Your Best Defense
When It Matters Most
Contact Axley for a Free Consultation
Unlike a public defender, our attorneys provide personalized, one-on-one service and are available to meet regularly to discuss planning and strategy for your case. Our legal team is available 24-7 and can meet with clients that are currently in jail or at our downtown Madison office. Virtual meetings are also available.
From the moment a criminal investigation is launched, the stakes are high. Our criminal defense lawyers understand criminal charges can have serious consequences. Aside from a conviction and sentencing, these consequences may include academic sanctions, career implications, and a tarnished reputation. Our defense lawyers dedicate their careers to defending the presumption of innocence and the rights of their clients. Since most criminal cases involve serious deadlines, it is best to hire an attorney as soon as possible once an officer gets involved. This will increase the likelihood of getting your charges reduced or dismissed.
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
Partner • Madison
Partner • Madison
Client Successes
Not Guilty – Aggravated Battery, Disorderly Conduct, Bail Jumping and False Imprisonment
Client charged with Aggravated Battery, Disorderly Conduct, Bail Jumping, and False Imprisonment. The individual punched a woman several times in the face, threw her through a glass door, and dragged her down the sidewalk by her hair. When she tried to flee in a car, the client threw the door open, pulling the door slightly off the hinges, and yanked the woman out of the moving car onto the pavement. Obtained “Not Guilty” jury verdict on all counts.
Dismissal – Attempted Homicide, Aggravated Battery and Armed Burglary Charges
Defended an individual who allegedly inflicted a near fatal stab wound to another person, and was charged with Attempted Homicide, Aggravated Battery, Armed Burglary and Reckless Endangerment. Negotiated dismissal of the Attempted Homicide, Aggravated Battery and Armed Burglary charges. At sentencing, no further jail was ordered.
Dismissal – Unprovoked Attack on Popular College Football Player
Defended an individual who was accused of an unprovoked attack on a popular college football player who was a Heisman Trophy candidate. Through plea negotiations, the client was given an opportunity for dismissal of the charges through a deferred prosecution agreement.
Dismissal – Drunk Driving at Over Three Times the Legal Limit
Obtained dismissal of a drunk driving case in which the driver was observed driving erratically with a .26 blood alcohol level by proving that the arrest violated the driver’s Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable seizures because the officer initiated the arrest in the driver’s backyard patio without a warrant, consent or exigent circumstances.
I want to thank Erika Bierma for her legal expertise. During a very stressful time, her personable nature and ability to communicate helped to prepare me for my court date and the possible outcomes. Her professional skills in the courtroom were exceptional. I highly recommend. Thank you Erika! - B.R.
Brian was very approachable and understanding of my situation. Our initial conversation left me feeling relieved and confident. Sure enough, through his efforts, my case never even made it into court. He is a real miracle worker. I would definitely recommend Brian to anyone who is in need of his services.
I hired Erika Bierma to help out with a pretty scary issue where I was being unjustly accused of something that I didn’t do. I was worried at first but Erika got me sorted out after just a couple of meetings. She has great communication skills and is a very good listener. Her ability to research about my case was phenomenal and her perseverance was second to none. Of course I wish this never happened and that I didn’t ever need a lawyer, but Erika made me feel a lot better while she worked. I’d hire her again.
The last several years were not easy for our family but we had complete faith that Erika was steering us toward the best possible outcome. The results she obtained for our children across 3 serious episodes far exceeded what we had hoped would be possible. Erika returns phone calls same day. When we need to talk with her she always makes time. She’s organized, always prepared and never late. She “gets” her clients and understands what families are going through. She is extraordinarily kind and compassionate in addition to being extremely competent. Erika Bierma has our highest recommendation. She’s a credit to Axley and the entire legal profession. We speak highly of her and would strongly recommend her to anyone in need of her skill set.
How Do I Start the Process?
Call or email an Axley criminal attorney to schedule a free initial consultation. Our lawyers will meet with you either in our office, at the jail, or virtually to go over your options.
How Do I Pay for a Criminal Lawyer?
Our criminal lawyers usually request a retainer up-front to assist in the cost of your legal fees. This can be paid in cash, check or on a credit card. The amount of the retainer varies depending on the predicted extent of our involvement. Please email or call one of our attorneys directly to discuss a fee arrangement that works for you.
Should I Handle my Legal Matter Myself or Use a Public Defender?
Most criminal cases are complex and the stakes are high. There are strict deadlines to meet, law enforcement issues, constitutional issues and divergent court practices to navigate. If you are able to do so, hiring a criminal lawyer greatly increases the odds of getting a reduced or dismissed sentence, and takes a lot of stress off the client.