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I have dedicated my entire life to defending constitutional rights. While other attorneys have been to a handful of trials, I have taken more than 265 cases to trial. At Birdsall Law Offices, we exclusively practice criminal defense law so you can rest assured knowing our entire focus is on winning your case.
I always involve my clients in every step on the process. I take an aggressive approach to defending my clients. I use a team of experts and investigators to turn your case inside-out. I look at every possible angle. I will challenge every witness and confront any authority.
I have earned a reputation for winning and an acquittal rate 3 times the state average. Call Birdsall Law Offices to being your defense today.
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Chat withState: New York
Acquired: 2017
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 1989
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2004
1110 N Old World Third St, Suite 218, Milwaukee, WI, 53203
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Scott | March 4, 2020 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Christina | March 3, 2019 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by anonymous | March 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney
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!
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer's work as a knowledeable attorney in the criminal area and an established reputation in the legal community."
"John puts more work in on a case than any attorney I know. If there is a way to win, he will find it."
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This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2004.
Public Reprimand issued in WI, 2004
updated on 05/16/2009Reprimand 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.
2016
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1999 - Present
Attorney, Birdsall Law Offices SC
1992 - 1999
Attorney, Gonzalez, Saggio, Birdsall & Harlan
1989 - 1992
Attorney, Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen
2013 - Present
Rotary Club of MilwaukeeMember
2013 - Present
The Wisconsin ClubMember
Past President
Board of Directors
Former Chair
Member
Member
Volunteer Attorney
Board Member
Member
Black Belt
Not Guilty
60 days jail with time served
All charges dismissed
2 counts dismissed. 2 counts amended to Reckless Endangerment. Client was sentenced to 5 years prison and 5 years probation.
Forgery and Theft charges were dismissed. Client was sentenced to 2 years probation.
Client received probation.
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.
Charges amended to 1 count misdemeanor battery , all other counts were dismissed - NOT read-in, no probation time, no jail time.
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.
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.
No felony conviction, no jail time, no probation.
2 years probation, no jail, and we mediated terms of repayment of restitution on terms favorable to the client
Multiple charges in multiple jurisdictions resulted in 2 years probation, no jail, community service, and dismissal of all but 2 charges.
Amendment to misdemeanor battery, dismissal of Armed portion of the charge, dangerous weapons charge dismissed, 3 years probation, community service.
Amendment of charges to Misdemeanor battery, 60 days Huber imposed and stayed, 2 years probation.
Found not guilty at the jury trial for 10 counts of computer related possession of child pornography
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
Following jury trial in the circuit court, the client was found not guilty on all counts.
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
As a result of our negotiations, no charges against the client were filed.
As a result of aggressive motion practice, and client was sentenced to 92 months
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.
No charges filed
PAC counts dismissed, OWI reduced
PAC charge dismissed, driving privileges revoked
No charges were filed
Case settled during trial, probation and no jail
Defendant sentenced to 36 months probation
All charges dismissed
Original charge was amended to county ordinance - disorderly conduct; defendant was ordered to pay $100.00 fine.
The motion was granted and all charges dismissed.
Case dismissed
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.
Amended to a county charge of Disorderly Conduct with a small fine after 10 months of defense challenges to evidence.
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.
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.
All charges dismissed before trial. Investigation produced witness who supported self-defense.
2 felony Counts of delivering cocaine were dismissed. Client was sentenced to probation and 12 months work release on the 3rd count.
Client was sentenced to a total of 10 months Huber and 3 years probation.
All charges were dismissed.
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.
1989
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
BA - Bachelor of Arts
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English
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