Madison Criminal Defense Lawyer
Madison criminal defense attorney Robert T. Ruth has represented clients in Wisconsin state and federal criminal matters since 1993, from investigation and trial through sentencing and appeal.
Criminal defense focused since 1993
Robert T. Ruth represents clients in Wisconsin state and federal criminal matters. Choose a practice area below to learn more.
OWI / DUI Defense
Wisconsin drunk-driving charges, refusals and related defense.
Drug Crimes
Possession, delivery, manufacturing and other controlled-substance cases.
Domestic Cases
Disorderly conduct, battery, intimidation and restraining-order allegations.
Sex Crimes
Wisconsin sex-offense allegations, including serious felony charges.
Felony Defense
Serious Wisconsin felony charges including robbery, battery, arson and firearm cases.
Homicide Defense
Intentional, reckless, vehicular homicide and felony-murder allegations.
Property Crimes
Theft, burglary, shoplifting, receiving stolen property and property damage.
Financial Crimes
Fraud, worthless-check and forged-instrument allegations.
Misdemeanor Defense
Resisting, obstructing, trespass, concealed-weapon and related charges.
Federal Criminal Defense
Federal investigations and prosecutions in Wisconsin.
Criminal Appeals
Wisconsin and federal direct appeals and postconviction matters.
Asset Forfeiture
Criminal asset-forfeiture matters in Wisconsin.
Specific criminal defense topics
Direct links to common charges and criminal-defense issues handled by the firm.
Find the most relevant criminal-defense page
Use the sections below to go directly to a broad practice area or a specific criminal-defense topic.
State criminal defense
Common case types
Federal and appellate
Criminal defense built around the evidence and the stage of the case
A criminal case may begin with an investigation, citation, arrest, complaint, indictment or contact from law enforcement. The defense strategy should match both the evidence and the procedural stage.
Robert T. Ruth Law Offices, S.C. is based in downtown Madison and handles Wisconsin state criminal cases, federal criminal matters and criminal appeals. A useful first review usually starts with the charging documents, police reports, recordings, witness accounts, search or seizure issues, statements and the deadlines that apply to the case.
Early investigation
Preserving video, messages, photographs and witness information can matter before memories fade or evidence becomes harder to obtain.
Pretrial and trial
Cases may involve motions, evidentiary disputes, negotiations or trial. The best path depends on what the prosecution can actually prove.
Appeal and postconviction
When a case moves beyond sentencing, appellate deadlines and preservation of issues become especially important.