Patrick J. Stangl

DUI and DWI Attorney at Madison, WI

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Resume

Great Represention

State of Wisconsin vs R.Z.

About Patrick

Learn Patrick’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

65%

Attorney Stangl has been nationally recognized for his excellence in criminal and drunk driving defense and has been named as one of the best trial attorneys in the State of Wisconsin by the National Trial Lawyers. He has helped his clients achieve dismissals, not guilty verdicts and numerous favorable plea agreements in the successful defense of their drunk driving cases.
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32 years
Criminal defense

35%

Attorney Stangl has been nationally recognized for his excellence in criminal defense and has been named as one of the best trial attorneys in the State of Wisconsin by the National Trial Lawyers. He has successfully defended cases including, but not limited to, first degree intentional homicide, drug conspiracies, fraud, domestic and sexual offenses, white collar crimes and numerous other crimes.
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32 years

Attorney Patrick J. Stangl has been nationally recognized for excellence as a criminal defense attorney and has been practicing since 1991. He maintains a statewide practice devoted to defending people accused of a variety of crimes and focuses a significant portion of his practice on defending individuals accused of operating while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Attorney Stangl practices in both State and Federal trial and appellate courts.

He has successfully defended cases ranging in complexity from drug conspiracies and first degree intentional homicide charges to fraudulent schemes to domestic abuse, disorderly conduct and more. A major focus of his practice is defending drunk driving [OWI, DUI, DWI, BAC, PAC] charges. He has successfully defended over one hundred drunk driving cases and has been nationally recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the top one hundred trial attorneys in the State yearly since 2012 among all criminal defense as well as all personal injury lawyers. The National Trial lawyers is an invitation-only organization with membership invitations extended to the select most qualified attorneys from each state who exemplify superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and profile.

Besides successfully defending OWI cases, Attorney Stangl has successfully defended the following types of criminal cases: Homicide, Domestic Violence, Felonies, Misdemeanors, Violent Crimes, Sexual Offenses, Rape, Drug Offenses (Trafficking, Possession, Distribution, and Manufacturing), Conspiracies, Theft, Prostitution, Weapons Charges, Domestic Abuse, Fraud, Computer Crimes and Child Abuse. He has also represented clients in civil and criminal cases in federal courts in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and California.

Pat also practices appellate law having argued in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He has a number of published appellate opinions in both state and federal Courts of Appeals. Articles about some of his cases have appeared in newspapers across the nation including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Sun Times, The Seattle Times, The Wisconsin State Journal and many other publications and blogs.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 31 years

State WI

Status Good Standing

Acquired 1991

Updated 03/05/2023

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

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

45 customer reviews

5 Star

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1 Star

Posted by Troy | February 20, 2023

Great Represention

I heard about Pat Stangl through the first attorney i consulted in hayward wisconsin. I was being charged with a felony owi and a felony possession. I never thought i would be able to practice my 2nd amendment rights ever again. But thanks to pat stangl's investment and knowledge in practicing owi law, his high standing reputation with the people of the court, including the DA. I got a second chance at life. And walked away without a felony

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Posted by Robert | July 13, 2022

State of Wisconsin vs R.Z.

I was cited for an OWI first offense as well as a refusal. Due to my military career I simply could not have a conviction for either one of the offenses. Given the seriousness of my situation I was fortunate to have hired Pat Stangl to represent me in this matter. Thanks to him I was not convicted of either offenses and I am ow able to continue with my chosen profession. Thanks again Pat for everything!

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Posted by Gena | April 18, 2022

Solid Defense Lawyer

After my initial consultation with him I felt that he was going to be the lawyer to properly defend me and win my case. He knew the area, knew the people in the system and was not only able to get the case tossed out but tossed out with prejudice. Talk about closure.

Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2022

.12 DUI Overturned!!!

I was facing a first offense DUI with a .12 BAC. The officer pulled me over for what he thought was an inoperable license plate bulb at 2:30 in the morning. Through Pat's due diligence, decades of experience, and knowledgeable acquaintances he was able to get the DUI charge dropped prior to a jury trial by proving the officer made an illegal stop. I highly recommend Pat as he will ensure all bases are covered in your case regardless of the situation.

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Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2021

Great Lawyer

highly recommend, great lawyer, handled everything for me and had all charges dropped!

Posted by Nathan | March 22, 2021

Domestic battery and disorderly conduct

I was recently in legal issues and looking at thousands in fines, months in jail and worst of all losing my gun rights. After hiring Pat he immediately got working on collecting all the evidence he needed and contacting the DA. Soon thereafter he advised me on counseling, online classes and everything I could do proactively to better my chances in court. He took care of all the court proceedings for six months, I just followed his instructions. Ultimately he was able to get the domestic charges dropped with only a disorderly conduct charge remaining. I ended with a couple hundred dollars in fines and 1 year probation. Best of all my gun rights left intact. I couldn’t be happier with my outcome. Pat was extremely helpful and professional. I would recommend him to anyone else in uncertain and scary situations. Cannot thank him enough.

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Posted by Sarah S. | October 21, 2020

Exceptional Lawyer and Highly Recommend

Pat instantly instilled confidence and security in our first consultation as I was a complete wreck. He guided me through a criminal defense for three (3) years of horrific and unfortunate false allegations. I can’t praise him enough for his remarkable efficiency and professionalism. He handled every detail in a seamless manner from start to finish and put me at ease. He’s a factual lawyer who not only is knowledgeable, persistent to fight and extremely determined - but also became my friend through this process. Pat’s observant, well-educated and has superb communication to attend to our enormous questions, never making us feel rushed and always had our back to fight for the truth. He offered excellent advice and different situations/scenarios that we would never have considered. Pat Stangl’s level of service was exceptional, has exceeded all my expectations and you’d be silly not to have him by your side in court. Thank you Pat for all you do to represent your clients and especially me!

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Posted by KATHLEEN | July 9, 2020

5 STARS IS NOT ENOUGH FOR THIS AMAZING ATTORNEY

Patrick Stangl represented my spouse in an OWI case which included some difficult circumstances. Dealing with 2 different cancers and numerous health problems, this was very stressful for my husband and he needed someone that would truly represent him 100%. Patrick not only won the case but was there for my spouse every step of the way. Not often does one find an attorney as passionate about his work but also compassionate and understanding of his clients and their life issues. I would highly recommend Patrick J Stangl to anyone in need of an attorney that is a true human being and there to help others through such difficult times. Thank you Patrick. We don't know what we would have done without you. Sincerely, Kathy S

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Posted by Michael | December 4, 2018

Top Notch Lawyer

I was driving home one evening through Walworth county after a concert. Rather than keep driving, I pulled over to text in a closed business parking lot when a police officer pulled behind me with his lights on. I had consumed a couple of drinks hours before stopping, but the officer seemed bothered and ordered me out of the vehicle. the officer wanted me to complete field sobriety tests and I politely refused. After reading the Informing the Accused I asked the officer some questions and he told me some false information about my right to an alternative test. Fortunately I knew of Pat Stangl and hired him immediately. Pat went to work and ultimately filed a Motion to dismiss arguing that there was no basis to place me under arrest and that the officer misled me regarding my right to an alternative test. My case was successfully resolved without a conviction for an OWI or refusal. Attorney Stangl and everyone at Stangl Law Offices, S.C. are absolute professionals. They kept my updated throughout the case and achieved an excellent result. I have and will continue to recommend Pat with no reservation. It is no surprise that he is regarded as one of the best defense attorneys in the state.

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Posted by Christina | November 3, 2018

OWI/Open intoxicant Dropped!

I was charged with an OWI and an open intoxicant, so it was recommended by my best friend's cousin from Rockford Illinois, that Patrick Stangl could, with guarantee, win my case. I googled Patrick, I was impressed and did a consultation. I was pleased with Patrick during the consult, so I hired him, and he worked 11 hard months for me! He was very determined to get these charges dropped! I've never hired an attorney before, and I had feared that I was going to be investing a great deal of money with no positive results, but when I met Patrick his knowledge base was incredibly admirable, in which I became optimistic! He explained what to expect from a municipal court and circuit court so I wasn't going in blindly. He went through the police report/video and in great detail explained to me why, what, and how he would be proving my innocence. Long story short Patrick was able to drop my OWI and open intoxicant charges!! I cried with joy and relief! I would hire him again in a heart beat, and strongly recommend him to anyone that wants to win cases and needs their innocence proven!

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Posted by John | September 30, 2018

Excellent Lawyer, very impressed!

I was arrested one evening and charged with OWI as well as a refusal, or Implied Consent Violation, because I refused the chemical test which the officer wanted me to take. I refused the test because I felt I did nothing wrong and that there was no reason to stop my vehicle. I knew of Pat Stangl and Stangl Law Offices, S.C. because he had successfully defended some people that I knew. I immediately contacted Pat because I know that he is the best attorney in the State of Wisconsin for OWI and criminal defense. Pat told me that refusal cases are extremely difficult to beat but if anyone could beat it, it would be him. He sure was right! As a result of our very thorough investigation of the case we were able to demonstrate that the officer's claimed reason for stopping me simply was not even plausible. It is very tough to beat a charge where the court doesn't even have to believe the cop's story, only that it is plausible. We were also able to show through independent video evidence that the officer's claim that I took an erratic turn into a bar and that he was following me two to three lengths behind was false. Attorney Stangl argued that the officer violated my Fourth Amendment right to be free of an illegal seizure because there was no reasonable suspicion under the Fourth Amendment to stop my vehicle. After a lengthy refusal hearing the trial court agreed and found that the stop of my vehicle was unconstitutional. Based on the court's finding the State agreed that it could not prevail on the remaining OWI charge and my OWI was dismissed. Needless to say I was very impressed with Attorney Stangl. He is one hell of a defense attorney!"

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Posted by Perie | September 3, 2018

great representation

I was involved in a serious traffic matter which resulted in an accident and serious criminal charges including felony possession of a controlled substance. While my case was very difficult, Pat stood by me the entire way and never stopped fighting for me. Thankfully, the felony drug charge was dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement which he negotiated with the District Attorney. While I was looking at serious jail time, my sentence under the circumstances was very reasonable and I received electronic monitoring. If you are facing a criminal investigation or criminal charges, Attorney Stangl is the only game in town

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Posted by MIKE Kruger | August 26, 2018

CDL charged with OWI PAC

I have a commercial drivers license and got stopped,arrested,and charged with drunk driving,I really felt the officer was targeting me simply because I had left a bar. With my job and future on the line I needed to hire the best defense attorney in the State and I did: I hired Pat Stangl. The City had what appeared to be pretty strong evidence against me including a .16 breath test,Pat went to work and what a job he did! I was not convicted of either the OWI or the PAC citation. I was in a Tangle. I called Pat Stangl and now I am Untangled. Mike Kruger Chetek

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Posted by Lance and Julie | June 12, 2018

Amazing

"After finding `myself in a serious OWI predicament I was referred to Pat Stangl and Stangl Law Offices, S.C. by a friend. One summer night my wife and I attended a Music Festival in Northern Wisconsin. As we were leaving the festival my wife notices lights behind us and I was getting stopped and ultimately arrested by a State Trooper for OWI. I submitted to a computerized breath test and my concentration came back at .18. The Officers claimed version of what happened that evening was not reality. For example, he claimed I was stumbling around my car before entering it and that I even fell over some bags of mulch outside of a lumber store. Fortunately I had an independent witness who confirmed that these events never occurred. Attorney Stangl challenged the stop of my vehicle and the officer testified about his claimed observations which were inaccurate. From the claimed vantage point of the officer there was simply no way he could have even seen my vehicle because of a hill. Attorney Stangl did an excellent job at the motion hearing and believed we had a very good chance of the Motion to Dismiss being granted. The judge even commented at the hearing that our witnesses testimony was credible. While we were waiting for the judge's decision the State realized that it had a significant chance of losing the motion and the matter was successfully resolved before the courts decision. I was not convicted of either OWI or PAC charge. Thanks to Attorney Stangl's knowledge, expertise and desire to win, I beat a very difficult case. Amazing!!"

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Posted by Marty | April 9, 2018

Worth Every Dime

I was charged with OWI and PAC as a result of being in a car accident in Madison. I registered an alcohol concentration of .14 and believed on all accounts that my goose was cooked. That is until I hired Attorney Pat Stangl of Stangl Law Offices, S.C. Pat is the consummate professional and a real expert in his field. While I was anxious to have it over with Pat advised me to breathe deep since he needed to do some additional research and investigation. That's what I did and was quite surprised and relieved when I received a call from Pat indicating that due to some technical problems he discovered with my case the OWI was going to amended to a reckless driving and the PAC count was going to be dismissed because he found a loophole. Pat is well known for defending difficult cases and that is what he did for me! I highly recommend Attorney Pat Stangl and Stangl Law Offices, S.C.

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Posted by Merideth | February 6, 2018

Excellent attorney, worth every penny

I was charged with criminal drunk driving based on an alleged witness stating that she saw me driving. I didn't do well on the field sobriety test and my alcohol concentration was above the legal limit. I was referred to Attorney Pat Stangl of Stangl Law Offices, S.C. by a friend and knew right away that I was in good hands. During the arrest the officer kept telling me they had a witness who saw me driving; he was trying to get me to confess to something I did not do. I kept telling him I wasn't driving but they didn't care and arrested me anyway. After investigating the case Attorney Stangl filed a motion arguing that the police officers did not have sufficient legal reason to arrest me. During the investigation Attorney Stangl was able to show that the officer's claim that a witness saw me driving was false. The witness could not even identify me and never saw me drive or operate the truck. Thanks to Pat the criminal OWI and PAC charges were dismissed outright! I cant say enough about how grateful I am and what a tremendous job Pat and his Staff did representing me from start to finish. I never had to set foot in the courtroom once, he handled it all without me having to be present in this case. I Highly recommend Pat Stangl and Stangl Law Offices, S.C. They are the best and worth every penny!!!! Sincerely, M.S.

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Posted by Tanya | January 21, 2018

Unfortunate situation

My son was being criminally investigated for an alleged sexual assult involving a girl at a high school. The allegations were totally false but nonetheless he faced serious criminal charges. I was referred to Pat Stangl and Stangl Law Offices, S.C. By a close friend. Pat got right to work dealing with the District Attorney. He demonstrated that the matter was consensual but was being completely blown out of proportion by the girl. Thanks to Pat and his proactive, thorough and aggressive representation, the District Attorney, after due concideration, declined to even charge my son. I can’t tell you how relieved my son and our family are thanks to Pat.

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Posted by Ryan | October 20, 2017

Pat was able to amend my difficult and complicated OWI 2nd case to a non-criminal reckless driving charge.

I made a number of mistakes one evening and I ended up being charged in Portage, WI with an OWI 2nd offense. The case became even more complicated based on the statements I made to the officer. I faced mandatory jail time if convicted as well as being saddled for the rest of my life with a criminal conviction I felt I did not deserve. I knew the only chance I had was to hire Pat Stangl, which I did. We were fully prepared to try the case when Attorney Stangl caught the prosecution off guard and flat footed on a constitutional issue regarding the blood test result. A case with very difficult odds and a trial may have raised a number of legal complications regarding our defense. Attorney Stangl got my criminal OWI 2nd amended to a reckless driving and the criminal PAC 2nd charge was dismissed. From the moment I met Attorney Stangl in person I knew that he would fight until the bitter end for me and he sure did. He is a great defense lawyer. Thanks a million.

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Posted by S.M | September 23, 2017

Unfortunate Situation

"I had an unfortunate family situation involving a child which resulted in me being charged with felony child abuse. As you can imagine I was overwhelmed and scared about how this may impact my current employment and my future. My husband and I decided it was critical to find the best defense attorney available and we contacted Attorney Stangl. Even before I was formally charged Pat went to work to proactively deal with the forthcoming criminal charges. Pat demonstrated to the DA that the alleged incident was blown out of proportion and that, under the circumstances, criminal charges were not appropriate. Pat was able to get my felony child abuse charge amended to an ordinance violation for disorderly conduct. Attorney Stangl is extremely knowledgeable, proactive and very well respected as a defense attorney. He and his staff were extremely supportive of me during this difficult time and the quality of his work speak for itself. If I could give him more than five stars, I would!!!!!!" S.M.

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Posted by Scott | August 23, 2017

Thanks, Pat!

"One night I exercised poor judgement and elected to drive when I shouldn't have. What makes it worse and further complicated is the fact that I am a truck driver who holds a commercial driver's license. I ended up getting an operating while under the influence citation along with a prohibited alcohol concentration citation. My future and career hung in the balance. I researched the best drunk driving lawyer in the state, Pat Stangl, and immediately called him. Luckily he was able to take my case. I didn't know what to expect but I knew that if I was convicted my job was gone and I would likely not work in the industry in the future. When I spoke with Attorney Stangl I was totally impressed. He is very knowledgeable, thoughtful and reassuring. He told me that if there was a way out of this mess that he would find it. Long story-short-he did. On the day of my trial he called with incredible news! The PAC charge was going to be dismissed and the OWI was being amended to reckless driving! Now he only had to get the court to approve the proposed deal and the court did. Thanks to Pat and his staff I now have my future back. If you ever get a drunk driving, he is the only attorney you should be called THE BEST!!"

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

Owner
Stangl Law Offices S.C.
1993 - Present

Attorney
Giesen & Berman S.C.
1991 - 1993

Education

Hamline University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990

University of Wisconsin, Madison
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1986

Legal Cases

State of Wisconsin v. M.J., Columbia County Case
Dismissed

State of Wisconsin v. J.L., Rusk County
Amended to Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle

State of Wisconsin v. C.D., Burnett County
Amended to Inattentive Driving

View all legal cases

Associations

National College of DUI Defense
Member
2015 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association
Diplomat
2012 - Present

Western District Bar Association of Wisconsin
Member
2010 - Present

United States District Court of Minnesota
Member
2009 - Present

Western District Bar Association of Wisconsin
Member
2005 - Present

United States Supreme Court
Member
2002 - Present

United States District fot the Northern District of Indiana
Member
2001 - Present

United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Member
2000 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Member
2000 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorney Member
1993 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorney Member
1993 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Member
1992 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin
Member
1991 - Present

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Client Choice Award Winner 2015-2018
Avvo
2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2016

Diplomat
The National Trial Lawyers
2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2015

Diplomat
The National Trial Lawyers
2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2012

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Publications

Transform - Book
Intentional Transformation
2014

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)

Given (6)

Endorse Patrick

Michael Ablan

DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer.Attorney Stangl has established himself as a preeminent DUI defense attorney and criminal defense attorney throughout the state of Wisconsin. He has been one of the most successful trial attorneys in his field. I continue to rely on him for legal advice and strategy in cases such as these. It has been a pleasure working with a trustworthy attorney like him."

Eric Leckie

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Consummate professional in every regard. Highly competent and skilled litigator in the court room that can be counted on by his clients to get results in the toughest cases."

John Smerlinski

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Pat has established himself as a premier defense attorney throughout the State of Wisconsin. Over the past 20 years, I have represented co-defendants with him in state and federal criminal cases. I have seen firsthand his commitment to his clients and his knowledge in both procedural and substantive criminal legal issues. I have also witnessed his relentless work ethic and passion to win. Pat is a gifted legal tactician and competent trial lawyer. I strongly endorse Pat Stangl for anyone needing a top-shelf criminal defense lawyer."

Alexander Kammer

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Pat is a very tough and dedicated litigator. I am impressed by the lengths he goes to prove his client's innocence. I strongly endorse attorney Stangl."