Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office

Verified

Public defender's office

3.4(42 Google reviews)

407 Pilot Ct #500, Waukesha, WI 53188

Information last updated October 7, 2026

Practice Areas

Immigration Criminal Defense Family Law

About Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office

The Wisconsin State Public Defender is a state agency providing legal defense services to eligible clients across Wisconsin. Comprising staff public defenders, private bar partners, and support professionals, the organization is dedicated to defending clients, particularly those involved with the criminal justice system. The agency operates through a Trial Division with 38 offices statewide, an Assigned Counsel Division that contracts private counsel, and an Appellate Division specializing in appeals.

The firm's expertise extends to specialty practice groups, including Chapter 980, family defense, forensic science, immigration, mental health, pretrial motions, race and ethnicity disparities, and youth defense. Eligibility for representation in adult criminal cases is determined by state financial guidelines. The Wisconsin State Public Defender is committed to upholding the Constitution and serving the community by ensuring access to legal defense.

From the firm’s website

Attorneys: Jennifer Bias — State Public Defender
Bridget Krause — Deputy State Public Defender
Jaclyn Shelton — Legal Counsel
Jeremy Perri — Trial Division Director
Amber Rumpf — Deputy Trial Division Director
Christopher Sobic — Appellate Division Director
Kathy Pakes — Assigned Counsel Division Director
Colleen Cullen — Training Division Director
Rhonda Frank-Loron — Administrative Services Director
Garth Maletic — Human Resources Director
Steve Knudson — Public Policy and Advocacy Specialist
Harm Venhuizen — Government and Public Affairs Specialist
Services listed: Chapter 980, Family defense, Forensic science, Immigration, Mental health, Pretrial motions, Race and ethnicity disparities, Youth defense
Languages: English, Spanish
Fees: The collection of fees for public defenders is mandated by law and based on the Wisconsin State Statute with which a client is being charged, with options for a full payment or a lower prepayment amou

Source: wispd.gov · checked October 7, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Photos

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office photo 1

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office photo 2

Details & Amenities

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lotWheelchair accessible restroom

Amenities

Restroom

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office located?+

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office is located at 407 Pilot Ct #500, Waukesha, WI 53188. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

What kind of cases does Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office handle?+

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office handles Immigration, Criminal Defense, Family Law. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.

How do I contact Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office?+

Call Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office at (262) 521-5173 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Is Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office well rated?+

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Waukesha Office has a 3.4-star rating based on 42 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

Client Reviews

13 reviews

Mario Kavadas· via Google
My attorney Amanda Nimmer was the best lawyer I ever had... And I've had a few through the years.
6 years ago
Sam· via Google
I think they generally do as good as they can given their case load. I trust them to know what they're doing when I don't.
5 years ago
Matthew "Matty Ice" Newby· via Google
I am truly grateful for the invaluable services of the Waukesha Public Defender's office! If it wasn't for the superior leadership, knowledge, understanding, compassion, tireless hour's, etc., that Attorney Mr. Samuel Benedict, staff attorneys, and all the staff in the background provide - who knows where I might be now! Thank you, all, so much for all your help and support!
Edited 6 years ago
Karen R. Miskulin· via Google
Didn't like we went in person and was told no walk ins, went into their parking lot and had to call. Then my brother doesn't allot and denied, that made no sense....
4 years ago
Curtis Phillips· via Google
I was directed to my public defender with ease. Good customer service skills.
4 years ago
B L· via Google
Absolutely terrible and the attorney I was assigned could barely handle the minimum duties.
4 years ago
Loe Joe· via Google
4 years ago
e low· via Google
Judging by the reviews and my personal experience if you're not Caucasian they'll make sure you're found guilty. I had to fire 2 lawyers because they told me plead guilty when I was innocent and had proof. If they give me a real attorney …
4 years ago
Aaron A.· via Google
The unappreciated, overworked, and underpaid cogs of the criminal justice system work here. If you can't afford an attorney, a hard-working public defender will be appointed to you. And you should be grateful for them.
Edited 4 years ago
Sara Gonzalez· via Google
Always a pleasure to work with this office. Very timely and polite especially when given the opportunity to work with Brenden. He is always so helpful and positive.
2 years ago
Lisa Babaian· via Google
They have helped me on more then one occasion & I'm "extremely" grateful for their services!👍🏼 They're very polite, compassionate, professional, & they work hard to help those who are struggling financially. I …
a year ago
Carey De Witt· via Google
a year ago
Camila Anderson-Fernandez· via Google
7 months ago

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