Criminal Matters

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Attorneys at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) work with partners in the criminal justice community to create safer communities. Attorneys at DOJ work closely with the state’s local prosecutors, providing training, support, and legal advice.
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Attorneys at DOJ provide advice and assistance to prosecutors and law enforcement on a variety of issues including:

  • Internet Crimes Against Children
  • Sexual assault
  • Domestic violence
  • Elder abuse
  • Child abuse and neglect
  • Traffic law
  • Computer crimes

Attorneys also review and draft legislation affecting the criminal justice system.

Attorneys represent the state before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court in appeals arising from:

  • Felony cases
  • Sexual predator commitments
  • Selected misdemeanor cases
  • Selected traffic cases
  • Selected juvenile cases

Attorneys defend state criminal convictions against collateral attack in federal habeas corpus litigation, and advise the Governor on extradition matters.

Attorneys perform a number of important functions involving criminal related matters. Attorneys have the authority to initiate criminal prosecutions for violations of selected statutes including:

  • Securities
  • Tax
  • Wisconsin Organized Crime Control Act

At the request of District Attorneys, DOJ attorneys assist local prosecutors and act as special prosecutors throughout Wisconsin in:

  • Homicide cases
  • White-collar crime cases
  • Public corruption cases
  • Election fraud cases
  • Multi-jurisdictional criminal cases
  • Other cases where the District A​ttorney needs assistance or is unable to act
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Legal Advice or Representation

Wisconsin law does not authorize the Attorney General and employees of the Department of Justice to provide legal advice to private individuals. If you need legal advice or representation you may want to contact a private attorney. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help you determine if you need a lawyer, and how to proceed if you do.

The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service​