Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office

Verified

Public defender's office

1.6(16 Google reviews)

17 S Fairchild St 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, United States

Information last updated October 19, 2026

Practice Areas

Immigration Criminal Defense Family Law

About Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office

The Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) is a legal defense organization dedicated to providing client-centered representation throughout Wisconsin. Comprised of staff public defenders, private bar partners, and support professionals, the SPD operates as the largest defense law firm in the state. Its mission is to fearlessly defend clients, uphold the Constitution, and serve the community.

The SPD is structured into three main divisions: the Trial Division, which operates 38 offices across the state; the Assigned Counsel Division, which contracts private outside counsel for specific cases; and the Appellate Division, specializing in appeals. The organization focuses on adult criminal cases and offers representation to individuals who meet state-mandated financial guidelines.

To enhance its legal services, the SPD maintains specialty practice groups. These groups are led by practice coordinators who monitor developments in areas such as family defense, forensic science, immigration, mental health, and youth defense. These coordinators collect and share practice materials and expertise with both SPD staff attorneys and private bar attorneys.

The SPD is committed to ensuring everyone receives a first-rate defense, regardless of their income level, and strives for full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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
Services listed: Appellate Division, Assigned Counsel Division, Family defense, Immigration, Youth defense
Languages: English, Spanish
Fees: The collection of fees for public defenders is mandated by law (Wisconsin State Statute 977.075), with fees based on the WI State Statute with which a client is being charged, offering a lower prepaym
Offices: 17 South Fairchild Street Madison, Wisconsin 53703
2811 8th St S, SUITE 8 Wisconsin Rapids WI, 54494
411 ELLIS AVE S, STE B Ashland WI, 54806
10 N Bridge St, Suite 200 Chippewa Falls WI, 54729
139 S Washington St Green Bay WI, 54301

Source: wispd.gov · checked October 19, 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

Details & Amenities

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible toilet

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office — Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office is located at 17 S Fairchild St 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, United States. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

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

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin 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 - Admin Office?+

Call Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office at +1 608-266-9150 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

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

Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office has a 1.6-star rating based on 16 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

Client Reviews

5 reviews

fable· via Google
Told me I don't qualify when I am homeless, jobless, and have almost nothing in my accounts.
a year ago
rj Ferguson· via Google
Public Defender Standley V. Woodard is illegally practicing law in this office. He was ordered to repay funds that he stole from several clients when he was in private practice. He never repaid the money. The Court stated clearly that Attorney Woodard could not practice law until this money was repaid.
6 years ago
Micheál Ó· via Google
while they did eventually get the job done, the person assigned to my case was, well, RUDE, and inefficient. Whenever anything out-of-the-way happened in the handling of the case this person acted as though I had personally and deliberately sabotaged things, when I was almost totally a passive participant in a complex process. MUCH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
Edited 4 years ago
CCR· via Google
This state is a disgrace. I don't know what else to say anymore. My significant other is trying to get issues resolved and was told he'd get a call back, but no call... and it's been over a week. It's like they want to screw with you on purpose and make your life a living hell. Why did it become so divided to help a fellow citizen out? He Never got a letter saying he owes money..then gets turned over to collections...now he can't even get a call back to resolve this.
2 years ago
Jay Smitj· via Google
You do know that your Milwaukee public defenders office is out of line right !! You got management who doesn't work nor answer there phones or take anything seriously they need to shut down immediately!!
8 months ago

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