When your career, financial security and freedom are on the line, you need a criminal defense lawyer you can trust. Attorney Christopher Van Wagner is a true trial attorney; he understands how to prepare a strong case for trial and how to clearly communicate your narrative in court. At the end of the day, results matter.
We have a case record you can count on. We look for every opportunity to minimize the impact of your charges, whether that means a case dismissal or reduced penalties. Mr. Van Wagner has defended clients from serious criminal charges for over 25 years. Previously, he served as a prosecutor in New Jersey and as a federal prosecutor in Wisconsin.
We have a case record you can count on. We look for every opportunity to minimize the impact of your charges, whether that means a case dismissal or reduced penalties. Mr. Van Wagner has defended clients from serious criminal charges for over 25 years. Previously, he served as a prosecutor in New Jersey and as a federal prosecutor in Wisconsin.
Services
Attorney Christopher T. Van Wagner is one of the most experienced and accomplished criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin. Chris has practiced law for 35 years and has focused entirely on criminal defense for the past 25 years.
Christopher Van Wagner provides assertive and intelligent legal representation for people who face a wide range of criminal charges, from operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) to assault, sexual assault and homicide.Many of these cases pose difficult challenges because of the nature of the crimes and the negative public reaction to them.
Christopher Van Wagner provides assertive and intelligent legal representation for people who face a wide range of criminal charges, from operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) to assault, sexual assault and homicide.Many of these cases pose difficult challenges because of the nature of the crimes and the negative public reaction to them.
I represent clients charged with all types of sexual assault. Regardless of the charge you face, I can provide you with a solid defense that is designed to produce the best outcome in your case. While an acquittal is not possible in every case, I always strive to protect my clients' rights and reduce the penalties they face.
Attorney Christopher T. Van Wagner S.C. aims for an early dismissal in each of his clients' cases. Our track record shows the benefit of retaining our services before charges are filed. He has earned dismissals for clients prior to trial in a number of cases, and in other instances, his zealous representation has prevented charges from being filed altogether.
If you face a criminal charge in Wisconsin, whether it is a misdemeanor such as a first-time drunk driving offense, or a felony such as sexual assault or drug trafficking, it is critical to enlist the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Conviction of a crime can negatively affect your employment opportunities, your educational opportunities and your personal life.
If you are convicted of a sex crime - even a misdemeanor - it will change your life. Not only can it negatively impact your current job, but it will also hurt your long-term career opportunities, restrict where you can live, prevent you from participating in activities such as coaching youth sports and even severely limit your role as a parent.
Reviews (11)
Melissa Mueller
Oct 28, 2021
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Chris was an exemplary example of what a defense attorney should be. To simply state he went above and beyond the call of duty to give his client the best defense he is capable of would be a gross understatement. Chris exudes confidence and poise, while also not being afraid to come under heavy fire to defend his clients tooth and nail and go to bat for them. I have never witnessed a more confident, articulated, intelligent attorney with a pure passion for job. Simply put, I've never known or witnessed a better attorney. I would absolutely recommend Chris to anyone and will sing his praises in
Daniel Jimenez
Sep 17, 2021
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Matt W.
Feb 27, 2021
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Christopher Van Wagner picked up my case due to an my attorney retiring in a very difficult position. I couldn't be more pleased in how he handled my case from the day he started until the day he finished. He worked over my expectations to quickly and thoroughly catch up to all the details before my attorney retired.
Chris answered any question through out the case I had in a way id understand and left no surprises. He was fast to respond and very knowledgeable.
Chris made me feel confident in a time i had very little hope and I can't thank him enough for the hard work, effort and time he gave
Chris answered any question through out the case I had in a way id understand and left no surprises. He was fast to respond and very knowledgeable.
Chris made me feel confident in a time i had very little hope and I can't thank him enough for the hard work, effort and time he gave
Temperance D.
Nov 12, 2020
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Mr. Van Wagner is the worst attorney I've ever had the experience of coming across. He puts very little effort into acting on his clients' behalf while spinning a yarn that he's God's gift to the legal profession. He rarely, if ever, makes an effort to meets with clients in person and insists on conducting business via email leaving no opportunity for follow up questions or explanations. You'd be wise to look elsewhere for representation unless you are okay with overpaying for sub-par representation.
Dave S.
Jul 31, 2020
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I needed legal advice on a legal threat that I was not sure would materialize, after getting in contact with several attorneys that would not even speak to me without a sum of money being put on the table I got a call from Chris. Chris walked me through and outlined the legal situation, told me what I should do going forward. Chris never tried to get me off the phone and he was extremely thorough. In the skeevy world of lawyers that just want your money, I have to say that Chris Van Wagner is not only a thorough and well versed lawyer, but he is also an extremely good person that will genuinely
Steph Martin
Jul 27, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
Chris is an amazing attorney who is very professional and quick to respond with any questions you may have. He explored every avenue for my husband’s case and got us the best possible outcome for his offense. We appreciated his knowledge and humor through these tough times.
Chris is an amazing attorney who is very professional and quick to respond with any questions you may have. He explored every avenue for my husband’s case and got us the best possible outcome for his offense. We appreciated his knowledge and humor through these tough times.
E. R.
Sep 29, 2019
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Chris is an ELITE defense attorney and hiring him was easily one the best decisions I’ve ever made. I retained Chris during my darkest hour (following the first arrest in my life) after exhaustive research. This included recommendations from several cops and a sergeant who are close friends that work in and around Dane County. Chris’ name kept coming up among the best defense attorneys they knew of and who they would hire. I needed THE BEST and that’s exactly what I received. I was simultaneously going through divorce and child custody proceedings, and a conviction on my criminal charges
Jon Slock
Jun 01, 2019
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Chris is an awesome lawyer. I contacted his office for legal advice and was on the phone with Chris the same day. As soon as we spoke on the phone I knew he was on my side and would fight for me. He is very charismatic and I truly trusted his knowledge and guidance. His experience and professionalism give him great credibility. He really helped me out and I would recommend him to everyone who needs the best lawyer in Wisconsin.
Sandra Alamilla
Oct 06, 2018
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Chis Van Wagner is an excellent attorney. He is knowledgeable, experienced, highly ethical, hard working, honest and caring. We chose him based on his very high rating, his many 5-star client reviews, and the fact that other people, including other lawyers, told us he is one of the top 3 lawyers in Wisconsin.
Our experience working with Chris was outstanding. Throughout our case we had all our questions answered promptly. Chris helped us through the darkest time of our lives with grace. We really appreciate his hard work, he is an awesome attorney and we were lucky to have him. I highly recommend
Our experience working with Chris was outstanding. Throughout our case we had all our questions answered promptly. Chris helped us through the darkest time of our lives with grace. We really appreciate his hard work, he is an awesome attorney and we were lucky to have him. I highly recommend
Kacey Keller
Jul 09, 2018
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Great person and lawyer! Chris is a really kind person who cares deeply to help his clients in a superb manner and at a great price. Not only does he care, but he clearly has the experience/knowledge to make a difference - he really knows what he's doing! Chris told me the options as to how we could handle the case, who he would contact, etc. He went above and beyond to make sure I was happy with the outcome and the case was dropped. Also, Chris was always very quick to respond and made me feel like a high priority. I would highly recommend Chris!
Alon Hacohen
Jun 23, 2018
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I could not speak more highly of Chris Wagner. Chris is a true professional. He is knowledgeable , insightful, experienced, and very helpful. His legal analysis of my case was spot-on. He found solutions and came up with defenses that none of the others I first consulted with had thought of at all. He is passionate about his work, and works tirelessly for his clients. I always felt like I was his only client, from start to finish. He is dedicated, and absolutely committed to his clients and the success of their case. I absolutely recommend that anyone facing any situation always first call Chris
