2008

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)

President

Education

1994

State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Mount Olive College

Speaking Engagements

2009

Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar

Defending a Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Case

2008

Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar

Converting the Analyst From Enemy to Ally

2007

WACDL Ethics Seminar

Aggressive and Ethical Advocacy

2007

Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar

Jury Instructions, Testimony and Closing Argument

2006

WACDL Mega-Seminar

Defending an Internet Sex Sting Case

2006

Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar

The Fourth Amendment in Drunk Driving Cases

2006

12th Annual Traffic & Impaired Driving Law Seminar

Defense Issues in OWI Litigation

2005

International Society for Chemical Testing

Defense Perspective on Chemical Testing

2004

10th Annual Traffic & Impaired Driving Law Seminar

Defense Perspective on Law Enforcement

2003

WACDL OWI Seminar

Blood Testing Evidence in OWI Cases

2003

WACDL Ethics Seminar

Prosecutorial Misconduct

2003

Federal Defender Services Seminar

Due Process Provisions of the Bail Reform Act

2003

9th Annual Traffic & Impaired Driving Law Seminar

Current Developments in OWI Defense

2002

WACDL OWI Seminar

Cross Examining the Blood Analyst

2002

8th Annual Traffic & Impaired Driving Law Seminar

Trial Issues in Drunk Driving Cases

2001

WACDL OWI Seminar

Cross Examination of State's Expert in Blood Test Case

2001

Annual Meeting, National Legal Committee

War on Drugs: Defending a Urinalysis Case

2000

NACDL- La Jolla, California

Military Discharge Upgrades and Correction of Records

Publications

N/A

National Editorial Board- Forecite Legal Publications, Inc. Contribution Editor- Jury Instructions

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution