Matthew S. Pinix

PRO

Matthew S. Pinix

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Milwaukee, WI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Civil Rights

1200 East Capitol Drive, Suite 360, Milwaukee, WI

Virtual Consultation Available

About Matthew

Biography

Great lawyers get results. I've won cases others wouldn't even take. Let's see if I can help you.

My firm handles criminal appeals: direct, postconviction, habeas. Your case matters; we can help.

You wouldn't hire a heart surgeon to do brain surgery. Don't hire a trial attorney to handle your appeal. Hire a professional appellate attorney and make it a fair fight against the State.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 95%

Wisconsin state and federal appeals. Direct appeals (Wis. Stat. 809.30), collateral attacks (Wis. Stat. 974.06), writs of habeas corpus (28 US 2254).

18 years

95%
Civil Rights 5%

When someone violates your rights or the government causes you harm, you can sue to make it right. We represent clients in state and federal court.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 400-500 per hour

Contingency

33%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2014

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 18 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2007

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Pinix Law, LLC

1200 East Capitol Drive, Suite 360, Milwaukee, WI, 53211

pinixlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Matthew online.

Matthew S. Pinix's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

5 star (16)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Jake | February 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Lawyer and Person

Matthew was great in all aspects in pursuing a sentence reduction for my Father. He communicated well with both my father and his children throughout the process. His game plan going into the courtroom very buttoned up and effective; he was clearly more prepared than the state attorney. Our situation... required a unique carefulness regarding tone toward the judge and victims and Matthew as especially impressive here; he was genuine, empathetic, yet assertive and highly convincing at the same time. My Father was also extremely well prepared and impressive when on-stand; Matthew deserves a ton of credit for getting my father back a significant amount of time.

Posted by anonymous | December 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Work on PTSD Related Sentence Modification

Matthew Pinix, Joe Riepenhoff, and the team at Pinix Law, LLC did an excellent job advocating for my father's sentence modification. I strongly recommend them for anyone seeking legal help for veterans or PTSD impacted issues. - Fair and up-front fee disclosures. Pinix respected our money concerns..., explained costs, was clear about when and why things might change, and sought permission before proceeding on items that required additional funding. - Accessibility and transparency. Pinix returned communications within a reasonable time frame, and helped trouble shoot delays on communication with incarcerated client. Kept family updated on time frames for procedures, explained delays, and maintained a proactive approach to the case. Clearly explained legal strategy and discussed concerns and questions with all involved. Accommodated differing opinions to legal approach and demonstrated why chosen strategies were more likely to produce favorable outcomes. - Tenacity. Pinix was prepared for setbacks, with immediate plans to pivot strategy as needed. Reassured clients and family, and clearly outlined how setbacks could be overcome. - Results. Despite initial setbacks and the need to elevate the case to higher levels of the State Court system, Pinix delivered positive results for the client. Overall, Pinix and team treated client and family fairly and with respect. Results present a more fair application of justice compared to initial sentencing. Client and family are very happy with Pinix's effective representation.

Posted by Sharon McIntyre | April 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great appeal lawyer

He told us exactly what he gonna do . And that we will be very pleased with the outcome. And we was very pleased. Thank you Mr. PINIX

Posted by Michelle | September 9, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional performance

Matthew is a great attorney. He takes his time and is very thorough. He’s empathic and always willing to explain whatever is needed. Extremely responsive and communicates in advance when he takes time away from the office. We spoke to many attorneys and he is one who is respectful and doesn’t assume ...you are not intelligent. I highly recommend. My family appreciates everything he has done.

Posted by Joan | May 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Matt Saved Our Nonprofit

Matt was hired by our nonprofit to represent us in an appeals case after we lost a somewhat complicated case in a lower court. Understanding that less than 10% of appeals cases are won on appeal, we weren't very optimistic. But Matt is a genius in understanding the law in general, even though he was...n't familiar with nonprofit law. He is a quick study and was able to convince the appeals court that the lower court ruled erroneously. Because of Matt's support our nonprofit won the legal right to a $1 million endowment that is now allowing us to continue to function. In addition, his work with the appeals court put an end to a dispute that was over a decade old. Lastly Matt has such an easy going demeanor. He was wonderful to work with and very patient in explaining the complicated workings of the appeals process. We will always be very grateful to Matt for Saving our nonprofit.

See All Client Reviews

Matthew S. Pinix's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew
Craig R. Johnson headshot
Craig Johnson

Appeals lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew Pinix is an outstanding appellate lawyer. I have seen his work both in the appellate reports and in the courtroom on post-conviction motions. I recommend him highly."

John T. Bayer headshot
John Bayer

Appeals lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I strongly recommend Atty. Matthew Pinix for anyone that needs to file an appeal. He is a brilliant and natural writer and speaker and fights zealously on behalf of clients facing difficult situations. He is extremely personable and will provide top notch representation to every client he represents."

Susan Marie Roth headshot
Susan Roth

Appeals lawyer | Nov 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt Pinix is a highly talented appellate and criminal defense attorney. I would recommend his practice to anyone in need of such services."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Aaron J. Foley headshot
Aaron Foley

Appeals lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Matthew on a legal matter and found him to be an excellent advocate for his clients. He is an experienced appellate attorney with a track record of achieving good results for his clients. I recommend Matthew without reservation."

Jeffrey T. Wilson headshot
Jeffrey Wilson

Appeals lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Pinix is an expert in his field. His achievements are well-documented in the legal community and he always gets the best result for his clients. I heartily endorse this lawyer."

Christopher D. Donovan headshot
Christopher Donovan

Unknown lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Friend

"Matt Pinix is a very experienced, creative, and skilled appellate and trial lawyer. He shows exceptional commitment to his clients and their cases. I often consult with him on cases of my own and his insight is always invaluable. I would not hesitate to recommend Matt for representation in important cases, and anyone who hires him is in good hands."

Michael G. Levine headshot
Michael Levine

Appeals lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Pinix is a very bright, passionate and detail-oriented attorney. I have had the pleasure to work on several matters with Mr. Pinix and I find him to be diligent, creative, and hardworking. I would highly recommend his services."

Sean M. Sweeney headshot
Sean Sweeney

Appeals lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Matthew for years and know him to be a thorough and committed attorney. I would endorse his work."

View All Endorsements
Kevin M. Henderson headshot
Kevin Henderson

Unknown lawyer

Daniel M. Adams headshot
Daniel Adams

Unknown lawyer

Craig R. Johnson headshot
Craig Johnson

Unknown lawyer

Rebecca R. Lawnicki headshot
Rebecca Lawnicki

Appeals lawyer

Joseph A. Bugni headshot
Joseph Bugni

Criminal defense lawyer

Susan Marie Roth headshot
Susan Roth

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael George Soukup headshot
Michael Soukup

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert R. Henak headshot
Robert Henak

Appeals lawyer

Ellen Henak headshot
Ellen Henak

Appeals lawyer

David M. Stegall headshot
David Stegall

Criminal defense lawyer

John T. Bayer headshot
John Bayer

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jeffrey T. Wilson headshot
Jeffrey Wilson

Unknown lawyer

Aaron J. Foley headshot
Aaron Foley

Unknown lawyer

Michael G. Levine headshot
Michael Levine

Criminal defense lawyer

Sean M. Sweeney headshot
Sean Sweeney

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Top rated Appellate attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Top rated Appellate attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Top rated Appellate attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2015

Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

Leading Lawyers, M Magazine

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Attorney, Pinix Law, LLC

2017 - 2020

Attorney, Pinix & Soukup, LLC

2008 - 2017

Attorney, Law Office of Matthew S. Pinix, LLC

2007 - 2008

Judicial Law Clerk, New Mexico Supreme Court

2007 - 2007

Extern, United States Attorney's Office, Central District Calif.

2006 - 2006

Judicial Extern, United States Bankruptcy Court Central District Of California

2006 - 2006

Law Clerk, Turner & Flessas, SC

2005 - 2005

Extern, Wisconsin Department Of Justice

Associations

2024 - Present

Project Return

Board Member

2020 - Present

Appellate Practice Section, Wis. Bar Assn.

Board Member

2021 - 2022

American Company of Irish Dance

Board Member

2020 - 2023

Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

Member

2013 - 2018

Prison Action Milwaukee

Board of Directors

2008 - 2016

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2007 - 2011

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Wisconsin Claims Board litigation

Claims Board paid for unlawful confinement

Drug conspiracy

Sentence modified to time served

Possession of child pornography

Client awarded new trial

2d Deg Intentional Homicide

Client's sentence reduced

Conditions of confinement litigation

Client's disability accomodated

1st Deg. Reckless Homicide, et al.

Plea withdrawn, conviction vacated

Possession of child pornography

Client awarded new trial

Conditions of confinement litigation

Client compensated for unlawful imprisonment

Possession of 1+ kilo of THC

State conviction overturned on habeas

2d Deg Reckless Homicide

State conviction overturned on habeas

1st Deg. Sexual Assualt

Counts dismissed in postconviction litigation

Theft by contractor

Client allowed to withdraw plea

2d Deg Intentional Homicide

Client received new trial

Appeal from Revocation

Revocation decision reversed based on 5th Amend. violation

Sexual assault (4+ counts)

Sentence modified to time served

1st Deg. Reckless Homicide

Reversed on appeal

Disorderly Conduct

Plea withdrawn by postconviciton motion; case dismissed

1st Deg. Murder, et al.

Reversed on appeal

2nd Deg. Sexual Assualt

Sentence modified by postconviciton litigation

Felon in possession of firearm

Reversed during postconviction litigation

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Marquette University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

MA - Masters

2001

Missouri State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

Chapman University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Imperial College London

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2025

Appellate Skills Academy 2025

Postconviction Claims

2024

Marq. Univ. Law Sch. Moot Court Ass'n

Appellate Practice Panel

2024

Appellate Practice in District II

Organizer & Program Leader

2023

Marq. Univ. Law Sch. Moot Court Ass'n

Appellate Practice Panel

2022

Appellate Skills Academy

Small Group Leader

2020

Advanced Crimmigration Topics for Immigration & Defense Lawyers: Postconviction Relief for Noncitizens in Wisconsin

Post-Conviction Relief for Noncitizens in Wisconsin

2018

Cutting Edge Criminal Defense Strategies: Investigation through Sentencing

Case Dismissed: Why the Intrastate Detainer Statute Should be on Your Radar

2017

50 Years after Gault : Continuing to Fulfill the Promise of Zealous Advocacy for Juveniles and Young Adults Strategies to Effectively Argue Prejudice in IAC Claims (panelist)

2015

From the Courtroom to the Interview Room: Fighting for Clients with Courage and Compassion Defeating the Simple, Cruel Expedient: How the 5th Amendment Protects Probationers

2014

Humanities Career Panel

What Jobs can I get after Grad School

2014

Guest speaker to Moral Problems (Phil 243) class

Philosophical theories of punishment in the Wisconsin legal system

2013

Monthly membership meeting

What is a direct appeal & how does it work?

2013

Marquette Law Statutory Interpretation Course

Panelist

2013

Annual Criminal Defense Conference

What's the Merit in That? Handling No Merit Appeals

2011

Marquette Law Appellate Writing & Advocacy Course

Guest Lecturer

Publications

2011

Wisconsin Lawyer magazine Book Review: Civil War Lawyers

2008

George Mason University Civil Rights Law Journal The Unconstitutionality of DOMA+INA

2004

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee The Problem with "self" Competition

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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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