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Choosing The Right Lawyer

If you are reading this post, you or a member of your family is probably in trouble with the law and looking for the right lawyer to help you fight the charges. Most people in this position are frightened at the idea of going to jail or prison, confused about the legal process and don’t have a clue about how to select a lawyer. Look for the following when you choose a lawyer:

1. Experience: You want to find a lawyer who has years of experience handling criminal cases and who understands the law, the court system, and the people in the system so that they know how to capitalize on every weakness in the government’s case, both factual and legal. Our lawyers each have over 30 years experience providing skilled and aggressive representation to people charged with every type of crime.

2. Preparation: The lawyer you choose should prepare every case as if it is the only case they have. There is no substitute for preparation. Your lawyer should spend time interviewing you and your family, obtaining all the records and reports, researching all the legal issues and thinking about the case and how all the pieces fit together. This is true whether you plan to have a trial or you want to negotiate a plea. Our lawyers take pride in the thorough preparation and creative thinking that leads to a successful outcome for our clients.

3. Time Devoted to Your Case: The lawyer you select for this critical moment in your life must be prepared to devote the time needed to thoroughly prepare your case and address your concerns. If a lawyer has a high volume of cases, he or she may not have the time to devote to yours. Our lawyers deliberately keep our caseloads at a level that permits a high degree of service to our clients.

4. Responsiveness: This is probably the most difficult time of your life. You need lawyers who will communicate with you. They must be there when you need them, return phone calls promptly, keep you informed, and carefully and timely inform you about your options. Our lawyers return their calls promptly and can be reached day or night in the event of an emergency.

5. Respect: In this crisis, you want to have lawyers who are respected by judges, prosecutors and other lawyers . Look for lawyers who have been selected by their peers for leadership roles in professional organizations, who have been recognized as the best lawyers in the area, and who train and teach other lawyers. Our lawyers have been selected many times as SuperLawyers, have been elected by their peers to serve in leadership positions in the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Wisconsin State Bar Criminal Law Section, have lectured around the state and nationally, and are called upon by the media to help explain legal issues.

Finally, this is one of the most critical decisions you may make in your life. Make sure you are comfortable with the law firm that you choose. Referrals from friends, family and other lawyers are a great place to start. But meet the lawyers with a list of questions and see how you feel about trusting your future or that of your loved one to their care. We welcome a chance to discuss your case and are confident that we have the expertise and dedication to our clients that will make a difference for you.

“I just want to say thank you for the outstanding work you have done for him and let you know how much we appreciate the time and attention you gave to his case. We are obviously overjoyed by today’s dismissal!” (Child pornography case dismissed after motion to suppress was granted)”

“After having had time to exhale, we thank each one of you and all the others who contributed to the exemplary Supreme Court presentation. We are proud of your efforts on our behalf and, equally important, on behalf of the many present and future defendants statewide.” (Client’s comment after Supreme Court oral argument)

“Thank you. Thank you. I am so pleased to hear that we won. It doesn’t seem that it was even a close call. I appreciate your efforts.” (Oconto County defendant after Buting, Williams & Stilling got his prison sentence overturned in the court of appeals) ”

“Your time and advice was appreciated more than words can express at a time when we really needed someone to guide us.” (Client)

“The outcome was amazing, one unavailable even under identical circumstances in probably 98 percent of federal courtrooms around the country. Separate and apart from the outcome, though, I am supremely impressed by your efforts on your client’s behalf. Your comments in support of the requested sentence were perfect in tone and, having now reviewed the extensive sentencing memorandum you filed, your work in that regard was exemplary as well. Your client was certainly fortunate to have you as his attorney.” (Local federal court attorney present at a sentencing)

“I can’t thank you enough, not only for all of the tireless work that you and your staff put into my case, but for telling me what I needed to hear, at a time when I absolutely had to hear it. I consider myself blessed for everything turning out the way it did, especially since I blindly picked you out of a phone book! You helped me, my family and friends in many more ways than the money ever could.” (Child pornography client)

“I think you will find that in any circles where Kathy’s name is raised, people will always respond positively and identify her as an extremely hardworking, knowledgeable and ethical lawyer who is timely and effective with any endeavor she takes on. These circles would include colleagues, friends, prosecutors, judges, professors and others who have crossed paths with Kathy. They would also include the many lawyers like me who have referred numerous cases to Kathy, invariably with positive feedback from the clients regarding her knowledge of their case, empathy, professionalism and fair-mindedness in addressing their concerns.” (Fellow attorney)

“Thank you for giving [our son] back to us. Wonderful work!” (Family of client accused of armed robbery after charges were dismissed)

“Yes, His perfect time and perfect place, you were a part of this plan. I almost didn’t hire you, but I took a step of faith trusting Him and look what happened? Praise God. Our Lord put you in your vocation for a reason, continue to help those He brings your way. May He bless you in ALL you do!” (Client who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in a northwestern Wisconsin county. He was released from prison after attorneys got his conviction reversed.)

“I really cannot thank you enough for your past help. You really know your stuff. It is actually funny when I think about my other past attorney’s knowledge and then when I talk with you. It’s like night and day. You’re like a walking book of knowledge with a purpose-driven life. Thanks.” (Brown County client of attorney Buting)

“A year later and I still believe your defense is the single best example of lawyering I have ever seen.” (Television reporter commenting on attorney Buting’s defense of Steven Avery)

“You have a certain brilliance that makes me sure that when you talk, it is good information and I am in good hands. You tell it to me like it is even when the things you say are not always the things that I would like to hear. You keep it REAL!!!” (Brown County client)

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel like this was one of the biggest blessings that happened in my life. I put this along with my children being born healthy and when I survived that horrific shooting. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I couldn’t ask for better lawyers. I want to say thank you to everybody at your firm. I owe you more than the fee you so rightfully deserve. … You gave me back hope. Thank you, man! Out of my 36 years … I have never seen such kindness before. I don’t know what I did to deserve this; I’m very thankful nonetheless. Thank you for giving me hope again. Thank you for your generosity. There are still some really good people around.” (Federal criminal appeal client)

“There is no other attorney I’ve ever even heard of I’d rather have as chief counsel and leader of my defense/appeals than Jerome Buting. You’re the best. Period.” (Dane County client)

“Your advice and counsel were greatly appreciated. We appreciate you taking the time on your Sunday and evenings to help us. We are SO happy about the results! Thanks again.” (Waukesha County client)

“Thank you again … for everything. Five and one-half years of commitment, so many ups and downs and an outcome like that. You did a GREAT job.” (Waukesha County felony drug offense client)