Headline News
Attorney Chris Van Wagner & Attorney Tracey Wood
Criminal Defense
Attorneys, Madison, Wisconsin
Chris Van Wagner, Attorney at Law
Criminal Defense
 Attorney Chris Van Wagner frequently provides legal analyst for the public through local and national networks including Court TV with anchor Nancy Grace, the Dan Abrams Report on MSNBC, The Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC News, ABC Madison Channel 27 and Madison Channel 3000 (C3K). Chris has written for local publications including the Wisconsin State Journal and his BLOG. Chris has also taught and lectured regularly at state and national trial skills seminars for lawyers.
Tracey Wood, Attorney at Law
Criminal Defense & DUI Defense
Attorney Tracey Wood frequently teaches and lectures at state and national trial skills and defense strategies seminars for lawyers focused on helping people accused (or convicted) of a drunk driving offense. As Wisconsin's only member ever to the National College for DUI Defense and current Vice Present of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Tracey contributes to the formation of OWI (aka DUI DWI) laws across the nation and is regarded as a foremost authority on drunk driving law in Wisconsin. She also highlights important facts about Wisconsin's OWI laws in her BLOG.
A few of Van Wagner & Wood's recent cases are highlighted below, along with some of the awards that they have won for their legal strategies in their client's cases.
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Wisconsin Super Lawyers
Wood Named Super Lawyer
 Wisconsin Super Lawyers.
Super Lawyers names Attorney Tracey Wood to Wisconsin Super Lawyers 2007 for the categories of Drunk Driving Defense, White Collar Defense, and Criminal Defense. Attorney Tracey A. Wood
was among a handful of criminal defense lawyers to be distinguished with
Wisconsin Super Lawyers for 2007. [Super
Lawyer Tracey Wood]
Van Wagner Named Super Lawyer
Wisconsin Super Lawyers.
Super
Lawyers Awards Attorney Christopher T. Van Wagner Wisconsin
Super Lawyers 2006 for the categories of Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime. Attorney
Christopher T. Van Wagner was among a handful of criminal defense
lawyers to be distinguished with Wisconsin Super Lawyers for 2006. [Super
Lawyer Chris Van Wagner]
Recent Cases
Wisconsin Court of Appeals Overturns Refusal Conviction
MADISON WISCONSIN. Wisconsin Court of Appeals (14 February 2008). When a Wisconsin State Police Trooper made an illegal stop and thought his expert witness testimony and numerous prior drunk driving arrests (80+ per year) would suffice to get that evidence into a Wisconsin Circuit Court trial, he was right, and it even ended in a conviction of Dave Gullickson for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test. But then he hired Attorney Tracey Wood to appeal his case, and the Wisconsin Court of Appeals agreed with Attorney Wood that a mere gradual crossing over the fog line does not constitute probable cause for a stop, a search, and a seizure of a person. To stop a person and detain them, even for a short period of time, is a seizure under the Constitution of the United States, and for that, there must be reasonable justification and sufficient probable cause.
Wisconsin Court of Appeals applied a two-prong test for the Constitutional questions. In doing so, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals found "the stop was illegal and the evidence obtained from that stop was "fruit of the illegal traffic stop" that, without the evidence, the conviction could not be sustained." The conviction was reversed.
[Police Stop Illegal - Crossing The Lines]
Madison Wisconsin Jury Delivers Not Guilty Verdict - Sexual Assault
MADISON WISCONSIN. A Madison, Wisconsin jury delivered their verdict today finding Robert G. Sutter of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin not guilty on all counts of second degree sexual assault. Charges brought by the State of Wisconsin alleged
Sutter had engaged in repeated acts of sexual
assault. Second degree sexual assault is a felony under Wisconsin
laws.
Chris Van Wagner said, "Mr. Sutter is relieved to have been exonerated by the not guilty verdict."
[Sutter acquitted
on both counts of second degree sexual assault]
Sexual Assault - Acquitted (Not Guilty)
Frank Pintz Acquitted by Crawford County, Prairie du Chien Wisconsin
Court
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. A Crawford County jury
found Frank Pintz not guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault after
a week of medical testimony presented by district attorney Tim Baxter. Attorney Christopher Van Wagner said that it was the jury's ability to look beyond the emotion, and focus
on the evidence that prevailed. [Wisconsin
State Journal] [Article]
Attorney
Christopher T. Van Wagner, expert criminal law advisor and legal analyst,
presents at Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)
seminar, Sexual Assault Defense - The Whole Case: Fighting More Than
Just the Accuser.
Woman Unfairly Convicted & Imprisoned - Free
At Last
Harsh Sentence Changed - Attorney Tracey Wood Representing
Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Melinda Otto had been promised
by her Appleton attorney that she would receive no prison due to a later scandalous
conspiracy between local lawyers and the DA. But when Otto appeared at
her sentencing hearing, she not only received a prison sentence, but she
received an unduly harsh sentence - three years in prison and 17 years
of extended supervision. She contacted Attorney
Tracey Wood who was able to convince Judge Robert Haase to revisit
the sentencing. Otto received probation instead of a stiff prison and
supervision sentence. [Winnebago
County Judge Order New Sentence in OWI Case, Oshkosh, Wisconsin]
Lawyer for Attorney Who Pleaded “The Fifth” Says Bias Behind
Claims | Attorney Tracey Wood says Lawyers Cannot Misrepresent The Facts
Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The lawyer for an Appleton attorney
who refused to answer under oath if he had bribed former prosecutors says
the press is being duped by a biased prosecutor. [Post
conviction and prior conviction defense, Attorney Tracey Wood]
Attorney Tracey Wood (Van Wagner & Wood, Wisconsin). In her motion on behalf of Otto, Madison
attorney Tracey Wood contends Bollenbeck violated Wisconsin Supreme
Court rules by guaranteeing Otto would avoid prison on two counts of causing
injury by drunken driving, charged in 2001. Originally, Otto received
a very harsh prison & supervision sentence. On Attorney Wood's post
conviction arguments, Otto was put on probation. [Attorney
Pleads 5th | Otto's Attorney Tracey Wood Files Motion]
Staton Acquitted Of Attempted Murder
"We
are not just happy," Chris Van
Wagner said. "We are relieved."
MADISON, WISCONSIN. Does use of a firearm include
"loading the firearm, leaving it in plain view, drinking heavily
with the potentially suicidal DeeAnn Foust in close proximity to the loaded
firearm?'' they asked, "or does `use' relate only to how the firearm
was used between 5:30 and 6 p.m.?''
The judge replied that it applied only to that half hour,
when the shooting occurred.
"I feel justice was done. I think Chris did a helluva
job,'' Staton said later. He retained his composure when the verdicts
were read, while Van Wagner bowed his head, suppressing an exultant grin.
Staton patted Van Wagner's cheek, as if to soothe him, then peered over
his glasses at departing jurors. [Staton
Acquitted, Attorney Chris Van Wagner]
Pro Se Defendant Loses - Convicted OWI Third Offense
Rights Waived Without Realization
At trial, Eller waived her right to a jury trial before
she waived her right to counsel. The court explained to her that she would
be held to the same standards and expected to possess the same knowledge
that an attorney would be in a case. Eller reconsidered, and asked for
a Public Defender, but the damage already had been done. The court proceeded
on her waiver of a jury trial and found her guilty of a third drunk driving
offense.
In a pro se hearing, many things take place during the court
proceedings that a pro se (representing one's self) defendant may miss.
The system proceeds upon the understanding that the litigants in the courtroom
fully and completely understand the entire body of criminal law and the
court's procedures. Aside from experienced criminal defense attorneys,
most people do not possess that high degree of legal technical knowledge.
Wood Appeals Pro Se Defendant's Case - Wins On Appeal
Attorney
Tracey Wood successfully argued to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals
that Eller was tried unfairly. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals agreed with
Attorney Wood, reversed the trial court's decision, and instructed the
trial court to hold a new trial.
[State of Wisconsin
v. Eller] [Appeals] [Pro
Se Representation] [Trial Proceedings]
[Drunk Driving Law] [Prior
Drunk Driving Convictions] [Attorney Tracey
Wood]
Justice Was Served In An Acquittal of Murder - Van Wagner Defending
20-year Madison man charged with murder and endangerment after a drive-by
shooting.
Attorney
Chris Van Wagner representing. Jury acquits on all counts.
MADISON, WISCONSIN. Covarrubias remained passive
as Dane County Circuit Judge David Flanagan read the not guilty verdicts.
But his mother, who along with other relatives had been present for the
duration of the week-long trial, put her head in her hands and wept. Other
friends grinned and nodded to one another, and after the jury had filed
from the courtroom, Covarrubias arose to hug his attorney, Christopher
Van Wagner.
"Justice has been served," said one of the numerous
relatives present.
The case boiled down to whether the jury would believe Moore's
version of events or that of Covarrubias and two alibi witnesses. That
a shooting occurred was not at issue. Assistant District Attorney Paul
Humphrey showed evidence of several bullets having struck the apartment
building where Moore lived, with several of them entering the building,
including one which grazed a sleeping tenant in an apartment. Amazingly,
no one was seriously hurt in the shooting. [Covarrubias
Acquitted Of Murder]
3rd OWI Reversed - Prior Convictions Not Counted
First Offense Non-criminal Charges Instead Of 3rd Offense Misdemeanor
OWI - Attorney Wood Defending
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. A Chicago, Illinois man was charged
and convicted of a third offense drunk driving violation in the state
of Wisconsin. A 3rd offense OWI is a misdemeanor under Wisconsin law.
In the lower trial court hearing, the man was charged with a third drunk
driving offense based on two prior convictions in another state.
After
the conviction, he contacted Attorney Tracey
Wood, who argued against those prior convictions and proved the conviction
wrong. On appeal, her client was charged with a first offense drunk driving,
which is not a crime under Wisconsin law, instead of a third offense.
[Prior OWI Convictions] [Tracey
Wood] [State of Wisconsin v. Raush, Court of Appeals,
Appeal from judgment of circuit court for Walworth County, Wisconsin]
Not Guilty! Negligent Vehicular Homicide, Hit-and-run
Homicide
A jury deliberated for nearly three hours late Friday in
Marquette County Circuit Court before turning in not guilty verdicts on
all counts. Jon Salm, represented by Attorney
Chris Van Wagner, had been charged with two counts of criminal
negligent homicide and two counts of hit-and-run causing death by
use of a dangerous weapon. His twin brother, Brian Salm, of Neshkoro was
acquitted of two counts of being a party to hit-and-run.
Freed! Probation Instead of 10-year Prison Sentence for sexual assault charges
Attorney
Tracey Wood Representing
Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Former Palmyra, Wisconsin child
care provider Diane Mattsen received probation instead of a 10-year prison
sentence. [Child
Care Provider Received Probation Instead of 10-year Prison Sentence Sought
By State of Wisconsin] [Sexual Assault]
[Attorney Tracey Wood]
Meng Confesses To Murder - Jury Acquits - Van Wagner Defending
Patch Grove, Grant County, Wisconsin. Not since the
O. J. Simpson trial has a defendant found a more believing jury. On the
charge of first-degree homicide, the 12 jurors could not reach a unanimous
decision. On the much less serious charge of negligent handling of a dangerous
weapon, the jury found Meng not guilty -- even though he virtually admitted
as much himself.
"The
jury believed what Bob Meng told them about the shooting and that he lied
to police when he was arrested," Meng's attorney, Chris
Van Wagner, said moments after the verdict was announced. Obviously
so.
[Meng Acquitted Of Murder]
Acquitted Of 153 Military Vehicle Theft From Fort
McCoy - 3 Convicted
Attorney
Tracey Wood Wins Acquittal In the largest military theft known, three
other people were convicted
Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. (Western District Federal
Court, Madison, Wisconsin). In the largest known military base theft case
involving five people charged with conspiracy and conversion of military
property, Attorney Tracey Wood's client, David Butler, was one of only
two people acquitted (found not guilty). Three others were sentenced to
Federal prison with sentences of up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine for
conversion and another five year prison term and $250,000 fine for each
count of conspiracy. [Fort
McCoy Largest Conversion (Theft) & Conspiracy Acquittal]
District Attorney rules against charging driver in
fatal Dells crash
A Dreadful Accident, A Mourning Driver, But Not A Crime
WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN - Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
2007 April 17 - The attorney [Chris
Van Wagner] for Jason Reed said his client is relieved that he will
not be criminally charged for his role in the accident that killed three
Cedarburg residents Don Rintelman, Brian Rintelman, and TJ Beck in the
Wisconsin Dells last year - but said Reed still mourns over his role in
the accident.
"There's
not a day that goes by that he doesn't wake up and think of those families,"
said Christopher Van Wagner of Van Wagner & Wood in Madison, Wisconsin.
[Crash
Won't Bring Criminal Case, JS Online]
The prosecuting attorneys said that Jason Reed would be ticketed for speeding at 8 mph
over the limit, inattentive driving and not wearing seat belt.
4th Drunk Driving Offense Overturned
Attorney Tracey Wood wins appeal for client convicted of 4th offense
drunk driving
Madison,
Wisconsin; Wisconsin State Court of Appeals. Attorney
Tracey A. Wood successfully argued and won an appeal to the State
of Wisconsin Court of Appeals overturning a fourth
offense drunk driving conviction. Michael Friedman, charged with 4th
offense OWI, a crime in the state of Wisconsin with mandatory jail time
and stiff fines, had been convicted on evidence presented to the court
that tilted the jury and their perspective of his case to find him guilty
of a fourth
offense drunk driving conviction. Attorney
Tracey Wood argued that the evidence was improperly presented, and
that evidence together with an Illinois traffic citation were used to improperly convict Friedman. The
Court of Appeals agreed with Attorney
Tracey Wood's logical arguments, reversed the lower court's decision
and remanded the case for a new trial consistent with the appellate court
instruction. [State of Wisconsin
vs. Michael Friedman, 4th offense OWI, Wisconsin Court of Appeals Reversed]
criminal cases & drunk driving offenses in the headlines
Wisconsin Reported #1 in Drunk Driving?
Attorney Tracey Wood
NBC15.com Madison
In an exclusive interview with Tracey Wood, NBC15.com questions the shameful results of a resent survey issued by the feds that names Wisconsin as the #1 worse state for drunken drivers.
Where did they get THOSE facts?
Apparently, the survey released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Department of Health & Human Services) didn't read the recent studies released by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, which says that... | Read More |
Drunk Driving BLOG
NBC15.com :: John Stofflet Interview with Attorney Tracey Wood
Nationwide Report
Wisconsin DOT Crash & Fatality Report
Vanvleit Pleads Not Guilty
 ANTIGO, WISCONSIN. 58 year old Stephen VanVleit waived
pled not guilty in a Langlade County Court (Wausau, Wisconsin)
today on two felony and two misdemeanor charges stemming from an accident in July 2007 in which he allegedly drove
his vehicle into a motel. The vehicle caused the death of a sleeping occupant.
VanVleit was charged with homicide
by negligent operation of a vehicle (felony), operating
while under the influence (third offense - misdemeanor), homicide
by intoxicated use of a vehicle (felony),
and operating with a PAC (prohibited
alcohol content level) of more than .08 (third
offense - misdemeanor).
The accident occurred in July, when VanVleit allegedly drove
his SUV into an Antigo, Wisconsin motel (Good Nite Inn) while under
the influence of alcohol. The vehicle struck a man who was sleeping
and caused his death. Authorities allege VanVleit had a blood
alcohol level of .46. The complaint against VanVleit was filed on
July 19, 2007, and a bench warrant was issued
for his arrest. He was arrested on July 24, 2007. District Attorney Ralph M. Uttke is prosecuting the case.
Attorney Chris Van Wagner is defending Vanvleit. Chris Van Wagner is a criminal defense attorney with Van Wagner & Wood, S.C. of Madison, Wisconsin, and formerly, a state prosecutor (Trenton, New Jersey) and federal prosecutor (Madison, Wisconsin).
The Wisconsin Circuit Court open records website provided these details about the case:
2007CF000167 - State of Wisconsin vs. Stephen F VanVleit
Thursday, October 25, 2007, 12:00:00 AM | Langlade County
2007CF000167 - State of Wisconsin vs. Stephen F VanVleit
Langlade County
Link
Pure Erotic Enticing Cybersex Stings Rated As Outrageous Police Conduct
BARABOO, WISCONSIN. Dennis D. Lemoine Jr., 23, of
Baraboo appeared in Sauk County Circuit Court along with his attorney, Chris
Van Wagner, to face charges on first-degree sexual assault of a child
after a March 2007 series of Internet cybersex stings conducted by Sauk
County Police. Van Wagner previously referred to the rash of cybersex
stings as "outrageous police conduct", and to the messaging
transcripts as "pure erotic enticement!"
When videotapes of interviews of Lemoine and the girl involved
were presented to the judge by the prosecuting attorney (Patricia Barrett),
Van Wagner said he was not conceding that the tapes might prove that his
client should face trial. Van Wagner & Barrett will present written
arguments to the judge before the preliminary hearing scheduled for December
6.
Sexual
assault of a minor (first-degree sexual
assault) is a Class
B felony, punishable by up to 60 years imprisonment - the same sentence
a person convicted of second degree
intentional homicide or kidnapping faces.
Additionally, persons convicted of first-degree
sexual assault often must register as a sex
offender and receive lifetime
supervision.
Baraboo
News | CCAP |
Legal Analysis & Commentaries
Rock County Wisconsin District Attorney Files Charges In Triple Murder
JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN. Exactly one year to the date, a triple homicide in Janesville, Wisconsin stunned the local community and sent shock waves throughout Madison and the surrounding area. When the Rock County District Attorney failed to file charges against a man suspected of committing the murders, the public turned to former federal prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney Chris Van Wagner for an explanation. (January 2007 newscast, A Perspective On Murder Cases)
Chris Van Wagner said, "The suspect is in jail on drunk driving charges. He isn't going anywhere. In the meantime, the sheriff wants to be sure that he has investigated the crime thoroughly, and the prosecutor wants to be sure he has a solid case."
Today, James Koepp was charged with 3 counts of First Degree Intentional Homicide (Murder). He is accused of killing Danyetta, Nicole and Scott Lentz at their Janesville, Wisconsin home. Currently, Koepp is serving a prison sentence at Columbia Corrections in Portage, Wisconsin for drunk driving.
Koepp's initial appearance is scheduled for January 31, 2008.
Under Wisconsin law, first degree intentional homicide is a Class A Felony. Each count of homicide carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Wisconsin Court System
James Koepp, Criminal Arrest Records (open in a new window)
State of Wisconsin vs. James Clifford Koepp, Case #2008CF000123
Wisconsin Statute 111.335, Arrest or conviction record, exceptions and special cases
Wisconsin Open Records Law, Arrest & Conviction Records Under Wisconsin Law
Element Of Crime | Murder - First Degree Intentional Homicide | Chris Van Wagner
Jensen
Gets A New Trial
 Wisconsin Legal Analyst and Criminal Defense Attorney Chris Van Wagner
comments on the errors in Jensen's original trial
MADISON, WISCONSIN. [BLOG] According to Chris
Van Wagner, Jensen's original trial was baked wrong. Jensen was found
guilty on three felony counts and one misdemeanor count involving use
of state employees and equipment for campaign purposes. The Wisconsin
Court of Appeals reversed that jury verdict, and now the question is to
which court the matter will go next.
Chris Van Wagner said, "When you leave out important
information, or in this case, take out important information that the
jury is supposed to have to decide the case, by telling them that this
is what that means, as opposed to you tell us what that means, you ensure
that the final product comes out baked wrong, or as in this case, an unreliable
verdict."
A judge gave instructions and left out evidence that would
have let the jury know just what Scott Jensen's intentions were.
Chris Van Wagner said, "The Court of Appeals said,
"No, first they have to say, a) did Scott Jensen use office staff
and state employees to conduct campaign business, and b) when he did so,
did he intend to gain a dishonest advantage over the other side."
Attorney Steve Meyer said that he and his client, Scott
Jensen, were grateful for the court's decision on these charges and now
the ball is in the state's court.
Van Wagner believes that an appeal will be the only road
to a conclusion for everyone.
Another state employee was also granted a new trial who
had been charged separately from Jensen, but for the same crime.
Update - Jensen's Reversed Conviction: MADISON, WISCONSIN. 2007 November 25. Criminal defense attorney and legal analyst, Christopher Van Wagner explains the recent reversal by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals of Jensen's previous conviction, and the elements of law and jury rules, as well as trial procedures.
[Wisconsin State Journal - Last Chance For Jensen?]
[Jensen Verdict Reversed] [Setting Jensen's Record Straight]
the burden of proof in a sexual assault investigation
Wisconsin
Legal Analyst and Criminal Defense Attorney Chris Van Wagner comments
on
JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN. During the recent interview
of Attorney
Christopher Van Wagner by Channel 3000, Madison, Wisconsin, regarding
the arrest and subsequent release of Antonio Polland, Chris Van Wagner
discussed the burden of proof differences between police and prosecuting
attorneys, as well as prosecutors and trials. [Burden
of Proof - Polland's Arrest] [Reasonable
Doubt]
DUI Charges? Wood Seeks Justice
Backlog at State Lab Stalls Criminal & OWI Cases
MADISON,
WISCONSIN. "In cases of alleged 'operating a motor vehicle while
under the influence of a controlled substance or combination of controlled
substance and alcohol,' there can be a wait of six months or more,"
said Madison criminal defense attorney Tracey
Wood.
"That puts a huge stress on the system because cases
are dismissed and then recharged when the test results come back,"
Wood said. "By that time, memories have faded regarding the incident,
and the case is a lot tougher for both the prosecution and defense. There's
also the chance that the case can get lost in the shuffle and never be
prosecuted." [Criminal
Cases Stalled]
Perspective On Murder
Attorney
Chris Van Wagner, Criminal Defense Attorney
Van Wagner & Wood, Madison Wisconsin
Former Federal Prosecutor
MADISON, WISCONSIN. Madison Criminal defense attorney
Chris Van Wagner, a former Federal prosecutor and state prosecutor, provided
an exclusive interview with Channel 3000 to provide insight into the process
and workings of a criminal homicide case. He offered explanations for
why the prosecutor had not yet filed charges against alleged murder James
Koepp, who was being held for a drunk driving offense. [Perspective
On Criminal Murder Cases]
Criminal Defense Lawyer Van Wagner Comments On Wisconsin Dells WI Case
Wisconsin Dells, WI. 8/3/07 Wisconsin Dells District Attorney Holds
Body From June 29, 2007 Vehicular Accident, Madison WI Criminal Law Defense
Attorney Christopher Van Wagner Comments
WISCONSIN
DELLS, WISCONSIN. Legal analyst and criminal law defense attorney
Chris Van Wagner said he understands why prosecutors want to hang on to
the body, so the defense can't appeal on that basis. But if the autopsy
shows there is little question how the teen died, Van Wagner said the
district attorney "could take the high road and ask a judge to release
the body."
[Wisconsin
Dells Vehicular Accident Results In Charges For Vehicular Homicide &
Body Held]
Negligent Homicide - Criminal Negligence Difficult
To Prove
Legal
Analyst Attorney Chris Van Wagner - Criminal negligence As a Substantial
Factor
EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN. According to Attorney
Chris Van Wagner, it is not enough for the prosecution to show that
Kozlowski was at fault in the crash, or even that he fell asleep. It is
not even enough to show that Kozlowski was negligent. "Normal negligence
is kind of like driving when you're changing the radio station... failing
to exercise ordinary care," Van Wagner said. Criminal negligence
is a higher degree of negligence, "Circumstances in which there is
a substantial chance of death or bodily injury. Criminal negligence is
an invention of the legislature. It doesn't exist in common law. [Quote
Negligent Homicide, www.vanwagnerwood.com]. Van Wagner said that the
prosecution must also prove causation, "... the defendant's criminal
negligence has to be a substantial cause of the death." [Wisconsin
vs. Kozlowski, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, Eau Claire DA] [Negligent
Homicide] [Criminal Negligence]
Update: Michael Kozlowski, a 24 year old Indiana semi truck
driver charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle was acquitted
(found not guilty).
Legal Seminars, Lectures, & CLE's
Wisconsin Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar
Attorney Tracey Wood Teaches Wisconsin DUI Defense Lawyers
APPLETON,
WISCONSIN. Drunk driving defense lawyers from across Wisconsin gathered
in Appleton for the 2007 Wisconsin Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar.
Among the top speakers, Attorney Tracey
Wood presented the segment on breath and blood testing. In most OWI
cases, results from a breath or blood test are used as the primary evidence
against a person arrested and charged with operating under the influence.
Attorney Wood is among the top DUI expert advisors across the nation.
She is a frequent guest speaker for the National Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers, the Wisconsin Association of
Criminal Defense Lawyers (vice-president), and the National College for
DUI Defense (board of regents, sustaining member). Attorney Wood was a
contributing author to Drunk Driving Defense by Lawrence Taylor
and Stephen Oberman, author of Challenging Prior Operating Under Influence
Convictions, and is currently authoring Wisconsin DUI Defense -
The Law & Practice. Click
here to order Amazon.com offers Drunk Driving Defense, Sixth Edition,
by Taylor & Oberman
Click
here to download Challenging Prior Operating Under Influence Convictions
Good Morning America - No Scam
Attorney
Chris Van Wagner, Criminal Law Commentator
 When
Good Morning America asked Chris Van Wagner's client to appear on national
TV to discuss the allegations against him for running a charity scam in
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Chris set the record straight.
"There was no corporate culture nor was there any company
policy to get money by any means possible," said Chris Van Wagner,
Kolve's attorney. "They were raising money for charity. There was
no fraud."
[Good
Morning America] [Good Morning America Scam or Solicitation]
Court TV Commentator - A Jury Of Your
Peers
Attorney
Chris Van Wagner, Criminal Law Legal Analyst
 Madison
defense attorney Chris Van Wagner, who kept an eye on the trial as
a criminal law commentator for Court TV (now CNN Crime), said he was not surprised by either of the
verdicts against Vang.
"The fact that it took a shorter time than most Madison
juries take reflects that it was an overwhelming case," Van Wagner
said. "The defense was handicapped from the beginning by the fact
that Mr. Vang shot four people in the back."
Van Wagner also said he sees no issues that Vang could present
in an appeal. Vang's attorneys were not denied any evidence they wished
to present, he said, and Sawyer County Circuit Judge Norman Yackel agreed
to their request to pick a jury from outside northern Wisconsin.
Some of Vang's supporters have complained that because the
jury lacked a Hmong member, it was not a fair panel. But Van Wagner said
people are mistaken in assuming that they have a right
to a trial by a jury of their peers -- they have a right to a fair and
unbiased jury from their community. [Court
TV - The Vang Case]
Awards & Honors
Wisconsin's First Attorney - Tracey Wood - Appointed To NCDD Board
Attorney Wood is Wisconsin's First Ever Regent To The National College for DUI Defense
Regent
Montgomery,
Alabama. Attorney Tracey A. Wood is
Wisconsin's first ever attorney to be appointed to the twelve member governing
board for the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Attorney Wood is also the only female attorney ever appointed to the board and the youngest member to ever serve along side a host of the nation's most formidable drunk driving defense attorneys. The membership
of the National College for DUI Defense represents the country's most
experienced DUI defense attorneys. The board members teach across the nation and are expert advisors in the area of drunk driving defense law. Tracey Wood ought to be right at home; she is Wisconsin's foremost authority on drunk driving laws and defense strategies. The National College for DUI Defense
was awarded the American Bar Association's "Certificate of Accreditation"
in 2004, and is the only organization in the country accredited to certify
lawyers in the DUI Defense law specialty practice area. [Tracey
Wood, Regent NCDD]
Martin Hanson Advocate's Prize
Attorney Christopher T. Van Wagner Honored with Hanson Prize
Attorney Van Wagner Is Three Time Honoree Of The Distinguished Award
MADISON WISCONSIN. Attorney Christopher T. Van Wagner was honored with the Martin Hanson Advocate's Prize for numerous homicide acquittals.
Each year, the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers honors criminal defense attorneys practicing in Wisconsin who have won an acquittal in a homicide case or secured a dismissal on the merits of the case. The Martin Hanson Advocate's Prize is named in honor of a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer regarded as one of the state's finest for his generation and the founder of WACDL. [Attorney Christopher T. Van Wagner] [Martin Hanson Advocate's Prize]
Wisconsin Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorney Tracey A. Wood Named Vice President Of The Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
MADISON, WISCONSIN. Attorney Tracey A. Wood was named
to the position of president-elect for the Wisconsin Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers (WACDL). [Attorney
Tracey Wood president-elect]
"Warrior Of The Year"
Attorney Chris Van Wagner Named Warrior of the year by dane county defense bar
MADISON, WISCONSIN. Attorney Chris Van Wagner was named "Warrior of the Year" by the Dane County Defense Bar after a particularly difficult homicide case in which he defended a previous district attorney against attempted murder charges. [Attorney Chris Van Wagner]
Van Wagner & Wood's Trademarks
Chris
Van Wagner™
Christopher T. Van Wagner™
Christopher Van Wagner™
Chris Van Wagner is a trademark of Christopher T. Van Wagner,
Attorney at Law and managed by Van Wagner & Wood, S.C.
Tracey
A. Wood™
Tracey Wood™
Tracey A. Wood and Tracey Wood are trademarks of Tracey
A. Wood, Attorney at Law and managed by Van Wagner & Wood, S.C.
 Van
Wagner & Wood™
Wisconsin Criminal Defense Attorneys
Van Wagner & Wood, S.C. is a registered trademark of
Van Wagner & Wood, S.C., a criminal defense law firm located in Madison,
Wisconsin.
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