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About Karyn
Biography
**Serving Rock, Walworth, Dane, Jefferson, and Green Counties**
Attorney Karyn T. Missimer is regarded by her colleagues and judges as thorough and detail-oriented. Attorney Missimer graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2006, where she received the highest class grade in Legal Research and Writing. She also earned the distinction of being the only first-year law student to ever argue onto Moot Court. Further, she received the Pro Bono Society Honor for dedicating over 120 hours of her time to nonprofit legal organizations.
Attorney Missimer’s practice focuses on DUI/criminal defense at both the trial and appellate levels. She has been a member of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys since 2006 and a member of the National College for DUI Defense (“NCDD”) since 2007.
DUI Defense Experience: For years, Attorney Missimer’s practice has focused almost exclusively on DUI defense. She has attended the NCDD’s annual Mastering Scientific Evidence seminars, thereby sharpening her ability to challenge breath and blood tests. She has also attended the NCDD’s annual Summer Sessions in Boston, Massachusetts. The Summer Sessions cover all aspects of jury trial work, including, persuasion techniques, directing and cross-examining expert witnesses, and effectively challenging field sobriety tests. Attorney Missimer is Field Sobriety Test Certified; and she graduated from the American Chemical Society's Hands-On Forensic Blood Testing Course where she learned the ins and outs of the gas chromatograph used for blood testing, as well as how to successfully defend against it. Attorney Missimer has had numerous DUI trials and is very well-versed in this area of law.
Criminal Law Experience: Before law school, Attorney Missimer worked as a criminal law paralegal for six years. In law school, she interned with the Milwaukee Trial Division of the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office. During that time, she represented indigent clients in all aspects of misdemeanor and felony matters. Criminal defense has been a major part of Attorney Missimer’s practice since 2006.
Appellate Experience: Attorney Missimer interned for the Honorable Harry G. Snyder at the Wisconsin Court of Appeals – District II. There, she researched criminal appellate matters, including eye witness identification issues and Fourth Amendment violations. Attorney Missimer has drafted appeals submitted to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Wisconsin Supreme Court, as well as the Seventh and Eighth Circuits.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
70%
20 years
Appeals
10%
20 years
Criminal Defense
10%
20 years
Divorce and Separation
10%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 19 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Missimer Law, S.C.
Rock County Practice, Janesville, WI, 53545
Missimer Law, S.C.
Walworth County Practice, Elkhorn, WI, 53121-0994
Missimer Law, S.C.
Dane County Practice, Madison, WI, 53703
Missimer Law, S.C.
Jefferson County Practice, Jefferson, WI, 53549
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Karyn T. Missimer's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Staff & Support
Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2012 | DUI & DWI
Horrible legal advice /
Your probably thinking, how can karyn have such a bad review when every other review makes her look like the saintly mother theresa? Well, first you should be questioning all the glowing reviews from fellow attorney's. Now I may be wrong, but im pretty confident that on those attorney review pages, k...
Karyn Missimer
Replied last February 27, 2012This review is false, by the father of a client not charged with OWI and who threatened to ruin my reputation because I would not give my services for free. But don’t take my word for it, look at the false review itself. When all the other reviews are positive and one review is negative: Question the negative review. An endorsement implies a relationship between the lawyers and knowledge of each other’s skills. I have not endorsed several lawyers who endorsed me and I did not know. The comments about my rates fitting a poor man are true. Compared to other DUI defense attorneys with similar training and experience, I keep my rates reasonable. I have had only a few clients with ADD. None were stopped for a broken tail light, and not one of them was playing video games all night. Playing video games all night could make one’s eyes red and bloodshot. But, we don’t know any other facts here, which I go over with ALL of my clients: odor of alcohol; slurred speech; etc. If my client was stopped for a broken tail light and administered the field sobriety tests (FSTS) for red and bloodshot eyes ONLY, I would bring a motion to suppress the evidence. I have won motions to suppress the evidence in similar circumstances. Further, the officer administered a preliminary breath test (PBT) without FSTS. Generally, most officers know they need at least one bad FST before they may ask for a PBT. If my client was administered a PBT without FSTS, I would bring a motion to suppress the evidence. Next, the court date starts as a sentencing then morphs into a trial. Sentencing and trial are two very different concepts, and generally do not occur on the same day. Then, I was running late to court so I sent my partner?! If I am running late to court, I am on the way. Sending my partner when I am already in route makes no sense. None of my clients could claim I know nothing their cases. All clients receive a 25-page questionnaire related to potential defenses. We go through the police reports and other evidence. We discuss whether the officer could stop and question them. Next, we consider whether the officer could expand the initial stop into a DUI investigation. Then, we think about probable cause to arrest. With respect to blood alcohol concentration tests, we discuss potential defenses. For breath tests, this may include mouth alcohol interference, radio frequency interference, silent burps, etc. For blood tests, this may include an expired test kit, microbes causing false high positive results, human error, etc. We do all this during the course of a case and before a sentencing or a trial date. I do look at my clients in court, to make sure they are OK and understand. Or perhaps, the court is asking a question we have not discussed. Looking at my client in court means I am focusing on his needs. I note the false reviewer CHOSE to plead guilty. All of my clients CHOOSE the direction of their cases. I NEVER advise my clients to plead if they believe they are innocent or express a desire to fight. All clients are entitled to a day in court; I guard that right. Then, the false reviewer suggests a process to clear someone of a DUI, and I was responsible for obtaining the occupational license. In WI, a DUI may not be expunged. As for the occupational license, only the client may obtain the occupational license on his own behalf. See: http://www.dot.state.wi.us/drivers/drivers/revoke/occ-apply.htm. In conclusion: Thank you, Mr. False Reviewer (whom Avvo forbids me to name). Without you, my rating would be a 5 out of 5 stars, and unrealistic. You cannot make everyone happy all of the time. Moreover, this gave me an opportunity to explain the process I go through with my clients and how I assess a DUI case. In the end, this false review makes me look more credible. Thanks for reading, and for giving me the benefit of the doubt.
Karyn T. Missimer's Lawyer Endorsements
"Karyn is one of the best DUI lawyers in the state. She has experience in the area well beyond what her years of practice would suggest. If I were facing a DUI charge, I would hire this attorney to defend me."
"Karyn Missimer is the perfect attorney for a client in trouble. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, and hard working. She maintains communication and remains cool under pressure. I wholeheartedly recommend Karyn Missimer."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Missimer is one of the most giving lawyers in Avvo history. Her record of providing help to people is beyond elite. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free. Kudos. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."
"Karyn is an excellent attorney. She is an aggressive and knowledgeable advocate for her clients."
"Karyn is very knowledgeable and skilled attorney. Her advice on this site in her areas of expertise are always right on. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Karyn is one of Wisconsin's leading lawyers for those charged with DUI/OWI. Her knowledge of the law is excellent. Karyn is also one of only 7 lawyers in Wisconsin who have completed the ASC course on testing for alcohol in blood (Headspace Gas Chromatography). Karyn's continual investment in her legal and scientific education has made her a leader in Wisconsin for defending people accused of OWI. Karyn knows both the law and the science and also has the communication skills to persuade a court or a jury. You should not hesitate to contact her if you need a skilled attorney fighting for you!"
"I endorse Karyn Mikssimer. She has years of experience, her clients like her and other attorneys respect her. The numerous answers to questions that she has published at Avvo.com also tell you that she knows the law and cares about making sure her client know it too. She has even taught the law to other lawyers. If you have a Criminal Law question, don't mess around. She is your answer. I recommend her to you."
"Karyn is an excellent attorney. She is a frequent speaker on OWI and highly respected throughout the State. She is a member of the National College for DUI Defense. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a very smart OWI and criminal defense lawyer."
"After referring a potential client to Attorney Missimer for a traffic case in Jefferson County, I realized I should have provided an endorsement for her long ago."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is knowledeable and dedicated."
"I endorse this lawyer. She has superb knowledge regarding OWI cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Karyn is a fantastic defense attorney. Her knowledge and skill as an experienced trial lawyer make her an outstanding advocate. Karyn's OWI defense trial skills are highly regarded."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Karyn is an intelligent, professional, competent attorney willing to go the extra distance for her clients. She is aggressive and dedicated. If you have been arrested and need qualified legal advice, please call her for an honest assessment of your case."
"Karyn is an outstanding lawyer who has been nationally recognized for her defense of people charged with DUI/DWI. She is tenacious and gets great results for her clients. I highly recommend her."
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Experience
Honors
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Laywers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2006
Pro Bono Society Honor, Marquette University Law School
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Owner/Partner, Missimer Law, S.C.
2007 - 2009
Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Andrew Mishlove
2006 - 2006
Law Clerk, Centro Legal
2005 - 2006
Intern, Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office
2005 - 2005
Judicial Intern, Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II
2000 - 2006
Criminal and Family Law Paralegal, Various Law Offices
Associations
2014 - Present
Jagged Hump Task ForceMember
2011 - Present
Rock County Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseMember (Sustaining Member Since 2014)
2006 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
State Bar of WisconsinMember
2018 - 2021
Wisconsin Division of USA FencingExecutive Chair
2015 - 2021
Wisconsin Division of USA FencingExecutive Committee
2009 - 2012
Walworth County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - 2012
Young Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
City of Janesville v. C.A.
DUI-1st (points, fine, driver license revocation) reduced to reckless driving (points and a fine).
State of Wisconsin v. K.D. (Rock County)
DUI-1st Causing Injury (criminal) amended to OWI-1st (civil, no jail).
State v. W.G. (Rock County)
Armed Robbery charge dismissed.
Town of Bloomfield v. E.B.
DUI-1st Amended to Reckless Driving (a fine and points only).
City of Janesville v. R.S.
DUI-1st Amended to Reckless Driving (a fine and points only).
County of Rock v. L.D.
OWI-1st Causing Injury (criminal) amended to OWI-1st (civil, no jail).
State/County of Walworth v. A.B.
OWI-Drug 1st offense dismissed.
State v. K.B. (Rock County)
DUI-6th reduced to DUI-5th
State v. J.B. (Rock County)
DUI-3rd (criminal) amended to 2 civil ordinance violations (Inattentive Driving & Hit and Run).
State v. V.W. (Rock County)
DUI-3rd (criminal) reduced to DUI-1st (civil).
State v. J.K. (Milwaukee County)
DUI-4th Drug dismissed.
State v. G.K. (Dane County)
DUI-1st with Minor Child in Vehicle (criminal offense with potential jail) amended to regular DUI-1st (civil offense, no jail).
State v. N.K. (Walworth County)
Criminal theft reduced to civil ordinance violation.
City of Janesville v. D.H.
Not guilty at court trial (PAC-1st).
Town of Geneva v. S.W.
DUI-1st amended to a Reckless Driving (a fine and points).
State v. M.V.
DUI-3rd (criminal) reduced to DUI-1st (civil).
State v. L.S.
No IID on a DUI-1st with a .29
State v. J.F.
DUI-4th amended to DUI-3rd.
State v. A.S.
Hung jury on Operating with a Prohibited Alcohol Concentration charge (3rd offense with minor child in vehicle).
State v. C.I.
Probation terminated early.
City of Fort Atkinson v. B.B.
No ignition interlock device on an DUI-1st with a .20 BAC.
State v. S.H.
Not guilty at jury trial (DUI-3rd).
State v. D.M.
Convictions vacated. New trial granted (Burglary and Escape charges).
State v. D.D.
DUI-3rd (criminal) reduced to DUI-1st (civil).
State v. C.S.
Sexual assault dismissed before charged.
State v. C.D.
DUI-2nd dismissed.
Town of Delavan v. B.H.
DUI-1st reduced to Reckless Driving (a fine and points).
City of Franklin v. B.B.
Not guilty at court trial (DUI-1st and PAC-1st).
City of Oak Creek v. W.D.
DUI-1st reduced to a Reckless Driving (a fine and points).
State v. C.H.
Criminal possession of THC reduced to civil ordinance violation.
Village of Williams Bay v. E.C.
DUI-1st reduced to a Reckless Driving.
State v. B.D.
Not guilty at jury trial (DUI-1st).
County of Racine v. S.V.
Not guilty at court trial (PAC-1st).
State v. W.J.
Criminal disorderly conduct charge reduced to civil ordinance violation.
State v. M.P.
DUI-6th reduced to DUI-5th.
State v. S.B.
Criminal possession of marijuana charges reduced to civil ordinance violation.
State v. G.G.
DUI-3rd reduced to DUI-2nd.
State v. W.M.
Evidence suppressed; charges (DUI-3rd) dismissed.
State v. B.W.
Prior DUI dismissed. DUI-3rd reduced to DUI-2nd.
State v. J.C.
Case dismissed (DUI-2nd).
State v. R.R.
Judgment reversed. DUI-2nd dismissed.
State v. T.K.
DUI-4th reduced to DUI-3rd
State v. B.L.
Not guilty at jury trial (OWI-1st).
State v. R.C.
Not guilty at jury trial (Disorderly Conduct).
Education
2013
American Chemical Society
Forensic Blood Testing
2012
Platt & Associates
Field Sobriety Test Certification
2006
Marquette University
Juris Doctor
2000
Marquette University
Bachelor of the Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Building Your Practice: Handling OWI Cases in Wisconsin
Chair and Speaker (Spoke on OWI Penalties, Motions, and Sentencing)
2015
Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar
What's Up, DOC?: DOC Issues Every DUI Defense Attorney Should Know
2014
Wisconsin State Public Defender Association
Attacking Prior Convictions - Collaterally, Directly, and Indirectly
2014
Building Your Practice - OWI
Discovery: I Want it All (And I Want it Delivered)
2014
Building Your Practice - OWI
Sentencing: When All Else Fails
2014
Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar
Withdrawal Symptoms: The Ethics of Dealing with Difficult Clients
2013
Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar
"Accidentally" Giving Up Your Constitutional Rights?: Challenging Blood Draws Under 343.305(3)(ar)
2012
Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar
Framing the Issues: Stops, Reasonable Suspicion, and Probable Cause
2010
Building Your Practice - OWI
Sentencing/Collateral, Direct, and Indirect Attacks
2009
Wisconsin State Public Defender Association
"I Want My Lawyer!": Legal Issues in Implied Consent
2009
Wisconsin State Public Defender Association
Incoming!: Attacking Prior Offenses Collaterally, Directly, and Indirectly
Publications
2014
Super Lawyers
Word for Word
2014
Wisconsin Lawyer
Jagged Hump Task Force
2010
Wisconsin Law Journal
Can Avvo Answers Help You Get More Clients?
2008
Court of Appeals
State v. Richard A. Ross
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
MY BOYFRIEND IS IN JAIL ON A PROBATION HOLD FOR SAYING THAT HE WILL SEND SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING TO SOMEBODY
27 Aug 2014
Q&A
What's the jail time for a dirty urine sample while on probation?
20 May 2014
Q&A
Can the defendant of a sexual assault case ask for mental health records? The alleged victim has already stated it in the report
17 May 2014