$ 300-350 per hour
Attorney Michael Covey focuses his practice on the defense of serious felony matters in Wisconsin courts. While he has experience across a broad range of criminal cases, his work has concentrated on complex, high-exposure litigation involving allegations of homicide and sexual assault.
His practice in this area emphasizes intensive case investigation, detailed evidentiary review, and trial-level advocacy. Attorney Covey routinely handles cases that require careful analysis of forensic evidence, witness credibility, and constitutional issues, as well as extensive motion practice and pretrial litigation.
In addition to serious felony defense, Attorney Covey has experience representing clients in other criminal matters, including OWI offenses, drug charges, juvenile cases, battery, property crimes, and appellate matters. Across all case types, his practice reflects a trial-focused approach and individualized defense strategy based on the facts and procedural posture of each case.
Attorney Michael Covey has practiced criminal defense law since 2003. He earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and has spent his career focused exclusively on criminal defense work in Wisconsin courts.
A significant portion of Attorney Covey’s career has included representing indigent defendants and accepting court-appointed matters, work that has required extensive courtroom experience and familiarity with the full range of criminal procedure. Over time, he developed a practice centered on trial-level litigation and complex felony matters.
After operating the Covey Law Office for approximately 18 years, Attorney Covey closed his solo practice in 2023 and joined Chirafisi Law Office. He now continues his work as part of Chirafisi Anderson, S.C., where he brings a long-standing trial background and experience handling high-stakes criminal cases across Wisconsin.
Attorney Michael Covey has received multiple peer-recognized honors for his work in criminal defense and his service to indigent defendants in Wisconsin courts.
He has been recognized by the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers with several awards, including the Hanson Memorial Advocate’s Prize (2023) and the Kuchler Nicholson Stilling Award (2023), honoring excellence in criminal defense advocacy. He is also a recipient of the David C. Niblack Award (2019), recognizing outstanding contributions to criminal defense practice.
Attorney Covey’s commitment to public service and pro bono representation has been recognized by the State Bar of Wisconsin, which named him to the Pro Bono Honor Society multiple times between 2014 and 2020. In 2019, he was also the first recipient of the Danny Berkos Award from the Wisconsin State Public Defender, acknowledging exceptional service to indigent clients.
Earlier in his career, Attorney Covey was named Warrior of the Year (2011) by the Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in recognition of his trial advocacy. He earned that award a second time in 2024.
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Practice Area
21 years | 1,200 cases
$ 300-350 per hour
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Mobile
Fax
411 West Main Street, Suite 201, Madison, WI, 53703
chirafisianderson.com/attorneys/michael-covey/7 Client Reviews
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by anonymous | June 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Exceptional, professional attorney who truly puts the client first
Attorney Covey truly cares about you and your case. I never felt rushed when speaking with him and always felt like I was his top priority. Michael works with you and does an exceptional job of keeping in contact with updates. I am forever grateful to have crossed paths with Attorney Covey during a d...
Posted by Adam | May 02, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
An Exceptional Experience
I hired Michael as my defense attorney, he was a pleasure to work with. One aspect that I really enjoyed about Michael was his ability to get back to me in an efficient manner. When hiring Michael as your attorney, it's almost like having a friend on your side, who truly cares about your well-being....
Posted by Tania | April 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
A List Attorney...First-class Professional
OMG!!! I cannot begin to explain how pleased my husband and I are with the level of professionalism and service provided by Attorney Michael E. Covey. I always search for credible online reviews when searching for an attorney. I also conduct my own personal investigating. Let me tell you...Michael wa...
Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Review from AP
I am in the middle of a case I was terrified to handle by myself. Michael was referred to me by a good friend and has made the entire experience painless and taken an exteme amount of stress off my back. He walks me through, and consults me before he makes any decision. I couldn't ask for a better at...
Posted by Joyce Terry sis of Johnny | July 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Johnny Green
Mr. Covey is such an awesome attorney not only because he was my brother's attorney but he actually put his heart and soul into everything he does when it comes to his client not only does he take on his client but he takes on his client's family members and he communicates and he just makes them fe...
"Michael Covey is a superlative attorney. His tireless dedication to his cases and clients, his compassion, empathy, and decency, and his courtroom skills are all extraordinary."
"I have known Michael for several years, and was first introduced to him soon after I graduated from law school in 2010. He was wonderful about answering any practice questions I had, and I was amazed by the amount of courtroom experience he had. Unlike most attorneys, it seemed that he thrived on the chance to advocate for his client before a judge. He also is one of the most approachable yet intelligent people I know - which is truly a rare balance for an attorney. I would trust him with my closet friend or family member in the event they had a criminal issue."
"Michael is one of the most dedicated, skillful, and compassionate attorneys I've ever met, and I would recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is one of the absolute best trial attorneys I know. I learn things from him every time I have the opportunity to watch him in action."
"Attorney Covey is not only one of the most knowledgeable and professional attorneys I know, but he is one of the most generous with providing his time to help other attorneys with questions or issues in their cases. He is a passionate member of the profession who puts everything into fighting for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is highly skilled and you will be impressed by his determination and ability to help you reach a fair and just resolution."
"Mr. Covey is a tireless, vigorous and effective advocate for his clients with a true passion for defending liberties. Mr. Covey's zealous defense of his clients has earned not only recognition, but significant respect among his professional peers as evidenced by his award of the Warrior of the Year award in 2011 from the Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association."
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2023
Hanson Memorial Advocate's Prize, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2023
Kuchler Nicholson Stilling Award, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2020
2019 Pro Bono Honor Society, State Bar of Wisconsin
2019
1st Recipient of the Danny Berkos Award, Wisconsin State Public Defender
2019
2018 Pro Bono Honor Society, State Bar of Wisconsin
2019
David C. Niblack Award, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2018
2017 Pro Bono Honor Society, State Bar of Wisconsin
2017
2016 Pro Bono Honor Society, State Bar of Wisconsin
2016
2015 Pro Bono Honor Society, State Bar of Wisconsin
2015
2014 Pro Bono Honor Society, State Bar of Wisconsin
2011
Warrior of the Year, Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2026 - Present
Attorney, Chirafisi Anderson, S.C.
2023 - 2025
Attorney, Chirafisi Law Office, S.C.
2005 - 2023
Attorney, Covey Law Office
2007 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2007 - Present
Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2003 - Present
State Bar of Wisconsin
2021 - 2024
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2006 - 2017
Dane County Bar Association
2002
English