Author Archives: Coad Law
Gov. Evers Restores Sentence Commutations: What You Need to Know
Wisconsin Commutations For the first time in over 25 years, the State of Wisconsin has a formal process for the commutation of prison sentences. While Governor Tony Evers has already issued a record-breaking number of pardons during his tenure, his recent executive orders (signed April 3, 2026) open a critical new door for those currently …
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Why the “Mileage” Matters: From the Supreme Court to State Street
I recently saw a news article and photo of myself and my good friend and fantastic attorney, Brian Fahl, from 2007. (https://wislawjournal.com/2007/11/26/looking-back-at-the-ride/). I’m a little older now, okay a lot, and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve put on some miles since then. But looking back at those articles from the Wisconsin Law Journal, …
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State vs. Federal: Why Being Charged in Madison’s Federal Court Changes Everything
If you’re facing a criminal investigation in Madison, your first question is usually, “What am I looking at?” But the most important question might actually be, “Where is my case being charged?” In Madison, there is a massive difference between being charged in Dane County Circuit Court (State) and the Western District of Wisconsin (Federal). …
Can I Still Drive? A Guide to Wisconsin Occupational Licenses
If you’ve been arrested for an OWI in Madison, or anywhere in Wisconsin, a potential consequence —besides jail—is likely the loss of your driver’s license. The good news? In Wisconsin, an OWI arrest doesn’t always mean you are unable to drive. Here is what you need to know about keeping your life on track with …
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Wisconsin’s Implied Consent Law: Driving is a Privilege, Not a Right.
Madison OWI Lawyers - Coad Law
Accused of Domestic Violence in Madison? The Critical First 72 Hours
An accusation of domestic violence (domestic battery or domestic disorderly conduct) can turn your life upside down in a matter of minutes. In Wisconsin, law enforcement officers are often bound by mandatory arrest policies, meaning that if they are called to a domestic disturbance and see even minor evidence of physical harm, someone is going …
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Rick Coad Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2026.
We are pleased to announce that Attorney Rick Coad was named in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America. The selection is made through a peer review process, which is one of the most trusted standards for identifying top legal talent in the United States and the world. Only 3% of attorneys worldwide …
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What Should I do if I’m arrested in Madison, WI?
If you’ve been arrested and are accused of committing a crime you need a good criminal defense attorney. Our advice is to never answer questions from law enforcement without the advice of a defense lawyer. Here are some does and don’ts when arrested or if you are being asked to turn yourself in to the …
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Rick Coad Named One the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Madison, Wisconsin by Super Lawyers, Again.
So how do you know who the best criminal defense lawyers are in Madison, Wisconsin? For the seventh consecutive year Rick Coad was named by other Wisconsin lawyers and judges as a 2024 Wisconsin Super Lawyer in the area of Criminal Defense. Only the top 5% of lawyers in Wisconsin are named to the prestigious …
Wisconsin Supreme Court: Don’t Let People Smoke Marijuana in Your Car.
You may not need a Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer (like us) to tell you what recent decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court suggests: Don’t let other people smoke marijuana in your car! But we’ll explain it anyway. In State v. Moore, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that police officers who detected the odor of marijuana …
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