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Benjamin T. Van Severen

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Benjamin T. Van Severen
Benjamin T. Van Severen
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About Benjamin

Smart Serious Criminal Defense.

Benjamin Van Severen is a criminal defense attorney who practices in Milwaukee and throughout the state of Wisconsin.  He has experience handling all types of cases, from misdemeanors and OWI/DUI to serious felonies, including homicide, sexual assault, crimes involving firearms, and drug crimes.  Focusing entirely on criminal defense, Attorney Van Severen has achieved an acquittal rate three times the state average.  

Attorney Van Severen received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in 2010, with majors in Political Science and Criminology, and a minor in Music. He then received his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 2013.  While at Marquette, Attorney Van Severen amassed over 380 hours of pro bono work with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic and the Wisconsin State Public Defender Trial Office in Green Bay.   

Immediately upon his graduation from law school, Attorney Van Severen was hired at a local Milwaukee criminal defense firm.  From his very first day, he displayed a passion for criminal defense inside the courtroom.  His reputation of taking cases to trial has resulted in reduced charges and lower sentences in courts throughout Wisconsin.  

In December 2015, Attorney Van Severen joined Attorney Matthew Meyer to form Meyer Van Severen, S.C.  In order to stay up to date on the constantly evolving legal landscape, Attorney Van Severen belongs to the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Milwaukee Bar Association, the Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, the Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association, and the State Bar of Wisconsin.

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Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 85%

    8 years, 300 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 15%

    8 years, 50 cases

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Meyer Van Severen, S.C.

316 N. Milwaukee Street, STE. 200
Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Website
https://milwaukee-criminal-lawyer.com/ 

    Meyer Van Severen, S.C.

    127 E. Main Street, Ste. 203
    Port Washington, WI, 53074

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    WIGood Standing201305/22/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers256
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2019
    10 Best for Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2018
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2018
    10 Best for Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2017
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2017
    10 Best for Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2016
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2016
    Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2016
    Top 40 under 40National Trial Lawyers Association2015
    Top 40 under 40National Trial Lawyers Association2014
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    AttorneyMeyer Van Severen, S.C.2015 - Present
    AttorneyBirdsall Law Offices, S.C.2013 - 2015
    Law ClerkBirdsall Law Offices S.C.2012 - 2012
    Legal InternMilwaukee County District Attorney's Office2012 - 2013
    Judicial InternUS District Court - EDWI2011 - 2011
    Legal InternWisconsin State Public Defender2011 - 2011
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersN/A2013 - Present
    Milwaukee Bar AssociationN/A2013 - Present
    National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersN/A2013 - Present
    Milwaukee Young Lawyers AssociationN/A2013 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Meyer Van Severen, S.C.Meyer Van Severen Legal Blog2018
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Marquette University Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor2013
    Marquette UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts2010
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Interview with Fox-6 MilwaukeeBomb Scare Defense2016
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    NOT GUILTY on 2-Count Domestic CaseNot Guilty
    Resisting ArrestCase Dismissed
    7 Count Jury TrialNot Guilty on ALL counts
    Uttering a Forgery18 months probation with no jail.
    Revocation of Extended SupervisionExtended Supervision not revoked
    1st Degree Recklessly Endangering SafetyCase dismissed on morning of trial.
    Revocation of ProbationClient not revoked - DOC did not meet the standard required for revocation.
    Possession with Intent to Deliver THCNot Guilty Verdict at Trial
    Carrying a Concealed Weapon20 days jail instead of 4 months

    Reviews

    (15)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
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    1 Star
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    Review Benjamin Van Severen

    Highly attorney recommend Ben Van Severen

    Posted by

    My outcome using this attorney was outstanding. I highly recommend him and/or the firm for representation.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    One of Milwaukee’s Finest Lawyers

    Posted by

    Ben was with me every step of the way after my arrest. I am glad I had such a great lawyer to represent me because without him I feel I would have been unfairly prosecuted. I greatly appreciative of his professionalism and ardor.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Ben is a great attorney

    Posted by

    Ben was amazing! He was very professional and he was honest. We had a great outcome and did not expect that. Any questions we had Ben was willing to answer and he also made sure we were kept up to date.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly Recommend

    Posted by

    Mr Van Severen followed up on case regularly that the state drew out for almost 2 years. Also received the a GREAT outcome on the case. I highly recommend Ben Van Severen! You will not be disappointed!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly recommend

    Posted by

    We had to hire a criminal lawyer for our son and really had no idea who to hire. We found Ben Van Severen's website and I called him. He personally talks with you and alleviates some of your fears. He always answers your questions promptly. He is very knowledgeable and presents a persuasive presentation to the judge at sentencing. You can tell he has done his research. We could not have asked for a better outcome. We would hire him again in a minute but certainly hope we never have to!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    EXCELLENT ATTORNEY

    Posted by

    I hired Atty Van Severen for a criminal case for my son he did an excellent job. He is very down to earth and very thorough. Atty Van Severen was very upfront and was very efficient.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great legal counsel

    Posted by

    Attorney Van Severen's legal knowledge is incredible, yet he has the ability to explain concepts thoroughly and in an easy-to-understand manner. He is also a prompt communicator who will make sure that you are notified of any updates in your case. Most importantly, he will work his hardest to get you the result you deserve.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    10 - Gold Stars!!

    Posted by

    After leaving a sports bar late at night I was pulled over by a suburban Milwaukee police officer. The officer said he saw me pull out of the parking lot as he was traveling in the opposite direction. He quickly made a U-turn, followed my car and pulled me over. He claims I crossed the 'fog line', twice. Ben obtained a copy of the police report and video from the squad car. The video showed there was no reason to pull me over. Ben successfully filed a Motion. to Suppress evidence due to improper stop. As a result, all charges against me were dropped.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent representation

    Posted by

    He gave a very fair and professional representation and was able to reason with the judge and we ended up receiving exactly what we requested. He is very level headed and punctual. He is very understanding and helpful and is always very diligent in being sure his clients are in the loop with what is going on.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Thank you Ben!!!

    Posted by

    Ben is a great guy. He takes time to answer questions and piut your mind at ease. He definitely gets my recommendation!!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (10)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Conner Helvig, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 8, 2021
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I endorse Ben without hesitation. Ben is an experienced and intelligent criminal defense attorney who is well respected by his peers.

    Derek Jacques, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 11, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Van Severen is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. He is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help

    Jeremy Guza, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 22, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Atty. Van Severen is the perfect mix of knowledge of the law and a personable attitude. He fights for his client's rights diligently while still being approachable. I would recommend anyone in need of any Criminal Defense work to hire Atty. Van Severen to assist with their case.

    Justin Singleton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 14, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Atty. Van Severen knows the ins and outs of Wisconsin OWI and DUI law that get his clients the best results possible. He's a true litigator.

    Alexander Perwich, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 3, 2016
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I recommend Attorney Van Severen for any of your criminal defense needs. He's an intelligent and motivated attorney that will put forth his best efforts in any case.

    Cole White, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 27, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ben is a highly skilled and dedicated attorney. He has a genuine passion for his work and commitment to his clients.

    Theodore Perlick Molinari, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 22, 2014
    Relationship: Co-worker

    Ben is thorough in his preparation and detailed in his examination of the facts. He knows how to use the case law to his advantage.

    Nicholas Grode, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 11, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Attorney Ben Van Severen. Ben is intelligent, well spoken and knows a great deal about criminal law. I would endorse him to anyone looking for an exceptional criminal defense attorney.

    Nathan Dineen, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 27, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Attorney Van Severen is an excellent up & coming Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer. He is an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend him.

    Matthew Meyer, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 26, 2013
    Relationship: Co-worker

    Ben is a bright young attorney who I would recommend for any of your criminal defense needs.

    Cost

    RATES
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        60 minutes
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card