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 15 reviews | Responsiveness

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 Imayan | December 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Hired for speeding violation.

isa and I am new to this traffic violation issues. First I was confused and I do not know what should be done, I was worried if it will affect my visa my insurance and had a whole lot of questions. I reached out to multiple attorneys in Milwaukee .. many attorneys whom I spoke with are unclear or the...y just want me to pay them . But when I contacted Michael Hayes he calmly explained the steps said what outcomes I can reach through this. Speaking with him made me so calm and confident. Later when I decided I should go with him to process my case . I reached out to him and he was busy working on a different case so he was not reachable, Just because he made wait for a few hours he gave me a 10 percent discount. Post that I used to get worried at times and used to pester him with stupid questions. He explained things to me real calm and on pre trail date as expected he processed my case and my problems where solved. I highly recommend this attorney for all you guys facing issues like me or more.. Hopefully I will never get a traffic violation again but if god forbid if it happens I know whom to reach.

Posted by Ron | February 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent DUI attorney for truckers

He saved my CDL and kept me out of prison after my January 2021 arrest for fifth offense OWI. I have my LIFE BACK! He successfully defended traffic charges against me, which has been crucial for me as an over-the-road truck driver. He came to the jail within 24 hours after my OWI arrest and told me h...e would fight like h___ to keep me out of prison and on the road. I was out of jail within a few days and after that I never missed a day of driving. Mike and his team worked hard to assemble evidence needed for our professional engineer to establish that I was on private property - not operating on a road open to the public. He then filed a motion. Case dismissed. He’s my guy. Always. Still truckin’, Ron”

Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Michael is the best!

I was devastated when I got my 2nd OWI within 2 years. I hired a lawyer with my 1st OWI as it was a .09 and I tried to fight it. I only wish I had talked to Michael back then. He is very knowledgeable in all things OWI. He gives you all the different scenarios of outcomes and is honest and reliable. ...The lawyer I got with my first OWI was hardly ever reachable after I paid him. Michael ALWAYS returned my phone calls and really cared about my case. He fought to have my OWI reduced to 15 days on completion of the TAD program. He even fought for me to get the electronic monitoring as I have children and 2 jobs. When I was finally able to get electronic monitoring my county suspended it and told me I had to serve my time in jail. Michael fought to have my sentencing delayed and put in 2 motions to the court. I ended up being able to get the electronic monitoring because of that and didn't have to sit in jail at all. I am so grateful to him. If you are considering your options he is the best!

Posted by Ryan | April 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Lawyer In Wisconsin

While on my way from Downtown Milwaukee to my residence in Dodge county, I was stopped for deviation from the designated lane. I was given 4 tickets, including possession of THC (extremely small amount). My breath test was over .15 so I would have had to install an ignition interlock device for 1 y...ear which would have been inconvenient and expensive. Attorney Michael Hayes was able to conclude the case with dismissal of the THC ticket and no IID order. I could not have asked for more. Based on the result, his timely communication and his expertise, I highly recommend Attorney Michael Hayes

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