Michael M. Hayes

PRO

Michael M. Hayes

5.0
88 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 44 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Milwaukee, WI
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Car Accidents, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

324 E Wisconsin Ave # 1111, Milwaukee, WI

About Michael

Biography

Defending your past, protecting your future.

Best OWI lawyer in Milwaukee

Michael Hayes goes the extra mile for his clients.

Michael Hayes can get you a fair settlement for your auto accident injury case.

I go to court so you don't have to.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 50%

44 years

50%
Car Accident 20%

44 years

20%
Criminal Defense 20%

44 years

20%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

44 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2020 2019
...
+ 6
Platinum Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 44 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1981

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael M. Hayes

324 E Wisconsin Ave # 1111, Milwaukee, WI, 53202-4309

michaelhayeslaw.com/

Michael M. Hayes's Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Gina | March 18, 2026 | Hired Attorney

The Right Choice

I had the privilege of working with Michael Hayes, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. He is one of the most knowledgeable and compassionate professionals I’ve ever worked with. From the start, he demonstrated a deep understanding of every detail of my case. His confidence and expertise were... incredibly reassuring and made me feel certain that I had made the right choice in hiring him. He was also very accommodating with my schedule and always made himself available when I had questions or concerns. Throughout the entire process, he was supportive, honest, and focused on achieving the best possible outcome. Thanks to his skill and dedication, my case was resolved better than I believe anyone else could have achieved. I feel very fortunate to have found him and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of an outstanding attorney.

Posted by anonymous | June 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Amazing Lawyer!

Thank you Michael Hayes! 1st DUI offense causing me to hit a parked car and an apartment building. I unfortunately left the scene of the accident because of my PTSD. I was a few blocks away when the police arrested me. I blew a .16 and thought for sure I would need to install an ignition interloc...k device which would have been very costly. Michael was very knowledgeable and understanding. He was able to avoid the interlock device for me and also had one of the tickets dismissed. I'm very grateful to have found such and outstanding lawyer.

Posted by Heidi | July 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Our son's drunken driving charges seemed so hopeless. Mr. Hayes changed that.

We almost threw in the towel when our son blew .09 after being pulled over and arrested one night. Our real estate attorney said he could help us but told us Michael Hayes was the best attorney in the area at working through DUI and underage drinking charges. Thank God we took his advice. Mr. Hayes... eliminated the 55 year penalty that would have been on my son's driving record and carefully dissected what happened with the police and the implied consent law. Our 20-year-old was fortunate and the DUI charges were dropped without ever appearing in court. Equally important, Mr. Hayes really worked with my son to make sure he understands how terrible the penalties can be when you don't take responsibility for getting in that car after a few drinks -- without making him feel more ashamed and like a hopeless criminal. We're so relieved our son got a second chance and we were referred to someone who knows the laws, penalties, and the local municipalities inside out. We strongly recommend Michael M. Hayes.

Posted by Rob | October 13, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Highly recommended for OWI

Mike Hayes did a great job for me at trial on the issue of whether my BAC was .15 at the time of my offense in Racine County Circuit Court this month. We met many times prior to the trial to explore all of the possibilities and determine the best course of action. There were many evidence issues th...at Attorney Hayes was able to spring at trial as presented in the legal pleadings addressing intricacies in the evidence. Prior to trial we had thoroughly reviewed all the various scenarios that could occur in court. We were certainly well prepared and we prevailed. The judge granted our motion for a directed verdict at the close of the prosecutor’s case despite the fact that the prosecutor had a state expert at the trial. Mr. Hayes was able to present the case without the considerable expense of having our own expert testify at trial. When we started out Mr. Hayes took the time to understand that avoiding the Ignition Interlock Device requirement was a professional imperative of mine. Mike helped me make the best of a bad situation and when we finished I understood what a fine attorney I had hired.

Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2013 | DUI & DWI

1st OWI

Getting an OWI was a frightening and stressful experience for me. Mr. Hayes never made me feel judged but gave me specific and thorough information regarding my options so that I was informed and prepared throughout the process. He worked diligently with the prosecutor on my behalf and I didn't eve...n have to go to court. He took care of ALL of the paperwork as well as gave me instructions on what to expect, how to obtain an occupational license, and how to complete my assessment and classes prior to my knowing I had to do these things. I am a graduate student and was concerned about payment. His fees are absolutely affordable, especially considering the level of service you will receive, and he was flexible in making a payment schedule with me. He also is very consistent in his communicatoon with his clients. He responds quickly no matter what your question or concern may be. If you have gotten an OWI, I highly recommend getting a lawyer, specifically Mr. Hayes. I was truly impressed with the results and could not be more appreciative of his work.

See All Client Reviews

Michael M. Hayes's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Rock Christopher Lee headshot
Rock Lee

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I had a client from WI. Mr. Hayes was extremely helpful in regards to how my client’s Indiana DUI conviction would affect his WI license status. I strongly endorse Michael Hayes as someone I would want representing me for any DUI/OWI charge."

David J. Winer headshot
David Winer

Unknown lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a fellow attorney with 30 years of practice I have met few lawyers rising to the quality of Michael Hayes. He is always well prepared, upfront and honest. I have referred several cases to Michael and he always achieves exceptional results for his clients. I highly recommend and fully endorse Michael as he is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community by Judges, adversary’s and fellow lawyers."

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A legal education at Marquette coupled with 34 years of practicing criminal law is what we refer to as experienced. Michael's knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro Bono contributions here. Clients are the best judge of an attorneys worth and their reviews are stellar. READ THEM! Endorsements from peer attorneys are also outstanding. Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation with him ASAP if you or a loved one has been charged with a crime. If you are lucky he might just agree to represent you."

Douglas James Hoffer headshot
Douglas Hoffer

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael is a well prepared, aggressive, experienced and honest attorney. I have prosecuted a number of cases against Michael, including a DUI case that he was able to persuade me to dismiss. I highly recommend him."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Nicholas Paul Grode headshot
Nicholas Grode

Criminal defense lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. As a young lawyer in a District Attorney internship I learned much from practicing across from Attorney Hayes. He is knowledgeable, well spoken, and consistently achieves exceptional results for his clients."

John E. Dobogai III headshot
John Dobogai

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His reputation for tact and skill are rare in this community."

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Michael Hayes for many decades as a colleague. In a sense, Michael Hayes may be a competitor of mine, but I am happy to endorse him. I respect a competitor and a colleague who is knowledgable, aggressive and committed to excellence in the defense of his clients. Michael has a track record of decades of outstanding success. I am happy to endorse him."

Dennis Michael Melowski headshot
Dennis Melowski

Unknown lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a dedicated, aggressive and effective defense attorney who is well-regarded in our professional community. I wouldn't hesitate to refer him a friend or family member in need of excellent representation."

Dudley A. Williams headshot
Dudley Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael Hayes is an aggressive and relentless advocate for his clients. His creativity and knowledge puts him at the cutting edge on legal challenges and defenses. Michael Hayes is one of the best."

Michael Herbert Kopp headshot
Michael Kopp

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Hayes for many years and I have always been impressed by the way I have seen him handle DUI cases and the results he has been able to obtain for his clients."

Christopher J. Cherella headshot
Christopher Cherella

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Hayes has been practicing law for several years. I have seen him in and out of court. He is knowledgeable, effective and cares about his clients."

View All Endorsements
Justin Taylor Padway headshot
Justin Padway

Criminal defense lawyer

David J. Winer headshot
David Winer

DUI and DWI lawyer

John E. Dobogai III headshot
John Dobogai

DUI and DWI lawyer

Dudley A. Williams headshot
Dudley Williams

DUI and DWI lawyer

Barry S. Cohen headshot
Barry Cohen

DUI and DWI lawyer

Dennis Michael Melowski headshot
Dennis Melowski

DUI and DWI lawyer

John S. Schiro headshot
John Schiro

DUI and DWI lawyer

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Wisconsin Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2012

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2010

seminar moderator and presenter, State Bar of Wisconsin

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

1983 - 2019

President, Hayes & Rothstein S.C.

1981 - 1985

President, Hayes & Oppitz, S.C.

1981 - 1981

Legal Intern, Wisconsin Court Of Appeals

1980 - 1981

Lead Articles Editor, Marquette Law School

Associations

1981 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin

Attorney Member

Education

1981

Marquette University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BS - Bachelor of Science

N/A

University of Notre Dame

Speaking Engagements

2019

2019 Lake County Bar Association Annual Meeting

Illinois Residents Arrested for OWI in Wisconsin

2010

Handling OWI Cases in Wisconsin

OWI cases

2010

Handling OWI Cases in Wisconsin

Presenter

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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