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 16 - 19 of 19 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Michelle | February 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Paragon of Integrity

Mr. Bugni represented my son on seven federal indictments. Without doubt, Joe possesses a high level of integrity. He continually kept my son and myself aware during each step of the legal proceedings, what was happening, where, why, and was always truthful regarding the anticipated outcome. He delve...d in to my son’s background, becoming familiar with his special needs, encouraging my son to excel and grow in emotional maturity through Joe’s various insights and recommendations. Joe’s written communication is excellent as demonstrated by various letters/documents to members of the Justice Department, Court, and Presiding Judge. More importantly, his skills and knowledge of federal laws and proceedings ensured my son’s right to a fair trial was exercised. At times of utmost stress, he was there to inquire whether we were okay. My son was in the Dane County jail for two consecutive years on Xmas Eve; Joe was there both Xmas Eves to visit him. That’s caring! He was referred to me as the best defense attorney in Madison - by two other Madison attorneys. Without a doubt, he is!

Posted by Drew | September 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Lawyer of the Year

When I first met Joe, it was just after my arrest inside a small non-contact communication booth. My world had just been turned upside down and my life as I knew it had began to disappear. The federal court system was new to me and I was completely lost in more ways than one. I did not know it at the... time but Joe had left his office Christmas party that evening to come speak with me and represent me in court that night. Overall, our contacts were brief that day but Joe did a great job comforting me and providing me with key information to help me better understand the federal court system and make educated decisions for myself from the beginning to the end. I can tell you that Joe is one of the most caring people I know and will go out of his way to comfort his clients. Joe came to my house the next morning after my arrest to speak with me and my wife. We had a million questions. Joe had a million answers. Additionally, Joe has the experience of a veteran lawyer. Coupled with his confidence, creativeness, tenaciousness, and hard work Joe is a beast in the court room. I had met with a handful of other top lawyers in the area, all who are great lawyers, but there was something about Joe’s bedside manner that set him apart from the others. I also realized that Joe was of their same caliber and I felt I couldn’t go wrong. In the end, I chose Joe. I was facing up to 20 years, Joe got me 2 years probation. Last week was my sentencing date anniversary. I called Joe because of a personal problem and I just needed to talk to him. Again, he gave me advice but this was a friend talking to another friend. Then he told me that since my birthday had just past, he was going to get me off probation a year early for my birthday present. As of 3 days ago, he delivered as promise. Joe exceeded my expectations as well as my families expectations month after month. I always felt better after our meetings and never felt that he didn’t give my case 110%. I recommend Joseph Bugni as a former client and as his friend.

Posted by Susie | September 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Remarkable-Tenacious-Brilliant: Highly Recommend

If you are reading this review, more than likely you are in need of a criminal attorney. Also, you have added pressure to select counsel within a limited window that can be life changing. Our family found ourselves in this situation and highly recommend Joe Bugni. Joe's knowledge and effectiveness a...t applying criminal law, professional and approachable demeanor, desire to help his clients from a legal and emotional well-being standpoint, and feedback the family received from other highly rated criminal attorneys who held him in high regard are a few of the reasons we chose Joe. Not only was Joe accessible, he went above and beyond to make sure not only our son but the family could reach him any time. He understood the anxiety and tremendous stress people experience during this process. Based on our personal situation, we received the best outcome because of Joe's demonstrated high caliber abilities to write motions/briefs/legal documents, sensitivity and understanding what needs to happen from start to finish, preparedness for each courtroom appearance, and commitment to go the distance.

Posted by Moh | September 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Exceptional Attorney

I would highly recommend Mr. Joseph Bugni for anybody seeking defense counsel. I had an extremely serious situation and was very afraid of what the outcome could be. Mr. Bugni had studied my case thoroughly before our meeting. He did not care about his vacations and had came earlier just because i ha...d a conversation with him and he knew i was very upset. He promised me that everything will be alright and that actually happened. He is responsive, aggressive, understanding, professional, and exceptionally competent. I always felt the utmost confidence in him. He actually cares for you and listens to everything you have to say. He does ask you intelligent questions. He was not judgmental and never criticized about any fact. All he wants is honesty about everything as he does not want any surprises at the end. The more i say about Mr Bugni, the less it is, and that says a lot about why one would want him on their defense. ps, i am still in touch with him even though my case was dismissed.

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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