Licensed for 24 years

Timothy D. Kiefer

Criminal defense Attorney at Madison, WI

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Resume

He got my case dismmissed!

Incisive, thorough, ethical, knowledgeable

About Timothy

Learn Timothy’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

30%

8 years
Family

30%

8 years
DUI and DWI

20%

8 years
Litigation

20%

8 years

I help people get through tough times in their lives.

Maybe you are getting divorced, you’ve been stopped for drunk driving, or you’ve been charged with a crime. You need experienced legal counsel representing you.

I focus my practice on the following areas:

Criminal law and drunk driving. I have defended people charged with everything from first offense drunk driving to first degree intentional homicide.

Family law. I have represented spouses and parents in cases involving divorce, child support, maintenance, child placement, and restraining orders.

Civil litigation. I have represented companies and individuals in civil disputes in state and federal court.

During my career I have taken over 25 cases to jury trial. I have established a solid reputation in the legal community for "not being afraid to go to trial" and for winning jury verdicts. I have worked at every level of the Wisconsin state court system, from municipal court all the way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, see State v. M.A.L., 2009 WI 49, 317 383.

I earned my law degree from Harvard Law School in 1998. Prior to opening my own law practice, I served as a Dane County assistant district attorney and Wisconsin assistant attorney general. As an assistant district attorney, I handled drunk driving cases, white collar fraud cases, and drug cases. I have the experience you need to navigate the criminal or traffic court system.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation, either by phone or in person. The sooner you contact me, the sooner I can get to work helping you.

Awards

Client's Choice

2021 2020 2019 + 3 ...

Photos and videos

Licensed for 24 years

State WI

Status Good Standing

Acquired 1998

Updated 03/05/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Timothy

Kiefer Law Office LLC

(608) 709-0364 Office

10 E Doty St Ste 800

PO Box 1546

Madison, WI, 53701-1546

www.kieferlawoffice.com

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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0

66 customer reviews

5 Star

95%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2023

He got my case dismmissed!

I had a small claims lawsuit against me for a hacked PayPal account. I didn't know what to do but Tim walked me through everything patiently and got my case dismissed. Thank you, Tim!!!!

Posted by Thomas | January 6, 2023

Incisive, thorough, ethical, knowledgeable

When I called upon Tim Keifer for legal help for my sister, who is unfortunately going through a painful divorce he immediately identified the issues, contacted her directly and referred her to competent counsel specifically for the issues in her case.

Posted by Imran | December 16, 2022

Outstanding

I was charged with a criminal offense I was really worried but then I hired Attorney Kiefer and he did an exceptional job by getting me a great deal. The charge was dropped to a non criminal offense. Attorney Kiefer is very knowledgable in what he does. He knows what he is doing. Had I not hired Attorney Kiefer the outcome would been harsh in court.

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Posted by Janice | June 7, 2022

Tim Kiefer

Tim Kiefer provided a phone consultation with specific recommendations, after he asked questions related to my issue. His assistance was professional and comprehensive. I will follow up with confidence.

Posted by Bjorn Brunvand | March 28, 2022

The extra mile

Tim reached out to my office in Florida to examine every potential angle on behalf of his client in Wisconsin who was facing a DUI. It is without hesitation that I would recommend his office for clients in need of a criminal defense lawyer.

Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2022

Great Lawyer

Tim had a very calm, professional, and detailed approach to our situation. He helped remove unnecessary stress and walked us through step by step

Posted by Matthew | November 17, 2021

Thanks to Tim I have the opportunity to turn my life around!

I had Tim recommended to me from a family friend, she had nothing but great things to say of him. To say that he lived up to those expectations would be an absolute understatement, he was absolutely fantastic to work with! I made an awful mistake that I will always regret, but Tim was reassuring and supportive from the very first phone call! He gave a clear indication of where he thought the case would go, and gave precise counsel on how to move forward with my life. He worked hard for my best interest and made sure that I would be given a second chance, and thanks to him I'm getting that second chance through the deferred prosecution program! Thanks to Tim I have the opportunity to leave my mistakes behind and move forward with my life! Thank you for everything Tim, you were fantastic in every single way!

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Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2021

Free legal consult

Very knowledgeable and was able to answer my questions :) No pressure to use services and made a great referral to someone more specialized in the case I might have been seeking

Posted by anonymous | June 25, 2021

Registering a foreign divorce

The State Bar of Wisconsin referred me to Tim Kiefer when I asked for an attorney who could help me obtain recognition of my foreign divorce in Wisconsin. Tim spoke with me for 25 minutes to understand the details of my case and to clarify what I am seeking. He advised me that I need to obtain a Qualified Domestic Relations Order from the State of Wisconsin and he explained in detail why this is necessary. He told me the particulars of my case are not within his area of expertise, that he knew there are attorneys in Wisconsin who can help me, and he offered to share my request with his colleagues if I was agreeable to him doing that. Tim located another attorney for me on the same day that I spoke with him. He kept my name confidential and sent me an email with the new resource. Really, Tim went above and beyond especially considering there was no gain for him. A consummate professional in his field! I am truly grateful for his help and impressed with the level of respect and skill he treated me with.

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Posted by John | March 1, 2021

Responsive and capable

Mr. Kiefer was recommended to me by another attorney with expertise in a different field, and Mr. Kiefer lived up to the recommendation. He provided the accurate legal advice that I needed in a short period of time. I would not hesitate to hire him in the future.

Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2021

OWI case

I was charged with drunk driving and Attorney Kiefer got the case dismissed

Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2020

Complicated questions resolved, and quickly.

My husband and I retained Attorney Kiefer to sort out a complicated legal problem involving both state criminal law and municipal ordinances. He explained which laws and ordinances applied and gave me a clear understanding of the situation the next day."

Posted by Ken | November 25, 2020

Packerboy Estates owner

Attorney Kiefer was very professional and handled my case with the utmost respect and dignity. He got the job done I would highly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2020

Battery charge dropped saved my career.

I left a very manipulative husband and ended up getting a Battery charge on top of going through divorce. I was so relieved to get the charge dropped. I am an RN and nursing is my passion and my husband tried his hardest to ruin my livelihood. Tim took the reigns and so glad I hired him as my Attorney :) thank you Tim so much... I can now continue my new job, in a new state and new life without a Battery charge over my head anymore.

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Posted by Linda | July 27, 2020

Excellent Attorney

Tim was very knowledgeable and helpful with my case. I would definitely hire him again.

Posted by Alan | May 21, 2020

Very professional and thorough

I recently consulted with Tim about a traffic accident involving city damage. Tim consulted with me about all the options and the ramifications of those decisions. It was a very thorough, thoughtful discussion. He explained clearly the different options and made certain that I understood those options. I felt treated well and respected very much and appreciated it. I am very glad that I consulted with Tim on this matter and would be happy to do so again if the

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Posted by Tommy | May 13, 2020

Very Happy Client

Tim did a really great job for me. I was initially charged with a felony in Madison and Tim worked to have the felony charge dismissed. Tim was able to work with the DA's office and I was placed into the First Offender program where upon completion I won't have any charges on my record. Tim was easy to work with and all of the communication was smooth. Tim was very organized and seemed to be very comfortable and knowledgable. He definitely knows the ins & outs of the Madison system. Thanks Tim!

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Posted by Eric | April 17, 2020

Highly Recommend Mr. Kiefer

Attorney Tim Kiefer assisted me via telephone consultation to clarify a statute related to Wisconsin DUI first offense. I needed to receive a clarification in writing to keep as a file copy, and Mr. Kiefer provided the clarification, and would not accept payment even when I offered. He clearly places a high value on his professional ethic, and stewardship of the public trust.

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Posted by John | February 17, 2020

Expungement Consultation

Tim was more than helpful consulting me on my options for expungement under the current Wisconsin law. I highly recommend Tim for your legal needs.

Posted by Matt | December 11, 2019

Thanks Tim

Tim did an excellent job. He’s been on two cases with me. one was a divorce case and the other was for a felony charge. He got my felony dropped and my divorce finalized perfectly. For the Price and knowledge I highly recommend going to Tim.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Owner
Kiefer Law Office, LLC
2011 - Present

Assistant District Attorney
Dane County District Attorney
2007 - 2011

Foreign Service Officer
US Department of State
2005 - 2006

Assistant Attorney General
Wisconsin Department Of Justice
2003 - 2005

Associate
Godfrey & Kahn
2001 - 2003

Luce Scholar
Luce Foundation
2000 - 2001

Judicial Law Clerk
US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
1998 - 2001

Attorney
Foley & Lardner, LLP
1998 - 1998

View all work experience

Education

Harvard University
JD - Juris Doctor
1998

University of Wisconsin, Madison
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1993

Legal Cases

State of Wisconsin v. Mitchell Lange, 2009 WI 49
Won a 7-0 decision in the Wisconsin Supreme Court

Associations

Dane County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor
2012 - Present

James E. Doyle American Inn of Court
Member
2009 - Present

Dane County Bar Association
Member
2007 - Present

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Warrior of the Year
Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2017

Class A Felony Certification
Wisconsin State Public Defender
2015

Publications

State Bar of Wisconsin publication
Wisconsin Criminal Defense Manual, 6th edition (Editorial Review Board member)
2015

Wisconsin Lawyer
"Real Lawyers" (book review)
2015

Wisconsin Lawyer magazine
"When Government Was Good: Memories of a Life in Politics" (book review)
2001

Harvard Negotiation Law Review
"A Case Study in Two-Track Diplomacy: The Lawyers Alliance for Nuclear Arms Control" (book review)
1998

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

James E. Doyle American Inn of Court
Lessons Learned in Switching from Criminal Prosecution to Criminal Defense
2014

Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Defending Len Bias Cases
2014

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)

Given (19)

Endorse Timothy

Arthur Thexton

Licensing Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Tim consulted me regarding defense of a client whose professional license was being investigated. He achieved a good result for the client. Tim understood the specialized issues involved in these cases, and did an excellent job!"

David Kowalski

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Tim. I have referred several clients to him who were outside of my practice area and they were very pleased with his advice and work. I also have worked with him as the opposing lawyer on family cases, and know him to be a strong and fair advocate for his clients."

Jonathan Groth

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Tim. If my clients have criminal problems in Madison I'd send them to Tim!"

Nadia von Magdenko

Family Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Timothy Kiefer has a niche practice of family law with criminal defense components. I endorse Mr. Kiefer if you a looking for a lawyer who has experience with these types of cases."

Joshua Ball

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would certainly refer any clients I have with a legal need in the Madison, Wisconsin area to Tim Kiefer. Tim has the experience, intellect, and personality to very effectively represent his clients."

Robert Wilhite

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tim is a great lawyer in Wisconsin. He very knowledgable of the law and follows up in a timely manner with his clients. I highly recommend you using his services!"

Sarah Schmeiser

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tim is well versed in the law and experienced on criminal law issues. He is not afraid to take a case to jury trial. Tim even won a not guilty verdict on a reckless homicide charge."

Kristin Degeneffe

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Tim is smart, cordial, and articulate. He is a pleasure to work with."

Patricia Padurean

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Tim is a great attorney. He is very generous with his time, especially when it comes to mentoring new lawyers."

Zeshan Usman

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse Attorney Kiefer without hesitation. He combines a sharp intellect with an excellent work ethic and real concern for his clients. I rely on him as a trusted adviser and can refer clients to him confident that they'll receive top-notch legal service."

Ruth Westmont

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer because of his level of professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail. Tim cares strongly about his clients and has my highest endorsement."

Joshua Kindkeppel

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Kiefer is a smart, personable, persuasive, ethical, hard-working, and all around good lawyer."

Maggie Premo

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Tim is a tireless advocate who fights for his clients. Tim knows the law inside and out and is always well prepared."

Alyssa Mahaffay

Unknown Attorney | Dec 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've had the pleasure of working on cases with Tim while he was an Assistant District Attorney and, more recently, in private family law cases. I appreciate his willingness to share his knowledge about legal proceedings with other lawyers. I feel confident that his clients are in good hands when they hire him to represent their interests."

Farheen Ansari

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Kiefer not only cares about his clients and the criminal defense profession, he is constantly supporting and helping his fellow colleagues. He is very knowledgeable and has impressive trial experience. I definitely endorse Attorney Kiefer."

J. Steven House

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Kiefer has years of experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney handling serious crimes, giving him a well rounded perspective on the merits of a case and how to properly handle a defense. There's no question his talents and reputation continue to gain recognition with his very recent jury acquittal in a drug related homicide case."

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Arthur Thexton

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