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When a criminal charge threatens to change everything,
WE'LL STAND UP FOR YOU
Experienced & Respected Criminal Defense Team
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

What should you do if you've been

ACCUSED OF A CRIME?

1.

Don’t Talk to the Police

There’s a reason you have the right to remain silent. Police will use everything you say against you. When you talk, you risk being misunderstood or misquoted. Tell the police you will not speak without an attorney present. That is your right.

2.

Say No to Optional Searches

If the police ask for permission to search you or your property, they probably need it. If they had a warrant, they would not ask. It's always best to protect your right to privacy against government intrusion and review it with a lawyer.

3.

Get a Lawyer You Trust

When choosing a criminal lawyer, it’s important that you trust your instinct. Experience and proven skill are important — but whether you trust your lawyer with your freedom is also critical. Give us a call to see if we’re right for you.

MORE CRIMINAL LAW FAQS

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN MILWAUKEE & WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN

Craig Mastantuono

PARTNER

“Criminal defense is more than a job. It’s a way of standing up for people who need a voice in our justice system.”

Craig has an incredible track record of success in all types of criminal cases and investigations. Meet with him and you’ll understand why he’s been named a Wisconsin Super Lawyer for more than a decade straight.

MORE ABOUT CRAIG

Rebecca Coffee

PARTNER

"We stand up for those who are often misunderstood and treated unfairly by a system that, at times, is indifferent."

Rebecca is widely recognized in the Wisconsin legal community as a fierce advocate, both in and out of the courtroom. Whether or not your case goes to trial, she is an attorney you want on your side.

MORE ABOUT REBECCA

Leah Thomas

PARTNER

"We can make a difference in our clients' lives by helping them overcome the hurdles they face."

Leah is an effective advocate and courtroom fighter. She has a great record of proven success in state and federal courts throughout southeast Wisconsin.

MORE ABOUT LEAH

Diana Ramirez Salas

LEGAL ASSISTANT

"Our clients have been through a lot. I try to make our office as accessible as possible so clients have great communication with their lawyers."

Diana is a fluent Spanish speaker who genuinely enjoys guiding our clients through the legal process. When you call or come in, she will make you feel welcome and make sure your concerns are addressed.

Marcus Ruiz

INVESTIGATION

"I'm able to combine two things I enjoy - combing a case for details that were missed, and talking with people. Helping them is a bonus."

Using his experience as a U.S. Marine Corporal from 2003 to 2009, including two tours of active combat duty in Iraq, Marcus Ruiz assists the attorneys with all investigation needs. 

MORE ABOUT MARCUS

Samotria Matthews

CLIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

"Having spent my career in public service, I know firsthand the importance of great representation and advocacy.  I am pleased to join MC&T to aid its clients and use my learned experience for their betterment."

As a client services specialist, Sam works directly with our clients and the attorneys to ensure open communication, and to help connect clients with resources for treatment.

WHY WORK WITH US?

1.

We know this matters to you

We’re here to help you through this. When you work with us, expect a team who listens, gives regular updates to you and your family, and genuinely cares about your future.

2.

Our resources are your resources

We have a great team, including investigators and client service specialists. We'll have your back, and use the resources necessary to deal with any case, large or small. Ask us what we'll bring to your case.

3.

We’ll fight hard for you

No matter what you've been accused of, we’ll fight hard for the best result, whether that means going to trial, preventing a charge from being filed, or negotiating the best deal possible.

4.

Hablamos español

Creemos que tienes el derecho de comunicarte con tu abogado en tu idioma. En nuestro bufete contamos con personal que son hispanohablantes. Podemos contestar todas tus preguntas.

PRACTICE AREAS

Federal Offenses
Homicide
Sex Crimes
Gun Offenses
Domestic Violence
Drunk Driving
Drug Offenses
Traffic Violations
SEE ALL PRACTICE AREAS

Craig and his team helped me with a legal matter from about a decade prior. He was professional, courteous, and worked diligently to assist me through a tricky matter. He and his team worked tirelessly to help me get a resolution and communicated with me almost daily. I would come back to Craig and his team if I ever had a need again without hesitation.

- CONFIDENTIAL CLIENT

Rebecca Coffee put me at ease regarding my case and the stress and tension one feels facing a legal proceeding. She was clear, professional ... Ultimately, I received the best possible outcome with her attorney her leadership and guidance. I offer this opinion to anyone seeking the best defense possible...

- Confidential Client

Intelligent, Efficient, Effective: Rebecca Coffee is an excellent attorney whom I highly recommend… She kept me well informed, helped me understand my case along with my options, and, once she clearly understood what I wanted, she did an amazing job of making that happen!

- Confidential Client

Our family met Craig due to an emergency and we felt confident from the first meeting… We always felt secure due to his presence and excellent communication … I would recommend Craig – a HIGHLY skilled professional lawyer who will fight for you!!!

- Confidential Client

Phenomenal representation!... Mrs. Thomas was diligent, compassionate and professional in my plight for justice. We took the case through the full blown trial process by means of 12 jurors, which in the end, I was found NOT GUILTY, and in no small part to Mrs Thomas’ capabilities as a Trial Lawyer!

- Confidential Client
WE’LL HELP YOU FIND A WAY
Criminal charges can make you feel powerless, but we’re here to remind you that you’re not. When it feels like you’re out of options, we fight to create more.

FACING THE CRISIS OF A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION

Being accused of a crime is a scary and stressful experience. And whether your case is charged at the state or federal level, it’s natural to feel like the underdog, with the weight of the justice system bearing down on you. 

That’s why we’re here. Our team will step in and fight to make things right. We start by getting to know you and listening to your side of the story. We examine the evidence against you and consider your best options. From there, we identify the most effective legal strategy for your defense, based on your unique needs and goals. Armed with that knowledge, we represent you aggressively — always pushing to stay one step ahead of the other side, and always prepared for the possibility of trial.

WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO MOVE FORWARD

Right now, it might seem like there’s no way to avoid the harshest possible penalties for the alleged crime, but don’t give up. With a strong criminal defense attorney on your side, you may be able to get your charges reduced or even dismissed. If those options aren’t possible, there may still be a chance of negotiating a favorable plea bargain or fighting for a less severe penalty, such as probation. If a trial is necessary, we'll bring our resources and jury experience to the fight. We are trial lawyers who are comfortable in the courtroom.

Let our experienced criminal defense team evaluate your situation to ensure your case is being handled the right way. We will use every tool at our disposal to fight for the best possible outcome to your case.

You need a lawyer who's there for you & your family
CALL OUR TEAM TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN
WISCONSIN, WE’RE HERE TO HELP

MILWAUKEE

Our Milwaukee office is in the Phoenix Building, located in the heart of the Historic Third Ward, just steps from the Milwaukee Public Market, the Riverwalk, and Downtown. Easy to find and client parking available. 

WAUKESHA

Our Waukesha office is in the Center City Plaza, located in Waukesha's Downtown District, just steps from the Waukesha Public Library and Cutler Park. Easy to find and client parking available. 

STATEWIDE WISCONSIN

We represent clients in state and federal courts across Wisconsin. Our lawyers are well known to judges and prosecutors throughout the state.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee badge

ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Our firm believes that community engagement and giving back is a pillar of any successful business. That's why we are committed to working with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Our annual fundraising event called Lawyers for Boys & Girls raises money and awareness for the Clubs. In over fifteen years, it has become a premier event in the legal community. 

NOTABLE CASES

First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child

Client falsely accused of inappropriately touching his adoptive son, a special needs child with mental health issues and cognitive delays. Jury returned a not guilty verdict following five days of testimony during which the defense challenged a biased and flawed investigation, and suggestive interview tactics by State child forensic interviewers.

NOT GUILTY AT JURY TRIAL

Sexual Assault – Second Degree

Client accused of forcible rape during business conference. Jury returned a not guilty verdict after three days of trial, at which the defense successfully demonstrated that a consensual encounter had occurred, and that the complaining witness did not testify truthfully.

Not Guilty at Jury Trial

Intentional Homicide

Client charged with homicide in a self-defense case after using his firearm to shoot intruder who broke into his home. Mastantuono Coffee & Thomas moved for dismissal after Sheriff's Department lost crucial evidence. Case dismissed prior to trial, affirmed by Court of Appeals.

Evidence Suppressed, Case Dismissed

Marijuana Possession with Intent to Deliver

Client charged after police searched the car he was driving and seized a quarter-pound of marijuana. Mastantuono Coffee & Thomas secured an acquittal following three days of an intensely contested jury trial.

Not Guilty at Jury Trial

Bribery & Misconduct in Public Office

Client, a former Milwaukee County official, charged with felony bribery and misconduct in office. Mastantuono Coffee & Thomas secured an acquittal following a week-long jury trial.

Not Guilty at Jury Trial

Carry Concealed Weapon

Client charged for a revolver found between the driver's seat and center console; he did not know it was there. Jury delivered an acquittal following two days of a contested jury trial, at which defense counsel argued that the client did not "carry" a gun as the State could not prove that he knew it was there.

Not Guilty at Jury Trial

WISCONSIN CRIME & JUSTICE BLOG

Defending People in the Heartland of America