Nicholson & Gansner, S.C.

Many people worry about the cost of a quality criminal defense. The truth is that it’s never smart to cut corners when your future is at stake. It is important to hire a lawyer with the resources and connections to fully prepare your criminal case for trial in Wisconsin courts. At Nicholson & Gansner, S.C. we don’t just rely on the prosecution’s viewpoint. We work with a network of proven, high-quality investigators, experts and forensic sentencing consultants to complete our own investigations. Because we have been handling cases in Wisconsin state courts for years, we know who can be trusted and what needs to be done to achieve the best possible results for you.

Our Founding Attorney, is Jessa Nicholson. Ms. Nicholson has a reputation for handling cases aggressively and not hesitating to take matters to trial to protect her clients’ freedom. Her trial record includes winning acquittals by jury in cases involving serious and sensitive legal matters such as OWI/DUI, battery, felon in possession of a firearm, sexual assault, bail jumping and intimidation of a victim/witness. Jessa Nicholson has received significant professional acclaim for her work as a defense lawyer. Among other accomplishments, she was featured in a front-page article in the Wisconsin State Journal and has received the Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Warrior Award in 2010 (given to one member of the local bar each year for outstanding work in the field of criminal defense) and the 2013 Martin Hanson Advocate Prize (given to Wisconsin lawyers who achieve homicide acquittals).

A Boutique Law Firm Focusing on Success in the Courtroom

At Nicholson & Gansner, S.C., in Madison, we bring together attorneys and staff members with valuable backgrounds and experience throughout the legal system. Our entire team shares one goal: to provide aggressive, prepared trial litigation in Wisconsin state and federal courts.

We proudly identify ourselves as a boutique litigation and trial firm. We provide exceptional legal representation and prioritize clear and open communication with clients in all our practice areas, including:

• Criminal defense, including defending clients facing OUI charges, traffic violations, drug charges, homicide, sex crimes and other felony and misdemeanor charges
• Family law litigation , including divorce, child support, paternity and restraining order matters
• Temporary restraining orders and injunctions , including harassment, domestic abuse and child abuse

At Nicholson & Gansner, S.C. we represent people in Madison and throughout the surrounding areas who have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our law firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for people facing an OWI. We do this by thoroughly exploring all the facts and laws that could affect your case. We begin with the traffic stop, determining whether the officer had a reasonable articulable suspicion to pull over your vehicle. We then look at your conversation with the officer, the field sobriety tests and breath tests administered.

When we find problems with the way your case was handled, we use them to strengthen your case. We can answer all your questions about drunk driving in Wisconsin, such as: Should I talk to the police? It is almost never a good idea to talk with the police without a lawyer present — even if you believe that you have nothing to lose. If the police would like to speak with you or if you know that you’re being investigated, contact our law firm immediately. Should I skip the breath test? In a OWI situation, many people wonder about making the right decisions. If you skip the breath test, you could lose your right to drive (at least temporarily), but blowing a high number can have more serious consequences.

Talk with a lawyer about what is right for you. How do I pick the right lawyer? When choosing a lawyer to handle your case, look for someone with lots of experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask how many cases your attorney has handled, how many went to trial and what the results were. When should I take action? Prosecutors begin work immediately after a DWI arrest, so it is critical that you begin work immediately too. Don’t waste time sitting around and worrying about your arrest. Talk with a lawyer. Go to our blog to read about the three things you should do when arrested for OWI. Why it’s Important to Act Now There are many consequences to a Wisconsin OWI offense. In addition to the criminal penalties such as jail time and fines, you may have your driver’s license automatically suspended after an OWI arrest.