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J. Steven House

Criminal defense Attorney at Madison, WI

4.9   68 reviews

also known as Steven House

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • State Years
    Wisconsin - WI 17 years
    Tennessee - TN 23 years
  • Licensed for 17 years
    State WI
    Acquired 2006
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 23 years
    State TN
    Acquired 2000
    Status
    Surrendered No misconduct found

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

About J. Steven

Learn J. Steven’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    60%
    Defending clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses at trial and on appeal.

    24 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    30%
    Defending clients charged with civil, misdemeanor and felony offenses related to impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs and prescription medications. I handle cases in municipal courts through trial courts and appeals when requested.

    24 years

  3. Appeals
    5%
    I handle appeals on all traffic and criminal matters with a focus on issues of constitutional law and statutory interpretation.

    24 years

  4. Speeding and traffic ticket
    5%
    Successfully counseling and defending standard and CDL clients charged with traffic violation in municipal and circuit courts.

    24 years

AGGRESSIVE, CLIENT ORIENTED DEFENSE TO PRESERVE YOUR RIGHTS AND OBTAIN THE BEST RESULT IN YOUR CASE.

Steven House brings a real world perspective to the practice of law having worked in restaurants, landscaping, roofing, retail, painting and volunteer work with an international environmental law organization and heading up the Southern Illinois NORML chapter prior to entering law school.  Since graduating from law school with honors, Steven House has dedicated his career to defending those accused of crimes and always dedicating some portion of his practice to protecting the poor and those charged with marijuana offenses at discounted rates.  Unlike the great majority of lawyers in Wisconsin, Steven House has demonstrated the competency and skills needed to handle the rigours of being an attorney by passing the bar exam in both Tennessee and Wisconsin (Wisconsin law school graduates are not required to take a bar exam to pracice law i the state). 

At the House Law Office we consider criminal defense to be a critically important and honorable function in society rather than a way to make money.  As such we treat our clients with the dignaty, respect, attention and care that they deserve; fighting for the best possible results tailored to each individual's objectives and their circumstances.

Awards

Top Contributor 2020,2019,2018,2016,2015,2014,2013,2012
Top Contributor
2020 2019 2018 + 5 ...
Client's Choice 2019,2018,2016,2014,2013,2012
Client's Choice
2019 2018 2016 + 3 ...

Photos and videos

Contact J. Steven

House Law Office
30 W. Mifflin St., Suite 404
Madison, WI, 53703

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  68 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2019
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 Michael | October 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Life Saver
This man helped me in a multitude of ways throughout my entire unfortunate brush with the law. He gave me incredible solid advice and during the entirety of the process I felt as though I was in incredibly good hands. He was very knowledgeable and personable and was able to help me with connections in the local area to help start my community service and other requirements for probation and diversion. He was timely, professional and above all incredibly friendly. I can honestly say I felt as though I had someone fighting for me and representing me in a way that allowed the intention of my character to come through. Thank you Mr. House for all of your assistance. If anyone out there ever needs a lawyer to listen and help guide you through a very scary process, I highly recommend this man.
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Posted by Elizabeth | March 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I am so thankful I hired him.
My son was charged with 2 OWI's for driving under the influence of Marijuana, Steven House was able to get one of the charges reduced to a reckless driving, saving my son jail time. It was a long shot but I sure am glad I hired Steven and took the chance. Thank you.
Posted by Kieran | September 2, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Seriously the Guy You Want
Got into legal trouble a couple years back, called a law firm. They wanted $6000 to handle my case. I told them I’d call them back and broke down crying. Then I went back to Google and called Stephen House, who was hired by the end of the phone call. He was totally reasonable with pricing, provided me the best legal representation I could hope to have, and was cool about setting up a payment plan. I would recommend anybody who’s in the market for a criminal defense lawyer to consider Stephen House.
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Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Hire
I contacted Mr. House for a criminal drug offense I was charged with. As a first time offender, I was nervous and did not know how to proceed. Mr. House walked me through the process and answered any questions I had along the way. He handled almost everything for me and followed up as needed with everything else. He was able to relieve me of the criminal charge, brought down to an ordinance violation. I appreciate his work greatly and highly recommend him.
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Posted by Fatima | August 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire him!
I was arrested for the first time ever, and with my legal status I was really worried. Attorney House was able to get ALL my charges dropped and handled everything super professionally and made me feel at ease through the whole process. I highly recommend him!
Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer with reasonable rates
We live in a world where crap happens, you could be walking down the street minding your business and get hit in the face by a random object, Attorney House was able to reduce a criminal charge to a civil forfeiture that only results in fines, his rates are very reasonable also unlike some other lawyers in the area with fake reviews, I recommend Attorney House to anybody that had the misfortune of brushing with the injustice system, Thank you for job well done.
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Posted by TP | May 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Got me out of a real pinch
I highly recommend Attn. House for representation in any possession-related offense. I live out of state and got caught in a sticky situation on the highway, and Mr. House was able to give me a hopeful, but honest assessment of my situation. He communicated everything he needed from me in a timely manner and we were able to get the best conclusion from the case. Mr. House was professional and helpful throughout the process and charged an extremely reasonable price for my sitation.
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Posted by Nichole | February 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic
Mr House was able to help my husband with a traffic/license problem . He was very professional and answered all our questions quickly (we had a lot) . He was very thorough and got the job done! Highly recommend him!
Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Possession Ticket Freedom
House was a last minute find for me and I'm very grateful I did. He communicated clearly all court information along with various contracts between him and I during this process. His pricing was fair and reasonable and didn't break the bank, which was key for a college student. He was always readily available for anything I needed or got back to me very quickly. He provided me all information and resources, even a script for all appearances I had to make during the justice process.
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Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top tier representation
As an attorney I have high expectations in counsel. Mr. House far exceeded these expectations delivering a result I did not even contemplate. He is an adept communicator often following up well after hours. He was always, and continues to be, available to answer any questions. Enequivically recommended!
Posted by Aaron | March 1, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer my family has ever had
This gentleman was a great help to my family and I. He had extensive knowledge on the matters that were being handled and dealt with and this individual provided above superior results to others in the past. Mr. House kept us up to date and allowed us to make decisions based on legitimate facts and didn’t act or make decisions on his own but rather allowed my family and I to think about the best route he offered options which is uncommon and beyond helpful I couldn’t thank this gentleman enough for his help as we went threw this he’s incredibly professional
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Posted by Kevin | February 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Super on point
Basically did what I needed which was representing me and doing what I needed to throw my case out. Would recommend to anyone
Posted by Tania | June 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gets the Job Done
Mr. J Steven House was very helpful with any questions I had throughout the process and made an effort to explain everything he was doing. I appreciate all he has done for my case.
Posted by Ryan | December 17, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommended for Criminal Defense
Steven was extremely well organized, thorough in understanding my case, and pragmatic about the trade-offs for how to proceed through the process. He was responsive to questions and concerns, and direct with both good and bad news. He was a strong advocate for my rights, both as his client and considering my future.
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Clear Communication, Fair Fee, Excellent Outcome
I engaged Steven for charges that I received in the Madison, WI area this past fall. From the start, Steven set fair expectations and was knowledgeable regarding procedures and laws relevant to my case. I felt comfortable to sit back and let Steven represent me and he under-promised and over-delivered. While no attorney can promise a perfect outcome, Steven negotiated what I believe was the ideal disposition for a complex case. I would recommend Steven to anyone looking for a defense attorney in the Madison, WI area.
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Posted by anonymous | November 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excelent Services and Representation
J Steven House provided knowledgably representation regarding my case. I am honored and proud to have worked with such a high quality attorney.
Posted by Jim | October 29, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire Attorney House !!
My Dr Prescribed me full spectrum CBD oil for my Anxiety disorder and Opioid cravings as an alternative because the only other medication that works no dr is comfortable prescribing anymore And it worked wonders. No more being rushed to the hospital from work with heart attack symptoms No more feeling weird for days because of medication that doesn’t work at all and then the dept of corrections tells me that I cannot take it and that every UA that results in positive test for THC will be considered a violation and I switched to isolate that doesn’t work nearly as well and takes large doses and doesn’t always work so I contacted numerous attorneys and the only other attorney willing to take my case tried using scare tactics on me so I searched online and found Attorney House and he has done more for me than any other attorney I have ever had.He took my case and I believe he really cared about what I was going through and he did tons of research and was in contact with the powers that be and was able to get them to reverse their decision and I am now allowed to take the only medication that treats my Anxiety disorder and helps with my addiction issues that is available to me and for that I am truly grateful.He stayed in contact with me and felt more like a friend than an attorney and he came through for me and got my quality of life back for me because my anxiety issues are debilitating and I will be recommending him to everyone that needs an attorney.I believe Steven House genuinely cared about me and wanted to help me and he did.I hope I never need an attorney again but if I do I know who I am calling.
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Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
best lawyer ever
he saved my life and my dreams without breaking my bank. i owe this man everything.
Posted by anonymous | August 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Traffic citation
J Steven house is a very professional and helpful lawyer. He helped me fight my traffic citation and reduce the points so I could keep my job. I cant thank him enough and reccomend him to anyone
Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Accurate, Compassionate, Effective, Patient
I was lucky enough to have Mr. House as my lawyer to help me handle my (case over the past year. With his help, we were able to get a result that I can only hope for the best. He has broad knowledge and more importantly, he knows where his knowledge ends and would refer me to someone who are more specialized(great network). Based on the accurate information we acquired, we were able to make correct and informed decisions. As an international alien, I was totally lost with the US jurisdiction systems, the languages and the consequences, Mr. House communicated and explained the details to me with great accuracy and patience. I would recommend him to anyone especially who has immigration related issues with the case, he has great deal of knowledge on various complex scenarios related to immigration. I recommend him wholeheartedly.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner-Attorney
  • House Law Office
  • 2010 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Mays Law Office, LLC.
  • 2009 - 2010
  • Owner-Attorney
  • Law Office of J. Steven House
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Attorney
  • Knox County Public Defender Community Law Office
  • 2000 - 2006
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • State v. Dale B.
  • Conviction vacated and case dismissed on post-conviction review.
  • State v. Andrew B.
  • Dismissal
  • State v. James M.
  • Convictions overturned on appeal
View all legal cases

Associations

  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Attorney Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Treasurer
  • 2013 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 2007 - Present
  • Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Attorney Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 2006 - Present
  • Dane County Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • NORML Legal Committee
  • Attorney Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Attorney Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • American Civil Liberties Union
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Past Secretary
  • 2006 - 2012
  • Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Attorney Member
  • 2000 - 2006
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyers - Criminal Defense
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2020
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2020
  • Five Star client satisfaction rating
  • Google
  • 2018
  • Client's Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Client's Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2013
  • NHTSA Field Sobriety Test Administration Certifiction
  • Platt and Associates
  • 2012
  • Harno Fellow
  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • 1999
  • Magna Cum Laude honors
  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • 1999
  • Honors Society in Philosophy
  • Phi Sigma Tau
  • 1994
View all awards

Publications

  • Drunk Driving Defense 6th Ed., 2009 Supplment, by Lawrence Taylor and Steven Oberman, s. 11.07[G][2].
  • HIPAA - Evaluating the Applicability of HIPAA in a DUI Case
  • 2009

Speaking Engagements

  • Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • The science of THC metabolism and driving impairment in the defense of OWI-THC homicide/injury cases
  • 2018

Attorney endorsements

Received (19)
Given (50)
Endorse J. Steven
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Great Lawyer! I highly endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney House is a generous and insightful colleague. He's well respected in the local legal community, and for good reason: He's gracious with his time, intuitive with his feedback, and goes the extra mile to foster collegiality among the local defense bar. I unhesitatingly endorse Atty. House."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Steven has the necessary intellect, personality, and experience. I would recommend his services in handling any criminal matter."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Steven House is a great attorney. He knows the law and never stops working for his clients. A great attorney to have on your side!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Stephen for many years. I admire his zealous and enthusiastic advocacy. He truly loves to challenge the government and to fight for his clients."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I strongly endorse Steven. He is thorough, meticulous, and truly cares about getting the best possible results for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney House is one of the best lawyers in the State for defending drugged driving cases. I have been impressed with his knowledge and his willingness to assist other attorneys with their drugged driving cases."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Steven. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Steven House is an excellent attorney. He is highly intelligent and capable of handling complex and difficult cases for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Attorney House for several years. He's a consummate professional and a leader within the Dane County defense bar. I gladly endorse this lawyer."
Appeals Attorney | Nov 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Steve is tenacious both in and out of court. Further, he is creative and leaves no stone unturned for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a friend or family member in need, or use his services myself. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer.I first contacted Mr. House because he had written a very useful and informative article in the Champion which is the Magazine of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The article was on confidentiality for alcohol and other drug abuse programs guaranteed by federal law. The article helped me tremendously. I was thrilled to see Steve moved to Wisconsin after writing that article. He is an authority on driving under the influence of controlled substances. When Steve has something to say on the matter of driving under the influence of controlled substances, people listen including lawyers. He is very educated on the subject and seems to have a mastery of it. I know he has great trial experience in multiple areas. I've sought out and been impressed by his cross examinations. I would strongly recommend Steve."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Steven is an excellent lawyer and shined as a public defender. Steven was very helpful to me early in my career. He is a lawyer who cares about his cases and clients. As a result, he fights the government - which is what any criminal defendant needs. If you are charged with a crime in Wisconsin, you should hire Steven."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Steven and I worked on a matter with co-defendants in a rather elaborate drug house case. Steven was knew his job and his case inside and out. He is a very gifted attorney who truly understands his profession as well as an ability to help his clients to get the best result possible."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 29
Relationship: Friend
"I have known Mr. House for many years. He is a thoughtful, dedicated and extremely intelligent person. He has been very successful as an attorney, and I am confident he will see continued success. I recommend him to anyone who needs an uncompromising advocate on their side."
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Madison Criminal defense Lawyer J. Steven House
J. Steven House
Criminal defense Attorney
Madison, WI
Licensed for 23 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available