John A. Birdsall

John A. Birdsall

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

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

1110 N Old World Third St, Suite 218, Milwaukee, WI

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

State and Federal Crime Defense

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 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 New York for 8 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2017

Due to Reregister within 30 days of Birthday

Licensed in Wisconsin for 36 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1989

Good Standing

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2004

Location

Birdsall Law Offices SC

1110 N Old World Third St, Suite 218, Milwaukee, WI, 53203

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

John A. Birdsall's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Scott | March 4, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Best Attorney For Criminal Defense in WI

I was charged with a Felony. I was plunged into the legal system for the 1st time in my life with no idea of what to do. John took time to listen, explain, and plan my defense. He fought the State of Wisconsin’s refusal to provide evidence and won. He fought a maleficent prosecutor and won. More tha...n 1 attorney told me I had hired the best lawyer in WI. That respect from his peers was also evident from the Judges as well. John has worked tirelessly to improve the system here in Wisconsin so that the rights of the accused are protected. He worked long hours and even weekends on my case. The result? I am cleared of all charges and have my life back. If you need legal counsel, don't spend another second being worried. Hire John.

Posted by Christina | March 3, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Christina M Beaudoin's review of attorneys John Birdsall and Nicole Muller

Extremely well connected amazing criminal defense attorney John Birdsall had everything arranged with the judge and the prosecutor in advance turned myself in on the warrant spent half an hour in a holding cell went to the hearing Bond was reset at 15000 only conditions of bond no contact with compla...inants in-person attendance at all hearings judge asked if he saw any mental health issues he said no left the courthouse a free woman he does all the work deferral agreement charges dropped absolutely recommend

Posted by anonymous | March 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

he even worked on my very small case with such tenacity, great lawyer!!!

John is the best!!! John worked with me on a minor infraction with the law, which I still do not believe to be a just accusation. But due to lack of supporting evidence in email, as they were deleted by the company I was working for at the time. We chose to settle, John was able to get my "felony t...heft charge" which everyone knows would have been damaging to anybody career and future endeavors for the rest of their lives . He was able to show they also did not have enough supporting evidence on their end as well to prove intent. And was able to get it reduced to misdemeanor and eventually all the way down to a "civil charge of disorderly conduct" basically the equivalent of a traffic ticket. Needless to say, John knows very well what he is doing in order to make certain you truly get a fair representation with the law.

Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Reliable and Professional

I've not encountered much situations where I had to interact with a lawyer. Like many others, I had a perception about lawyers which was not very positive. However, that mindset changed after meeting with Mr. John Birdsall. Before even getting in how did he help me professionally during one my mo...st critical period of my life I would like to point out that Mr. Birdsall demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and exhibits an unique capacity for empathy. Right from the first meeting, he made it very evident that he was not treating my case just as a client-attorney relation. Rather he offered himself as a guide and mentor to work through the situation. I have to admit that being myself alone in the unexpected situation without any guardian to offer support, Mr. Birdsall's guidance and personal interest were more crucial to me than his professional support as an Attorney. And this is not to downplay his professionalism and expertise in his area at all as he successfully resolved my case. Also, I need to mention that he didn't know me prior to having my case. Now regarding his professional services, I was skeptical about the time I'd get from a very busy attorney like Mr. Birdsall. But I was rest assured at the very first meeting with him. He invested his time to listen every single details from me and made sure my case is taken care of properly. It was not expected that Mr. Birdsall would be available around the clock but he always called me back or replied to my email as soon he got a minute to do so. He paid close attention to what I had to say during the meetings- at his office and outside of the office. There were situations when I needed suggestions and assistance on topics that were not falling in Mr. Birdsall's area of expertise. But he reached out to his connections to induce a resolution for me. He stepped in to diffuse the complexities that I was facing with other stakeholders who were not directly related to my case. One of the remarkable aptitude of Mr. Birdsall is that he remained positive in all of his interactions. Despite being professional and well known expert in his area, his attention to details and being personable presents him as a trusted and reliable figure which I believe momentous when someone is seeking help from an attorney at one of the critical period of his life. I'd also like to mention that the staffs at Mr. Birdsall's office were very helpful. Even after few years since my case was resolved, whenever I reached out to them regarding some reference documents, they always responded me within couple of days and assisted me the best way possible. I'd highly recommend Mr. Birdsall to anyone seeking legal assistance in the area that he practices. I'd be skeptic that any other attorney could provide better assistance than him.

Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Helped When Needed

John and I served for many years on the Downtown YMCA Board. When I had legal issue that needed professional expertise, I called on John and he handled it beautifully! I'd recommend John to anyone!

See All Client Reviews

John A. Birdsall's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Linda Blom Johnson headshot
Linda Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Other

"I met John Birdsall at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in 2015 as a classmate. The goal of attending was to improve and learn new trial and advocacy skills, in order to achieve the best results for our clients. John was dedicated to learning the new methods and fully immersed himself in that process. He has a brilliant mind, broad experience, and the gift of oral presentation that is second to none, which he uses to fight tirelessly for his clients."

Cordt Cullen Akers headshot
Cordt Akers

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. John is a powerful advocate and a caring protector. Every one of my Wisconsin referrals go to him. Anyone who hires him is lucky to have him."

Blake E Lynch headshot
Blake Lynch

Unknown lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I absolutely trust and endorse John. He's a great attorney, legal mind, and an even better human being. Literally could not go wrong with this guy!"

Andrew B. Delaney headshot
Andrew Delaney

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've watched John work on his cases. He brings an unparalleled intensity and dedication to his cases. He is sharp, compassionate, and highly effective. I endorse him without reservation."

Mark Pecora headshot
Mark Pecora

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have no hesitation in recommending John to others in need of an excellent criminal defense attorney. He is efficient, knowledgeable and extremely capable at what he does."

Nathan J. Dineen headshot
Nathan Dineen

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent attorney! Great Person! I highly recommend and endorse John."

Syovata K. Edari headshot
Syovata Edari

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. And he's a good guy."

George A. Limbeck headshot
George Limbeck

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. John has an excellent grasp of state and federal criminal law. More importantly (and much more difficult to learn), he has learned how to best apply the law to each client's case and achieve the most favorable result for the client."

Dudley A. Williams headshot
Dudley Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with John and he is a great advocate for his clients. He knows the law and gets tremendous results. He does not shy away from difficult cases and is highly respected in the legal community."

Jeffrey W. Jensen headshot
Jeffrey Jensen

Criminal defense lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with John on a number of difficult multi-defendant cases, and I find that John's legal work and ethics are of the highest quality."

Jay K. Nixon headshot
Jay Nixon

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. John is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced criminal lawyers in Southeastern WI. He is highly respected by both colleagues and clients."

Daniel John Blinka headshot
Daniel Blinka

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"John is a competent lawyer and solves problems for his clients in an efficient and effective manner without sacrificing the vigor required to provide excellent service."

Comm. Dean B. Zemel headshot
Comm. Zemel

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse John as a thoughtful, diligent and persistent criminal defense attorney."

Theodore J. Skemp headshot
Theodore Skemp

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met John Birdsall more than a decade ago, when I was the Chair of the Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin. At that time, he was a rising star among Wisconsin lawyers. Today he is recognized as one the best, most experienced, most trustworthy and most successful lawyers in the state. I would not hesitate to refer a close friend or relative to him. If you need the best criminal defense lawyer that you can find, hire John Birdsall. Andrew Mishlove"

Eric Schulenburg headshot
Eric Schulenburg

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have spoken with him about criminal defense issues, I have read his written work, I have heard others in my specialty speak of him with respect. He is an excellent lawyer, he is persuasive, and he is bright."

A Steven Porter headshot
A Porter

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. John Birdsall takes the rights of the accused seriously and fights ably and hard for those rights in both judicial and legislative forums. John is a leader in the state and local bar associations and has worked hard to advance the efficacy of the law and the ends of justice. He is well respected by his peers for his intelligence, character, legal ability and his good-naturted collegiality."

Jill Gilbert Welytok headshot
Jill Welytok

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work as a knowledeable attorney in the criminal area and an established reputation in the legal community."

Theodore Perlick Molinari headshot
Theodore Perlick Molinari

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Co-worker

"John puts more work in on a case than any attorney I know. If there is a way to win, he will find it."

View All Endorsements
Stephanie M. Rock headshot
Stephanie Rock

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicole A. Muller headshot
Nicole Muller

Criminal defense lawyer

Blake E Lynch headshot
Blake Lynch

Criminal defense lawyer

Sarah M. Schmeiser headshot
Sarah Schmeiser

Criminal defense lawyer

Syovata K. Edari headshot
Syovata Edari

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Russell Meyer headshot
Matthew Meyer

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael R. Cohen headshot
Michael Cohen

Criminal defense lawyer

Jay K. Nixon headshot
Jay Nixon

Unknown lawyer

Jeffrey W. Jensen headshot
Jeffrey Jensen

Unknown lawyer

Eric Schulenburg headshot
Eric Schulenburg

General practice lawyer

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

General practice lawyer

Theodore J. Skemp headshot
Theodore Skemp

General practice lawyer

Daniel John Blinka headshot
Daniel Blinka

General practice lawyer

A Steven Porter headshot
A Porter

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2004.

Public Reprimand issued in WI, 2004

updated on 05/16/2009

Reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2016

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Attorney, Birdsall Law Offices SC

1992 - 1999

Attorney, Gonzalez, Saggio, Birdsall & Harlan

1989 - 1992

Attorney, Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen

Associations

2013 - Present

Rotary Club of Milwaukee

Member

2013 - Present

The Wisconsin Club

Member

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Past President

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors

State Bar of Wisconsin, Criminal Law Section

Former Chair

State Bar of Wisconsin, Sentencing Commission

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Milwaukee Rescue Mission

Volunteer Attorney

YMCA Milwaukee Urban Campus

Board Member

Committee on Indegent Defense Compensation

Member

Shotokan Karate Club of America

Black Belt

Sample of Legal Cases

State vs. Defendant (Cold Case Homicide)

Not Guilty

State vs. Defendant

60 days jail with time served

State vs. Defendant

All charges dismissed

State vs. Defendant

2 counts dismissed. 2 counts amended to Reckless Endangerment. Client was sentenced to 5 years prison and 5 years probation.

State vs. Defendant

Forgery and Theft charges were dismissed. Client was sentenced to 2 years probation.

State vs. Defendant

Client received probation.

State vs. Defendant

Following jury trial, client was acquitted of Homicide and Endangerment charges. Was sentenced to 1 year jail with Huber and 3 years probation on other charges.

State vs. Defendant

Charges amended to 1 count misdemeanor battery , all other counts were dismissed - NOT read-in, no probation time, no jail time.

State vs. Defendant

Charge of Prohibited Alcohol Content was dismissed; client's driving privileges were revoked for the period of 7 months on OWI charge; client received no jail time.

State vs. Defendant

Client pled guilty to Count 1, Operating While under Influence (2nd), client was sentenced to 20 days in the House of Correction with Huber privileges, driving privileges suspended for 14 months.

State vs. Defendant

No felony conviction, no jail time, no probation.

State vs. Defendant

2 years probation, no jail, and we mediated terms of repayment of restitution on terms favorable to the client

State vs. Defendant

Multiple charges in multiple jurisdictions resulted in 2 years probation, no jail, community service, and dismissal of all but 2 charges.

State vs. Defendant

Amendment to misdemeanor battery, dismissal of Armed portion of the charge, dangerous weapons charge dismissed, 3 years probation, community service.

State vs. Defendant

Amendment of charges to Misdemeanor battery, 60 days Huber imposed and stayed, 2 years probation.

State vs. Defendant

Found not guilty at the jury trial for 10 counts of computer related possession of child pornography

State vs. Defendant

Charges of possession of cocaine and amphetamines dismissed, on the THC charge client was sentenced to 12 months jail imposed and stayed, and 3 years probation

State vs. Defendant

Following jury trial in the circuit court, the client was found not guilty on all counts.

State vs. Defendant

Following two years of extensive motion practice, the court granted defense's Motion for Downward Departure from sentencing guidelines, and sentenced the client to 6 months prison, instead of the recommended 57 months, and 1 year on supervised release

State vs. Defendant

As a result of our negotiations, no charges against the client were filed.

State vs. Defendant

As a result of aggressive motion practice, and client was sentenced to 92 months

State vs. Defendant

Investigation revealed that client was chronically mentally ill and had never left the store. Charge amended to violation of County Ordinance and a $50.00 fine.

State vs. Defendant

No charges filed

State vs. Defendant

PAC counts dismissed, OWI reduced

State vs. Defendant

PAC charge dismissed, driving privileges revoked

State vs. Defendant

No charges were filed

State vs. Defendant

Case settled during trial, probation and no jail

State vs. Defendant

Defendant sentenced to 36 months probation

State vs. Defendant

All charges dismissed

State vs. Defendant

Original charge was amended to county ordinance - disorderly conduct; defendant was ordered to pay $100.00 fine.

State vs. Defendant

The motion was granted and all charges dismissed.

State vs. Defendant

Case dismissed

State vs. Defendant

Client was sentenced on OWI - 3rd charge to 4 month in the House of Corrections with Huber privileges, revocation of his driving privileges for the period of 24 months, and a fine of $600.00.

State vs. Defendant

Amended to a county charge of Disorderly Conduct with a small fine after 10 months of defense challenges to evidence.

State vs. Defendant

1 Count of Possession of THC was dismissed entirely. 12 months probation concurrent on other 2 counts. Upon successful completion of probation all convictions were expunged and client has no criminal record.

State vs. Defendant

Client ultimately plead guilty to a county ordinance - Disorderly Conduct by Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Stop at a Sign. Fines and court costs totaled $587.20.

State vs. Defendant

All charges dismissed before trial. Investigation produced witness who supported self-defense.

State vs. Defendant

2 felony Counts of delivering cocaine were dismissed. Client was sentenced to probation and 12 months work release on the 3rd count.

State vs. Defendant

Client was sentenced to a total of 10 months Huber and 3 years probation.

State vs. Defendant

All charges were dismissed.

State vs. Defendant

Theft of Property charge dismissed. Two years probation concurrent on two counts of Prescription Drug Fraud. Client was ordered 40 hours of community service and pay court costs of $40.00.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

University of Wisconsin Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1986

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2000

Refocusing the Profession for the New Millenium Sentencing Hearing in the "New World"

1998

1998 State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Convention Representing Indigent Defendants at Sentencing and Disposition

Publications

2007

Wisconsin Sentencing Commission Sentencing in Wisconsin

2007

Wisconsin Sentencing Commission Race and Sentencing in Wisconsin

2003

Criminal Law News Chair's Perspective

2002

Criminal Law News Chair's Perspective

2001

Criminal Law News Chair's Perspective

1997

Criminal Law News Legislative Committee Report

1996

Criminal Law News Legislative Committee Report

Languages

English

Activity

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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2004
    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