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 21 - 25 of 25 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Liam | July 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Appeals

Strategic-Resourceful-Determined

Joseph Bugni is representing my Brother in cases that were in desperate need of someone to look outside the box and with patience and experience to find the best avenue in which to take these complex cases. He is really taking the time to "cover all bases" and keep our Family informed. We are very ex...cited about the appeal he recently obtained for my Brother and because of Mr. Bugni's keen and strategic ways, we have a sense of comfort knowing that he has put forth back-up solutions for any "bumps in the road". Joe is really someone you want on your side fighting for you. We are very satisfied with this unwavering individual we have on our side.

Posted by Florence | February 11, 2016 | Appeals

Outstanding Knowledge and Communication

Joe represented our son in his appeal at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. He is an excellent lawyer, knowledgeable about the law and keeps his clients informed every step of the way.

Posted by Paula P. | February 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Outstanding lawyer and person

​No one in our family had ever been in trouble with the law before, but my son one day found himself faced with the sobering reality that he needed a lawyer. We couldn't afford to hire a private lawyer so my son was assigned public defender Joe Bugni. We weren't very confident with that in the begin...ning, but we soon realized that Joe was "all in" for my son and he never lost momentum. I have to admit though, after Joe was assigned, I spoke to a couple private attorneys in the area and they reassured me that my son was in good hands and was lucky to have Joe Bugni as his public defender because he's the best you can get. Unfortunately my son was forced to plead guilty due to his circumstances and was facing a long minimum prison sentence, if not worse, however Joe ultimately got the charges reduced resulting in a much lower sentence for him. The only thing we were disappointed about was that the court wouldn't release my son on bond, Joe tried but the court absolutely refused to change that. We had to put our faith in Joe to do the best possible for my son and to guide all of us through the frightening journey that we were all about to begin. He dug deep to get to know my son and our family, as well. He made us feel comfortable from the very beginning, and all along the way, and always kept us informed. He's an honest, forthright man who won't give you false hope. Joe puts his heart and soul into his cases and treats you as if you are his ONLY case. He understands how important family is and realizes you are all in this together. He is always available to answer our questions or concerns. Without hesitation he was there to hold us up and he was there for my son whenever he needed to talk or be comforted. Joe is intelligent and is genuinely a very attentive, compassionate person. He showed us that he truly is the best you can get! We are grateful God brought him into our lives.

Posted by Adoni | October 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Joseph A. Bugni.

At age 20 I was indicted for marijuana trafficking offenses in the eastern district of Wisconsin. Joseph Bugni was appointed to me by the Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin. From the time I met Joe to the day I was sentenced, he made my family and I feel very comfortable. I was initially going to... retain a private attorney but after meeting joe and the rest of the lawyers at his practice and hearing so many good things I stuck with him. He fought my case from every aspect and I was very pleased with the results. I don't feel there could have been any better outcome for my case. Even years after my initial indictment I still speak with him and he encourages me in my endeavors. He was always there for legal advice and even just to talk. He really cares about his clients and loves helping people.

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

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