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Benjamin T. Van Severen
About Benjamin
Biography
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 helped form Meyer Van Severen, S.C. From 2015 to 2021, the firm grew from two attorneys to employing five full-time lawyers. In January 2022, Attorney Van Severen oversaw his firm's transition to Van Severen Law Office, 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.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
85%
13 years | 300 cases
DUI and DWI
15%
13 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 12 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Van Severen Law Office, S.C.
316 N. Milwaukee Street, STE. 200, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Van Severen Law Office, S.C.
127 E. Main Street, Ste. 203, Port Washington, WI, 53074
Van Severen Law Office, S.C.
414 W. Moreland Blvd., Suite 108, Waukesha, WI, 53188
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Benjamin T. Van Severen's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (16)
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Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 9 of 9 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by Paul | April 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
10 - Gold Stars!!
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...
Posted by Alexander | June 22, 2016 | Criminal Defense
Dedicated and Determined
I have previously worked with Attorney Van Severen and would recommend him without hesitation to any person in need of criminal defense. Attorney Van Severen is smart, resourceful, dedicated and determined. Most importantly, though, is Attorney Van Severen's passion for criminal law. It is this passi...
Posted by Sharon | January 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Awesome Attorney
Ben was the attorney on my son case. With my first conversation with Ben he was very honest about the case. Ben meet with myself and eventually my son and other family members, he was very down to earth. My son has a strong personality that I didn't think Ben could match but he proved me wrong he ...
Posted by Derek | December 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extraordinary lawyer
Don't let his youth fool you. He is every bit as good as any weathered Attorney. He has such a great drive to meet his client's needs. I was his client and although the odds did not seem to be in my favor, he gave his all in trial with what we had to work with and won! The jury only deliverated ...
Benjamin T. Van Severen's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Ben without hesitation. Ben is an experienced and intelligent criminal defense attorney who is well respected by his peers."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Ben is a highly skilled and dedicated attorney. He has a genuine passion for his work and commitment to his clients."
"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."
"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."
"Attorney Van Severen is an excellent up & coming Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer. He is an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend him."
"Ben is a bright young attorney who I would recommend for any of your criminal defense needs."
Brian Nelson
Criminal defense lawyer
Conner Helvig
Criminal defense lawyer
Gregory Isaac
Criminal defense lawyer
Matt Last
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeremy Guza
Criminal defense lawyer
Justin Singleton
Criminal defense lawyer
Alexander Perwich
Criminal defense lawyer
Cole White
Criminal defense lawyer
Matthew Meyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Marquis Who's Who, Marquis Who's Who in American Law
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Attorney, Van Severen Law Office, S.C.
2013 - 2015
Attorney, Birdsall Law Offices, S.C.
2012 - 2012
Law Clerk, Birdsall Law Offices S.C.
2012 - 2013
Legal Intern, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office
2011 - 2011
Judicial Intern, US District Court - EDWI
2011 - 2011
Legal Intern, Wisconsin State Public Defender
Associations
2013 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2013 - Present
Milwaukee Bar Association
2013 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2013 - Present
Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
Sample of Legal Cases
NOT GUILTY on 2-Count Domestic Case
Not Guilty
Resisting Arrest
Case Dismissed
7 Count Jury Trial
Not Guilty on ALL counts
Uttering a Forgery
18 months probation with no jail.
Revocation of Extended Supervision
Extended Supervision not revoked
1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
Case dismissed on morning of trial.
Revocation of Probation
Client not revoked - DOC did not meet the standard required for revocation.
Possession with Intent to Deliver THC
Not Guilty Verdict at Trial
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
20 days jail instead of 4 months
Education
2013
Marquette University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2010
Marquette University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Interview with Fox-6 Milwaukee
Bomb Scare Defense
Publications
2018
Meyer Van Severen, S.C.
Meyer Van Severen Legal Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What are the chances of getting a d winning an appeal on a statute 948.02(2) charge?
26 Mar 2020
Q&A
How to press charges on my daughter bully
12 Mar 2020
Q&A
Are victims in Wisconsin allowed to view the criminal case documents by the DA and the defense?
06 Mar 2020