Craig A. Mastantuono

Craig A. Mastantuono

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Milwaukee, WI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, White Collar Crime, Federal Crime

219 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 520, Milwaukee, WI

About Craig

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

Statewide practice and excellent reputation in circuit and federal courts in Wisconsin. Using a strategic and aggressive approach, combined with good relationships in the criminal justice community, Craig Mastantuono excels at defending his clients and creating positive outcomes to difficult situations. If you or a family member/friend are charged with a crime or under investigation, don't take a wait-and-see approach to this serious problem - call. We can help. Traffic/felony/drug/misdemeanor.

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 33 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1992

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Mastantuono Coffee & Thomas SC

219 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 520, Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Mastantuono & Coffee SC

741 North Grand Ave., Suite. 209, Waukesha, WI, 53186

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Craig A. Mastantuono's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (48) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Staff & Support

Posted by Michael | June 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

I was facing 10-40 Years

Dear Attorney Mastantuono: Your telephone call today, indicating that my case had been dismissed, nearly one year after we first met, is one that I will never forget. This letter is to thank you and your team for the professional representation you provided in the matter of my unpleasant enco...unter with the Milwaukee Police Department. From the very beginning of our professional relationship the lawyers in your office provided an excellent overview of what I could expect, how your office handled cases like mine and what the possible outcomes could be. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to visit with me while I was incarcerated. As the legal matter proceeded in court I also appreciate your efforts in securing a bail reduction; your communication with me as the matter progressed, and ultimately, the skill you demonstrated that resulted in the case being dropped against me. While I do not expect to be in the Milwaukee area anytime soon and I do not have any friends who may avail themselves to your professional services, I want you to know that if I were in a position to recommend a criminal defense attorney in your area, I would recommend you and your office without any hesitation whatsoever. I sincerely appreciate the work you performed on my behalf and I thank you again for your all that you did for me. Sincerely, Michael T

Posted by Cathy | February 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

My Lucky Charm

My spouse was accused of a Class A Sexual Assault and could have potentially faced 30 years if found guilty. When I reached out to Craig for help I was greeted by a very understanding secretary named Adriana whom took all my information at the the first call to pass on to Craig immediately. The...re was no wait time that would have left me sitting on the edge of despair instead my husbands case was taken as serious as I was taking it. My husband was found to be innocent of all charges but without Craig who knows how long it would have taken for my husband to be found innocent .

Posted by Anthony | December 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Truly the best of the best!

Recently, Craig Mastantuono and Rebecca Coffee provided outstanding guidance and advice during one of the most trying times in my life. Their detailed focus on obtaining all of the relevant facts, along with their knowledge of how to prepare for a Jury Trial was exceptional. The entire team at the fi...rm were fully engrossed in our case as well as our well-being. Craig took the critical steps necessary to understand each exact point about the case, and ensured that no matter how small, each component of the case, whether it was evidence, arguments, timelines were considered and presented at the trial in a very comprehensive fashion. His ability to simplify the complex elements of the process were best in class. With most attorneys, you may only speak with them infrequently during the pre-trial process. However, with Craig he was readily available to discuss information and provide good counsel on the best path forward. During the trial, I witnessed outstanding professionalism and respect for each party. Craig was the most prepared attorney that I have ever worked with and his preparation truly shined at the onset of the trial during the jury selection process. Upon the 30+ members of the jury introducing themselves as part of the selection process, Craig was able to respond to each one specifically by their first name to show that he was truly paying attention to their reasons for being their as well as to sort out their biases and conflicts of interest. What an amazing feat to witness prior to going into a trial. Craig was focused and locked in! During the trial, Craig and team were flawless. They spotted every attempt that the prosecutor tried to use to put us in a bad position, and responded swiftly and effectively to negate any false testimony. Additionally, Craig provided support and guidance, which was extremely helpful to us as we were fighting for our literal lives and Craig helped us to stay focused and at ease as he tightly held the entire process in his skillful hands. I cannot say enough about Craig Mastantuono and team. If you need help, they are the best of the best! Thank you for everything that you have done for us!

Posted by anonymous | September 09, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Defense

I was arrested in a bar dispute and my parents quickly did a web search on Milwaukee Criminal Defense attorneys. They broke a list down to a final two and decided on Craig Mastantuono. Thanks to the extensive positive reviews on him, my parents knew Craig would make this difficult situation a breeze.... He appeared in the jail the next day and told me exactly what to expect and how I should best prepare myself to get through the difficult time. He got me out of jail without having to pay any sort of bond/bail. We had a few different court dates and Craig was able to get a Deferred Prosecution Agreement in place, which was to bring my felony charge down to a misdemeanor charge at the worst with the possibility of it getting expunged altogether. The agreement was to ultimately complete non-for-profit service hours, do not get in trouble, and wait 6 months. While at the final court date, Craig spoke highly and truthfully of me to the Judge and was able to help me get the charge expunged. I had to pay small court fees and Craig is getting the court file and finger prints out of the system. Throughout the period of working together, Craig has been very responsive to phone calls and emails and is always willing to answer any questions. Craig and his staff are some of the greatest people whom I have had the pleasure to work with. With the comfort he built along the way, I would highly recommend Craig to any family facing a difficult situation!

Posted by anonymous | September 22, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Forever Grateful!

I found Craig Mastantuono by searching Top 10 Lawyers. When I called, his receptionist Sheila was so friendly and patient I knew I was in the right hands. From the first time I met with Attny Mastantuono I was treated respectfully and like a real person, not just a client. He was magnificent in cour...t and was so swift with his words. He kept us informed the entire time. There was never an email, or phone call that was not answered. His staff is amazing and was always providing amazing service. Craig is beast in the courtroom. He is reputable in the community and respected as an amazing lawyer. He achieved an outcome that my family never dreamed was possible. After court, the Sheriff who was present during the hearing came out to shake Craig's hand and told us we had an amazing lawyer! Even he could not believe the end result that Craig was able to achieve. He is professional, knowledgeable, resourceful, aggressive, but most of all, he was HONEST! He never led us to believe a fairytale ending was possible, he never lied, and he walked the road with us the entire time. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!! I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND MASTANTUONO LAW FIRM TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR HONEST, TRUSTWORTY, AND REPUTABLE REPRESENTATION! I cannot thank him enough. He will never really know what he did for my family. Some lawyers look at clients as a pay check, but Craig Mastantuono is definitely a different kind of lawyer!

See All Client Reviews

Craig A. Mastantuono's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Craig
Jonathan S. Safran headshot
Jonathan Safran

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Craig is an outstanding attorney who fights to overcome all obstacles in his representation of clients. I have referred clients and others to him in cases and I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Davorin J. Odrcic headshot
Davorin Odrcic

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"As an immigration lawyer I have had the pleasure of working on several cases with Craig for our mutual clients. Craig is a brilliant and dedicated lawyer. Through his hard work and creative plea proposals he has helped immigrant clients avoid deportation and remain here with their U.S. citizen spouses and children. If you are an immigrant charged with a deportable offense I highly recommend Craig as criminal defense counsel."

Nathan J. Dineen headshot
Nathan Dineen

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent Attorney. Experienced and highly respected in the Milwaukee legal community!"

Christopher D. Donovan headshot
Christopher Donovan

Federal crime lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Craig is a very intelligent, tenacious and passionate lawyer. I would not hesitate to recommend him."

Terese J. Singer headshot
Terese Singer

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Craig is a superb attorney who is always a tireless advocate for every single one of his clients. He has a tremendous amount of experience in both federal and state courts and I would never hesitate to send any client in Craig's direction. I would know that he or she would be in excellent hands."

Michael Alan Johnson headshot
Michael Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Craig on several cases as well as sent many of my clients his way. All of my clients have been thrilled with his work ethic and compassion. I highly recommend that if you or a loved one needs help in a serious criminal case that you call Craig. I am a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago and feel very lucky to have a lawyer like Craig to send clients to if they have a problem in Wisconsin."

Nicholas Paul Grode headshot
Nicholas Grode

Criminal defense lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Mastantuono is and exceptional and well respected attorney who consistently achieves exceptional results."

Syovata K. Edari headshot
Syovata Edari

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. One of the best lawyers I know."

Israel Ramon headshot
Israel Ramon

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent aggressive and skilled defense attorney. Highly respected."

Thomas R. Jones headshot
Thomas Jones

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer whom I have known for over 20 years. Craig is a diehard criminal attorney who is very experienced on both the state and federal levels."

View All Endorsements

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Top 50 Attorneys in Wisconsin - all practice areas, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2015

Top 25 Attornies in Milwaukee - all practice areas, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer Criminal Defense, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2014

Top 50 Attorneys in Wisconsin - all practice areas, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2014

Top 25 Attorneys in Milwaukee - all practice areas, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer Criminal Defense, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2013

Milwaukee Top 25 Attorneys - all practice areas, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2013

Wisconsin Top 50 Attorneys - all practice areas, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2012

Best of Readers Poll - criminal lawyer, Milwaukee Shepard Express

2011

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2008

Leader in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal

2008

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2007

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2006

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2005

Forty Under 40, Milwaukee Business Journal

2005

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Adjunct Professor of Law, Marquette Law School

1999 - Present

Managing Partner, Mastantuono & Coffee S.C.

1992 - 1999

Assistant State Public Defender, Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office

Associations

2014 - Present

Waukesha County Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1999 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin, Criminal Law Section

Member

1992 - Present

Justinian Lawyers/National Italian-American Bar Association

Member

1992 - Present

Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association

President

2008 - 2009

State Bar of Wisconsin, Bench and Bar Committee

Chairperson

Sample of Legal Cases

Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver, Bail Jumping Oct. 2013

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

Armed Robbery – Use of Force Aug. 2013

Dismissal

Waukesha County - Recklessly Endangering Safety Nov. 2013

NGI - Not Guilty

Theft by Contractor Dec. 2012

Dismissal/amendment to citation

Bribery & Misconduct in Public Office Aug. 2012

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

DePaul University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

Loyola University Chicago

BBA

Speaking Engagements

2013

Wisconsin State Public Defender Conference

Motion Practice: Pitching Your Case From Start to Finish

2013

WI State Bar CLE Webinar

Alternative Dispute Resolution in Criminal Cases

2013

NRA Institute for Legislative Action Firearms Symposium

Gun Law & The Second Amendment: A View from the Street

2013

NACDL Quarterly Mtg. & Seminar, Savannah, GA

My Case Stinks, Or Does It? Other Act Evidence in Sexual Assualt Trials

2012

WI Public Defender Annual Conference

Castle Doctrine & Self-Defense

Publications

2012

Wisconsin Lawyer magazine SOS: Defendant's Right to Counsel

Languages

English

Spanish

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