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Joseph A. Bugni

Joseph A. Bugni

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Madison, WI
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, Criminal Defense, Appeals

33 East Main, Suite 400, Madison, WI

About Joseph

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 19 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2006

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Hurley Burish, S.C.

33 East Main, Suite 400, Madison, WI, 53703

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Joseph A. Bugni's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

124 Client Reviews

Showing 71 - 75 of 124 reviews

Posted by Chris | February 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

More than just a lawyer

Mr.Bugni represented me in a case a while ago, and not only helped me negotiate my legal issues, but also my personal issues that lead me to that point. The mentor ship, care, and honesty he brought to each meeting not only helped me through my case, but also to grow as an individual, and lead me to ...the success I have achieved in my life now. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer or mentor, at a desperately needed time. Public defense is a tough, and sometimes thankless job, and Mr.Bugni brings dignity and passion to his clients every day. I’m not sure how he does it.

Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2020 | Criminal Defense

Exceptional Lawyer - Beyond Reproach

My son was fortunate to have Mr. Bugni appointed to him. Right away he consulted me, informing me of what he would be up against and the obstacles that would have to be overcome in litigating his case. So forthright and honest, never giving false hopes or inclinations of processes or outcomes that I ...may anticipate or hope for. Every major event was communicated to me by Mr. Bugni or his staff, verbally or by email. I often wondered if he had a life outside of litigating - seemed to work endlessly and very forthright on his extreme case load. With that said, I always felt my son was receiving his undivided attention. He was on top of all matters, met all deadlines, and exceeded all of my expectations. With natural skill and foresight, his appearances in the courtroom were always clear, concise, accurate, and reflected my feelings as well as my sons desires and intentions. I know without a doubt that had my son drawn another lawyer, his outcome would have been different. His skill and demeanor seemed well respected by all opposition, and his tact and knowledge of the law seemed to overshadow the prosecutions. The prosecution clearly outnumbered Mr. Bugni, but he out-lawyered them from the onset. If there is any room for promotion, advancement, or special recognition of a civil servant Mr. Bugni should lead the pack. He would, in my opinion, make an outstanding judge if appointed - elected. His potential seems endless.

Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Forever Grateful

Joseph Bugni took my case for which I will forever be grateful. I was not in a good place, not knowing the process or what to expect. His guidance and counsel along with his interest in my emotional well being were well beyond what I ever expected. I highly recommend him to anyone.

Posted by Liz | November 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Liz

Joe Bugni is the best attorney I have ever had. I have found myself in criminal court on numerous occasions but no attorney has ever proceeded as thoroughly and with as much compassion as Joe Bugni. Normally clients see their lawyers one or two times before sentencing, but Joe spent as much time with... me as I needed to make educated decisions. He made sure I understood the law, how it applied, why it was applied and how it would affect me. He was genuine in his interactions and always stayed positive – something especially helpful in such a dark time. During the nine months or so between arrest and sentencing, not only did Joe see me, but he assigned a graduate student social work intern, Sage Miller, to my case. She met with me at least once a week and we talked about real issues I was facing and helped prepare me for sentencing. I felt as if I could tell her anything and her support and insight made the whole process a lot more bearable. With Sage’s assessment and Joe Bugni's expertise, I felt I was in great hands. A lesser attorney would have allowed a harsher sentence, but not Joe. He stuck his neck out and helped me fight for my life. I couldn't have asked for more. In the end, I've never had such a hard-working and comprehensive defense. You rock Joe Bugni! I brag about your abilities and the bar has been set high. Thank you!

Posted by Elizabeth | September 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Top-Notch Federal Defense Attorney

I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for all the hard work, dedication and superior legal service Mr. Bugni provided my family. Joe’s knowledge and expertise surpassed all of my expectations. The one aspect which I think really set him apart is that he cares about his clients and their famili...es. He answered every email and every phone call honestly and timely. He always made my family feel that we were important and his only client. He also always took the time to answer all of our questions and provide candid legal advice. I highly recommend Mr. Bugni as a Federal Defense Attorney. He has the experience combined with unparalleled knowledge and the commitment needed while you are navigating through a federal trial. My family is blessed to have him as our attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Joseph A. Bugni's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joseph
Amanda Adrian headshot
Amanda Adrian

Federal crime lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua D. Uller headshot
Joshua Uller

Criminal defense lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Joe for many years now. And having watched him from the sidelines, worked on cases together, and worked in the same office as him, I am in a position to comment on his abilities. He is really a spectacular lawyer who cares about his clients and their families. He takes the time to get to know them and works tirelessly to advance their interests, which he does incredibly well. He is a great trial lawyer and excels in his written advocacy. It's an honor to be a colleague of his."

Matthew Doyle Rauh headshot
Matthew Rauh

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you're searching for a dedicated, passionate, highly intelligent and adept attorney for your federal defense, look no further than Joe Bugni. Joe has an innate ability to see and help others see the goodness and humanity in everyone around him, and he works tirelessly on behalf of all his clients to pursue the best possible outcome. An attorney who cares about your short term, long term, physical, emotional and spiritual well being, you will be hard pressed to find a better advocate or friend."

Anderson Mowry Gansner headshot
Anderson Gansner

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"Joe is personable, diligent, and thoughtful. Having spent his entire career in the federal system, Joe's knowledge of both federal criminal law and the federal criminal justice system is tremendous. The level of care and thought he puts into any piece of writing is inspiring, and the results speak for themselves. He gets great results."

Marcus Jens Berghahn headshot
Marcus Berghahn

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you're in trouble and the government is your adversary, you need Joe. He brings honesty, skill and passion to your defense. Joe is talented; his legal writing is superb. He is well-regarded and committed to his clients."

Matthew S. Pinix headshot
Matthew Pinix

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"When I think about the type of lawyer that I would want to hire if I was in trouble, I think of Atty. Bugni. He is smart, thorough, creative, concerned, and respected by lawyers and judges alike. He's the perfect person to have at your side if you're walking into a courtroom to fight for your rights. I highly recommend Atty. Bugni."

Amelia L. Bizzaro headshot
Amelia Bizzaro

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Joe is a wonderful lawyer. He not only has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law, but a great deal of compassion for people who are going through a terrible time in their life. He is thorough, dogged, and tireless. If there is a problem with the government's case, Joe will find it and use it to his client's greatest advantage, whether it's litigation or resolution. Joe's clients are lucky to have him; they couldn't be in better hands."

Nathan Otis headshot
Nathan Otis

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe is a brilliant and creative legal mind. He fearlessly takes on the most difficult cases, and aggressively advocates for his clients even against the toughest of odds. He has a mixture of legal knowledge and good judgment that few lawyers possess, and his clients are better off for it."

Christopher D. Donovan headshot
Christopher Donovan

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe is a formidable criminal defense lawyer that masters the law and facts of each case he handles. From winning suppression motions to appeals, he represents his clients at the highest levels in federal courts throughout Wisconsin. He is personally invested in each client who he represents and cares about the outcome of each case. Having earned broad experience in many areas of law by clerking for two federal judges, he chose to dedicate himself to representing those accused of crime. No lawyer will work harder or smarter on a case, and Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin and its clients are lucky to have him."

Joel Mogren headshot
Joel Mogren

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Keen intellect, sound judgment, and real passion make Joe Bugni the best young lawyer that money can't buy. If Joe were paid what he is worth, almost nobody could afford to hire him. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Andrea Nicole Winder headshot
Andrea Winder

Criminal defense lawyer

Nathan Otis headshot
Nathan Otis

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Martin Smith headshot
Kevin Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Best Brief, Wisconsin State Bar

2018

Leaders in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal

2018

Best Brief, Wisconsin State Bar

2016

Best Brief, State Bar of Wisconsin

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Attorney, Hurley Burish, SC

2011 - 2024

Assistant Federal Defender, Federal Defender Services Of Wisconsin

2009 - 2011

Law Clerk, Seventh Circuit Court Of Appeals

2006 - 2009

Law Clerk, United States Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida

Associations

2014 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Member

2011 - Present

Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

2011 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Member

2011 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Member

2011 - 2015

Seventh Circuit Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Leo, 792 F.3d 742

reversed

Pidgeon v. Smith, 785 F.3d 1165

grant of habeas corpus affirmed

United States v. Moore, 983 F. Supp.2d 1030

evidence suppressed

United States v. Delgado, 701 F.3d 1161

reversed

United States v. Rahman, 805 F3d 822 (7th Cir. 2015)

reversed, evidence ordered suppressed

Jensen v. Clements, 800 F.3d 892 (7th Cir. 2015)

habeas grant affirmed

United States v. Vivas-Ceja, 808 F.3d 719 (7th Cir. 2015)

United States v. Ferguson, 831 F.3d 850 (7th Cir. 2016)

reversal of 50 year sentence

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

Ave Maria School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Marquette Appellate Writing Symposium

Narrative Brief Writing

2014

Marquette Law School Appellate Practice Section

Persuasive Brief Writing

Publications

2023

Florida Defender (FACDL) A Legacy that Endures

2022

The Champion magazine A Legacy of Uncompromising Excellence: A Tribute to Jim Shellow

2022

The Champion magazine The Best Thing Since the Exlusionary Rule: For the Defense

2022

95 Wis. Law 38-46 Jim Shellow and the Importance of Mentorship

2019

THE ATTORNEY’S GUIDE TO THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS Direct Criminal Appeals in the Seventh Circuit

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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