Michele Anne Tjader

I have had Michele for all my cases over the last 12 years. She has always gotten me the best deal. She's been truly amazing and has gotten me out of lots of trouble. I highly recommend her. If you happen to get her as a public defender. Feel blessed you got a real attorney and not a regular PD. She's the best at what she does.

Michele is extremely knowledgeable and competent. She puts together a strategy specific to your case that is designed to ensure the best result for her client. In my case, which was a first offense OWI, she came to the court trial well-prepared and ready. She had found all of the holes and was ready to make the arresting officer squirm. The DA was comparatively unprepared, amended charges within the framework of the state statute's acceptability, and the judge signed off. No OWI. No suspension. No trial. But if there had been a trial, she would have likely still won. The contrast in quality between her and your average DA is stark. Caveat: Michele carries a heavy caseload. Since OWIs are her bread and butter, do not expect her to give you updates or return calls. She has felonies and homicides to worry about. It is hard when so much is on the line, but the best advice I can give anyone who hires Michele for OWI is to let her do her thing. Don't freak out, don't blow up her phone, don't call a bunch of other attorneys in the interim. Get your court date and plan on being there. Be ready to go to trial. But also be ready for pre-emptive victory. When the DA saw how prepared Michele was, concessions happened quickly.

She was assigned as a public defender to my case, after reviewing her history and reviews online I knew I should have asked for a new public defender. However, I decided to give her a chance as most people only take the time out to write bad reviews and not positive ones. It’s been about 4 months since she has been assigned to my case and I wish I would have went with my initial instinct. If she is assigned as your public defender, get rid of her ASAP. Don’t give her a chance to drag your case along. She does the absolute bare minimum and does not give any council. She answers questions with jargon, never getting straight to the point. She should absolutely not be providing services as a public defender. Do not waste your time!

She will sell you the "you have a good case" bit, and then leave you hanging. You're better off just paying the fines and losing your license, as it will happen anyway with her, and you will end up paying $3500 extra for NOTHING! After my case, i had a question for her, and her secretary told me i would have to hire another lawyer to answer ONE question. Oh yeah, she will never let you know what's happening, and will sound bothered if you call.

First of all, Michele Tjader's fee was $3500 for a first time DUI defense for me. This is about $1000 more than most in the Madison area. The $3500 does include if the case goes to trial. However, keep in mind majority of the cases never go to trial. I was willing to us Michele since she seemed well spoken and had a positive attitude BEFORE she took on my case. What I found out AFTER was something completely different. What she failed to do was: 1) Properly represent me. The offer I had before I hired Michele, was not much different than the offer AFTER her representation. I spent $5500+ and lost my license twice on same case. 2) I was not informed. Four months at a time I would not hear a thing from Michele. I would have to reach out to her to check the progress of the case. 3) I was not told the truth. She told me it would cost less than $500 for an expert. Months later that expert cost $1500. 4) When the offer was on the table she would not fight for a better one. She indicated this was the best offer and I should take it. She then advised me if I did not take it….all the worst case scenario things that could happen. In my opinion based on the facts provided, I would not recommend Attorney Michele A Tjader and take your chances with another lawyer that will give you the attention your case deserves.