Andrew Mishlove, OWI Attorney
Wisconsin's Top-Rated OWI Defense Lawyer
- 40+ Years of OWI Defense
- Wrote the Book on Wisconsin OWI
- NCDD Board-Certified Specialist
- Free Consultations Statewide
About Andrew Mishlove
Andrew Mishlove found his way into criminal defense during law school. He started in environmental law and shifted his focus to criminal defense after recognizing it as one of the most actionable paths to help ordinary people win against the weight of the state. He earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1981 and has practiced OWI/DUI defense in Wisconsin every year since.
"Challenge everything."
Over four decades of OWI defense, he has built a winning strategy he summarizes in two words: challenge everything. For every client, he bombards the District Attorney with extensive pre-trial motions, demonstrative evidence, photographs, witness testimony, video, defense experts, careful cross-examination of the prosecution's witnesses, and, when the case calls for it, the client's own testimony. Together with his partner Lauren Stuckert, Mr. Mishlove works each case in tandem, so retained clients have two of the state's only board-certified OWI defense specialists working their file at the same time.
A Nationally Recognized Authority
He also serves as a recurring legal analyst for Court TV, breaking down high-profile criminal cases on air. Beyond legal strategies, Mr. Mishlove's commentary notes the human element crucial in every case, breaking down direct and cross-examinations, the interpersonal dynamics within juries, and the procedural nuances of court proceedings that many people miss.
Why Mr. Mishlove Pursued a Career in Law
Mr. Mishlove found his passion for law as a young man after taking a law course at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, WI. During law school, he changed his focus from environmental law to criminal defense because he realized it was one of the most actionable paths to help common people achieve justice.
Mr. Mishlove's Role in the Legal Community
Wisconsin State Bar Leadership
Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin, 1990–1994. Former Chairman of the Section's Continuing Legal Education Committee. Former Editor of the Wisconsin Criminal Law News (1988–1990).
Bar Record
Admitted to argue before the Supreme Court of the United States, all Wisconsin state courts, and the federal courts. Never disciplined by the State Bar of Wisconsin and never the subject of a disciplinary proceeding.
Peer Recognition & Ratings
In addition to holding an AVVO Superb rating, Mr. Mishlove has been selected to Super Lawyers every year since 2014, and holds the rating of Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, signifying that fellow attorneys as well as judges rank his legal ability and ethical standards at the highest level of professional excellence.
Advanced Training & Mentorship
Mr. Mishlove has pursued advanced training in every dimension of OWI defense, and then shared this knowledge with colleagues. He completed his personal scientific training in blood, breath, and urine testing at the National College for DUI Defense, and is a 2014 graduate of the Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, widely regarded as the most rigorous advocacy training available to defense attorneys. He remains an active member of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College Ranch Club. He has since lectured at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Conference, the Wisconsin State Public Defender annual conference, and the Annual Drunk Driving Defense Seminar in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Notable OWI Case Outcomes
Every case is different and past results do not guarantee a future outcome. Three recent results give a sense of the kinds of cases Mr. Mishlove and his team take to verdict.
"One of the best OWI defense lawyers in the entire country."
"I owe a great debt of thanks to Andrew Mishlove. He successfully defended me in an OWI case that endured for more than 6 ½ years in the Wisconsin judicial system, including a detour through the Wisconsin State Supreme Court system, and ultimately led to a showdown in an Ozaukee County criminal court resulting in a not-guilty verdict returned by a 12-member jury in February 2023. Andrew is an expert in OWI defense. He is incredibly well informed and prepared before a trial. He is approachable, a professional, and serious. Finally, Andrew was always a gentleman in and out of court. He was well liked by the judges, the prosecutor and most importantly, the jury."
—Ries, 5-Star Review
An Attorney Ready to Fight for You
For attorney Andrew Mishlove, ensuring your legal rights are protected is the most important thing. He looks past the often highly charged nature of drunk driving cases to get to the root of the story and defend your rights to due process under the law.
Our Offices Across Wisconsin
Clients across Wisconsin retain Mr. Mishlove, from Rhinelander and Green Bay to Racine, Kenosha, Elkhorn, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, and Oshkosh. The firm maintains four offices for in-person meetings, and Mr. Mishlove regularly travels statewide for clients who cannot easily reach a fixed office.
Common Questions About OWI Defense in Wisconsin
Is there a difference between OWI, DUI, and DWI?
In Wisconsin, the legal term is OWI — Operating While Intoxicated. Other states use DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) for the same kind of charge. The everyday vocabulary varies, but in Wisconsin courts the charge is OWI.
What does board certification in DUI defense mean?
Board certification in DUI defense is administered by the National College for DUI Defense, the ABA-accredited college that certifies drunk-driving defense specialists. Certification requires rigorous exams plus ongoing case experience and continuing legal education. Andrew Mishlove and Lauren Stuckert are the only two board-certified drunk driving defense specialists practicing in Wisconsin.
Why does Mr. Mishlove challenge everything in OWI defense?
OWI cases turn on the details. The traffic stop, the field sobriety test administration, the breath or blood test calibration, the chain of custody on samples, the prosecution's expert witnesses — each detail can be the point that wins or loses the case. Challenging everything is how Mr. Mishlove builds the strongest possible defense from a case the prosecution would prefer to keep simple.
Do I need a board-certified specialist for my OWI case?
Not every OWI case requires a board-certified specialist, and not every attorney representing OWI clients is one. The cases that benefit most from specialist representation are the ones with complicated facts, prior offenses, refused tests, blood-test disputes, or career consequences at stake (commercial drivers, professional licensees, federal employees).
How does the free consultation work?
Call (414) 206-6918 or submit your case online and a member of the firm will schedule a free consultation. The conversation covers what happened, what charges are on the table, what defenses may apply, and what working with Mr. Mishlove on your case would look like. The consultation does not commit you to retain the firm.
