
Adam C. Essling, Criminal Defense Attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatAdam C. Essling
Milwaukee, WI
Practicing criminal defense in Milwaukee since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Adam C. Essling?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Adam C. Essling is an attorney based in Milwaukee, WI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Adam has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Adam C. Essling. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Milwaukee, WI
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Milwaukee, WI.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Adam C. Essling: Adam C. Essling is an attorney based in Milwaukee, WI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Adam has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Adam C. Essling. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Adam's practice areas in Milwaukee
Adam concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, federal crimes, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Adam handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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Federal Crimes
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General
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Personal Injury
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Appellate
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Criminal Defense cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Adam takes criminal defense matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Adam agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Adam takes drug crimes matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Adam agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Adam takes dui/dwi matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Adam agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Adam takes federal crimes matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Adam agrees to represent you.
General cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Adam takes general matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Adam agrees to represent you.
Biography
Adam C. Essling, criminal defense attorney serving Milwaukee
Adam C. Essling is an attorney based in Milwaukee, WI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Adam has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Adam C. Essling. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Adam works from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Atty. Adam C. Essling is a lawyer practicing personal injury, criminal law, driving while intoxicated and 6 other areas of law. Adam received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1992, and has been licensed for 30 years. Adam practices at Adam C. Essling in Milwaukee, WI.
Working with Adam on a criminal defense matter
Atty. Adam C. Essling is a lawyer practicing personal injury, criminal law, driving while intoxicated and 6 other areas of law. Adam received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1992, and has been licensed for 30 years. Adam practices at Adam C. Essling in Milwaukee, WI.
Who Adam represents
Adam reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Adam studied and practices
Marquette Law School
J.D. · 1996
University of Wisconsin
B.S. Economics · 1992
Jurisdictions
Adam's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1998 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
Adam studied at J.D. in Marquette Law School and B.S. Economics in University of Wisconsin.
Law school and academic background
Adam completed J.D. in Marquette Law School and B.S. Economics in University of Wisconsin. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Adam runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Adam's legal honors and published work
Adam has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Adam's professional memberships and bar associations
Milwaukee and Eastern District Bar Associations Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - WACDL National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - NACDL
membership
Locations
Adam C. Essling's office in Milwaukee
Adam's primary office is at 309 N. Water Street, Suite 215, Milwaukee, WI, 53202-5713. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Adam C. Essling — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Adam. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Milwaukee.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Adam C. Essling claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Adam C. Essling — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Adam usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Adam charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Adam's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Adam will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Adam
Adam discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Adam confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Adam's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Adam C. Essling
How much does it cost to hire Adam for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Adam walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Adam offer a free consultation?
Adam charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Adam's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Adam's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Adam gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Adam take my case if I'm outside Milwaukee?
Adam is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Adam will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Adam?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Adam will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Adam accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Adam's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha in Wisconsin
Adam handles criminal defense matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin
If Adam's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Milwaukee handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





