Michael E. Rudolph

PRO

Michael E. Rudolph

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 42 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Appleton, WI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

111 E South River St, Appleton, WI

About Michael

Biography

When it comes to your freedom, you can't afford to gamble. Call today!

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Simply being accused of a crime can change your life. The penalties of a conviction can haunt you for years after you’ve served your sentence and may affect what kinds of jobs you’re able to obtain and even where you’re allowed to live. Call now.

43 years

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

Sometimes, people think they will get a 'do-over' when it comes to a drunk driving charge, but that is not the case. Wisconsin doesn't expunge drunk driving convictions. Hire Attorney Rudolph to defend you against the charges you are facing.

43 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2015 2012
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 42 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1983

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael E. Rudolph

111 E South River St, Appleton, WI, 54915-1746

attorneymikerudolph.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael E. Rudolph's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (34) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Trustworthiness

Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Highly Recommend, Professional

Mike is constant professional. He is truthful about the situation you are in and the possible outcomes. You will not find a lawyer that will work harder for you and answer any questions you have along the way. I have nothing but respect for Mike and the work he put in during my case to generate the b...est possible outcome.

Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Gets the results you need.

Michael was very helpful in referring me to the right people to help my case. He was honest, upfront and courteous. He dealt with everything with out me having to appear in court with the exception of the final hearing. I would recommend him to anyone.

Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Best Realistic DUI Lawyer

You can spend an arm and leg on a lawyer who will try to pull every string. But why? Why spend multiple thousands just to lose in court. The law is cracking down on drunk driving and there is little to no escaping penalties. Michael Rudolph was great on contacting me back when I called. Answered all ...of my questions before we even met up. He was very friendly but very down to earth. He read the facts and gave it to me straight. This is a respected lawyer in the area who is fair and honest. Michael was able to get my sentence reduced to below a .15 and was able to get me out of having to get an interlock. He was extremely affordable and should be your first call if you are ever unfortunate enough to lack good judgement.

Posted by Cristina | July 20, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Thank You!

After celebrating my husbands birthday w/dinner and drinks we went to see a band. We were having such a good time that we lost track of time and the bar was closing.I made a mistake and attempted to drive us home. I stopped and parked but before we knew it police lights were flashing in my rear view ...mirror. My stomach dropped, my husband was passed out and I didn't know what to do. I admitted to some drinks and before I knew it I was walking a crooked line singing the ABCs. I was aked to do a BAC and then also to blow in a breathalyser. I refused the BAC thinking I'd be ok with agreeing to one test or the other. ATTENTION PEOPLE DON'T EVER REFUSE A BLOOD ALCOHOL/BAC TEST.. After the breathalyser test I was arrested for OWI. I had no one to call for a ride at now 3:30 a.m so I spent the night in jail. I was in a nightmare. How could I be so stupid? I changed into some weird smelling orange jail jumpsuit that included grandma style underwear, wool blankets, a sheet and pillow that looked pale yellow and plastic sandals. I got no sleep. I cried my eyes out all night laying on the floor which was no different from the bed. I felt like a loser to myself, my family and kids. There was nothing that could change my situation now. My husband was allowed to take a taxi home that night so he ended up picking me up in the a.m. at maybe 10:30 a.m. This wasn't the end of my nightmare though. I was referred to Atty Mike Rudolph. From our first meeting he was very blunt, straight to the point, honest and asked questions to make sure he could help me otherwise he said he wouldn't want to waste my time. He brought a chart out and starting explaining what i could be in for and how he could help. He knew his stuff in and out. Laid everything out for me in black and white. If i didnt understand something he gave me examples. I felt my chances of having Mike represent me were way better than being alone on this especially it being my first OWI and not knowing what to expect or do. I retained Mike at an affordable rate and he directed me on my next steps, picked up every single call of mine, went to my court dates, met with me everytime I needed too, helped with all paperwork and questions. Honestly I felt safe having him as a lawyer. He wrote up my plea and we discussed making a deal that I wasn't ro sure would fly but Mike knows what he's doing so again my trust settled in. On my final court hearing the deal was accepted. My husband and i were both shocked that i did not have to have an ignition lock installed and 2 out of the 3 charges were dropped. I mean I was already prepared and ready to face my kids on explaining what this blow thing was that i had to do everytime i needed or was allowed to drive. I had already accepted reality but Mike somehow pulled a bunny out of his hat and turned my nightmare into a more than satisfying outcome. Trust in Mike. I can't thank him enough. Thank you again Mike.

Posted by Zach | January 23, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Complex Case Turned Around

After some very poor decision making I found myself in a very rough spot. However, after being referred by a family friend to Mr. Rudolph my legal issues turned around. I was given a second chance. Mr. Rudolph was very concise and too the point on what needed to be done for a better outcome. Having ...followed through on my end, Mr. Rudolph followed through on his and made a disastrous list of charges turn into only a few fines and court fees. Mr. Rudolph was very easy to talk with and kept me well informed of what was going on during my few months with him as my representing lawyer. A great option for anyone in a tight spot and needs help.

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Michael E. Rudolph's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Jeffrey Thomas Oswald headshot
Jeffrey Oswald

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is one of the best attorneys in the entire state. He is tough, aggressive, compassionate and smart. He knows and law and is a skilled and experienced trial lawyer. You would be lucky to have him on your side."

Robert E. Bellin Jr. headshot
Robert Bellin

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike helped me get started in the Fox Valley 19 years ago, and he has remained the role model for brilliant and aggressive representation to this day."

Jeffrey P. Kippa headshot
Jeffrey Kippa

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is without a doubt one of the top OWI/DUI attorneys in the state. I have yet to meet another attorney who is as compassionate and dedicated as Mike. Clients certainly reap the benefits of Mike's years of experience and uncanny ability to recall both statutes and case law. He is the type of lawyer you want in your corner."

Enku Edgar Lin headshot
Enku Lin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply one of the best attorneys in the field. Mike is an elite attorney who fights tenaciously for his clients. His wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to help his fellow attorneys raises the standard of legal practice."

John B. Edmondson headshot
John Edmondson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"From homicide to OWI, Mike Rudolph has sucessfully defended client after client after client. He knows not only the law, but how the full system works and how to use it his client's advantage....form a plea to a full blow trial. You can not go wrong if you are lucky enough to be able to have Mike Rudolph represent you."

J. Steven House headshot
J. Steven House

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've had the chance to work alongside Mike after referring an old friend in the Appleton area on a potential OWI Homicide case and to confer with Michael on a variety of issues over the years. I would highly recommend Mike Rudolph to anyone facing OWI related charges in the Fox Valley region based on my experience with Mike Rudolph, the experience of my old friend who was represented by him and the respect with which the prosecutors in the area hold for him."

Gregory A. Petit headshot
Gregory Petit

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is the lawyer's lawyer. When other attorneys have questions they go to Mike. That Mike has been voted the best attorney in the Fox River Valley time after time has not been an accident. I highly recommend this attorney."

Aaron Michael Galarowicz headshot
Aaron Galarowicz

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Rudolph is a great asset to the Fox Valley legal community. His wealth of experience and knowledge of Wisconsin Criminal Law ensures that his representation is second to none."

Brian P. Dimmer headshot
Brian Dimmer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a young lawyer, I have had the opportunity to learn from Attorney Rudolph both in and out of the courtrooms of the Fox Valley. With clients, he provides effective communication of the range of options in resolving a case. In the courtroom, he effectively combines his honed advocacy skill with an extensive knowledge of Wisconsin criminal law."

Tajara Dommershausen headshot
Tajara Dommershausen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Rudolph has the experience and tenacity to expertly address all of a client’s criminal defense needs. Over the years I have been impressed with the depth of his legal knowledge and his ability to relate it to individuals feeling the stress of legal trouble. Anyone needing the services of knowledgeable, experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney will be thrilled with Attorney Rudolph."

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Mark P. Howe headshot
Mark Howe

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert E. Bellin Jr. headshot
Robert Bellin

Personal injury lawyer

Enku Edgar Lin headshot
Enku Lin

Criminal defense lawyer

John B. Edmondson headshot
John Edmondson

Workers compensation lawyer

J. Steven House headshot
J. Steven House

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian P. Dimmer headshot
Brian Dimmer

Unknown lawyer

Tajara Dommershausen headshot
Tajara Dommershausen

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory A. Petit headshot
Gregory Petit

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2007

Hansen Homicide Award, WACDL

2002

Fox Valley, Best of Bar-Drugs and Drunk Driving

1996

Fox Valley, Best of Bar-Criminal Defense, Drugs & Drink Driving

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Owner, Rudolph Law Office

1991 - 1995

Partner, Rudolph & Garde

1983 - 1991

Partner, Robinison, Robinson, Peterson, Berk, Rudolph, Cross & Garde

Associations

1986 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

1986 - Present

Wisconsin Association for Justice

1984 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Creating Member

1983 - Present

Outagamie County Bar Association

Past President

1983 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin

Sample of Legal Cases

State v Smaxwell 1999AP0002261-CR

State v. Bodart

Not guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1983

University of Wisconsin Law School

Juris doctorate

1983

University of Wisconsin, Madison

MA - Masters

1980

UW Lacrosse

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2011

CLE

Handling OWI in Wisconsin

2010

State Bar of Wisconsin Update on OWI Laws

2010

Spring seminar 2010

Restitution

Publications

1985

Wisconsin Bar Association publication Rules of the Road

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution