Hartley Rauch Law Office

Nearby Lawyers Wisconsin Milwaukee County Milwaukee Walker's Point West Virginia Street

(48 reviews)

Contact Info

Location 600 W Virginia St Suite 205, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
Phone +1 414-276-1817
Website http://www.hartleyrauch.com/

Reviews

I really trusted Nettie for my son's defense and while he was definitely at fault, the prosecutor wiped the floor with her in Washington County, made her look like a rookie. He actually got a lot more time than the presentence investigator thought he should. Then to Milwaukee where I was told it was easier to get the cases to be served concurrently.......nope. What I was expecting and hopeful to be about 3 years, was 6.5 years. Spent a lot of money and thought I should have received some money back. Should have just stuck with the public defender, that person couldn't have done any worse.
My recent experience with Jessica Birmingham at Hartley Rauch Law Office was top notch. I needed a lot of hand holding explanations of what to expect during the 10 month process as a first (and last) timer as a defendant. Jessica was quick to respond to emails and texts, and arrived early to court to review what would happen at the particular moment in the case. Which I definitely needed as I thought I would pass out most times from anxiety. After court she detailed the next steps and the expectations from me. Eventually, through lots of behind the scenes negotiations with the district attorney we came to a favorable agreement. I recommend her if you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Waukesha Co (and I believe Milw Co too).
Wow! Reading through the reviews I wondered if it was my son posting because many sound like our experience. You either trust her or you don’t! We had a ton of questions and she did answer all of them. We bumped heads sometimes as a mother you can get anxious during something as serious as intentional homicide. Nettie won this self defense trial for my son who was facing life in prison now he has life to be who he is. Nettie listens and she partners with the defendant in preparing for trial. Well worth every dime. Her response time is even more remarkable than what I hear from others who have hired an attorney. I see Super Lawyer in her near future. Thank you Nettie for seeing and fighting for the truth to be heard. Chris assisted like a champ. These two are a quiet storm. Dynamic duo….
Do not hire chris hartley as a criminal lawyer! Worst money i have ever spent. He is not responsive after he gets his money. He is unprofessional. I had his cell phone number and would have to show up and catch him at the office just to get a response. But after the court date he was very responsive i am guessing because he knew it was over. He walks in the court room unprepared with no arguement and does nothing his client ask him to do. We suggested to get a different judge but upon his recommendation we kept her. Which was the worst mistake we could make. If you value your life DO NOT PUT IT IN HIS HANDS! My fiance got so much time for a car accident that both partys was at fault for and he had no real argument!
I had my doubts at first, but given my case, I was doubting everybody in front of me. I had trusted my attorney, Annette Rauch, to do her job to the best of her ability, in which she did! I had lots of questions, since this was my first time ever going to trial, and she answered them and also clarified a few things that I may have misunderstood. Questions I had asked her were answered in a couple days or so, which is understandable given the workload she had. All in all, she did her job with what she had to work with and we succeeded! She got me through the toughest time in my life and also proved my innocence! For that ill be thankful for the rest of my life!! I highly recommend Nettie Rauch to anybody that feels the possible is impossible.

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About Hartley Rauch Law Office

For individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the surrounding counties who find themselves entangled in the complexities of the criminal justice system, Hartley Rauch Law Office offers legal representation within the "Nearby Lawyers" category. Located at 600 W Virginia St Suite 205, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA, the firm is situated in a central and accessible part of the city, likely within a professional office building that facilitates discreet client consultations. The firm's contact number, (414) 276-1817, provides a direct line for those seeking urgent legal assistance.

The environment of Hartley Rauch Law Office, located in a suite at 600 W Virginia St, suggests a professional and structured setting. This type of address within a commercial building is typical for law firms, providing a dedicated and confidential space for client meetings, legal research, and case preparation. Clients can expect an atmosphere that is conducive to discussing sensitive legal matters, fostering a sense of privacy and focus essential for criminal defense cases. The downtown Milwaukee location offers convenient access for clients across the metropolitan area, including those from Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Washington, and Ozaukee Counties, where the firm also regularly appears in court.

Hartley Rauch Law Office primarily specializes in criminal defense, positioning itself as a firm that takes on a wide array of cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Their services encompass robust defense for individuals accused of various crimes, including but not limited to:

DUI / Drunk Driving Defense
Drug Defense
Assault
Domestic Violence
Shoplifting and Theft Charges
Weapons Charges
Other Felonies and Misdemeanors
Municipal Law Violations

The firm emphasizes an "aggressive defense" that often begins early in the proceedings, involving strategies such as filing motions to challenge arrests, suppress evidence, or otherwise confront weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Their goal is to resolve cases prior to trial, potentially leading to dismissals, or to "win at trial" if a resolution cannot be reached. This proactive and assertive approach is a core component of their service offering. They also highlight their experience with "thousands of felony cases" and regular appearances in various county courtrooms, demonstrating their extensive litigation experience and familiarity with the local judicial system.

Beyond criminal defense, public information suggests that the firm also offers services in Family Law and Legal Defense for Military Veterans, although the provided reviews focus solely on criminal defense. This indicates a broader capacity to assist clients with diverse legal needs, demonstrating a versatile practice.

The features of Hartley Rauch Law Office, as gleaned from the provided reviews and supplementary online information, present a mixed but insightful picture. The firm operates with a "must-win attitude and a non-judgmental approach," taking on clients' worries and concerns personally. They are committed to providing a consistently high level of legal representation, utilizing "cost-effective, innovative methods and the latest case law." The firm also limits the number of cases it accepts to ensure professional handling and attention to detail, contrasting with a "fast food" mentality sometimes found in larger firms.

However, the client testimonials offer contrasting experiences with different attorneys within the firm. The first review, concerning "Nettie" (Annette Rauch), expresses significant dissatisfaction. The client felt that despite trusting her for their son's defense, the outcome was worse than expected, and the attorney was perceived as a "rookie" by the prosecutor. The client states, "Spent a lot of money and thought I should have received some money back. Should have just stuck with the public defender, that person couldn't have done any worse." This review highlights concerns regarding perceived effectiveness, client expectations versus outcomes, and potentially billing fairness. It suggests that while trust was initially placed, the results did not align with expectations, leading to regret over not using a public defender and feeling that the money spent did not yield the desired value.

In stark contrast, the second review provides glowing praise for Jessica Birmingham: "My recent experience with Jessica Birmingham at Hartley Rauch Law Office was top notch. I needed a lot of hand holding explanations of what to expect during the 10 month process as a first (and last) timer as a defendant. Jessica was quick to respond to emails and texts, and arrived early to court to review what would happen at the particular moment in the case. Which I definitely needed as I thought I would pass out most times from anxiety. After court she detailed the next steps and the expectations from me. Eventually, through lots of behind the scenes negotiations with the district attorney we came to a favorable agreement. I recommend her if you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Waukesha Co (and I believe Milw Co too)." This review highlights Jessica Birmingham's exceptional client care, responsiveness, proactive communication, ability to manage client anxiety, and skill in behind-the-scenes negotiations leading to a "favorable agreement." This indicates a highly supportive, communicative, and effective attorney, particularly for clients who are new to the legal system and experiencing high levels of stress.

Other attorneys at the firm include Christopher L. Hartley, a partner with experience solely focused on criminal defense since 1997, and Mark Pecora, also specializing in criminal defense including DUI/DWI. Annette Rauch, mentioned in the negative review, is also listed as a partner and a rising star in criminal defense, admitted to practice in 2018 and fluent in English and Spanish. This diversity in attorney experience levels and client handling approaches is an important feature of the firm.

For promotional purposes, Hartley Rauch Law Office faces the challenge of managing mixed client feedback. They can strategically focus on the overwhelmingly positive aspects of their practice, particularly the strengths of attorneys like Jessica Birmingham and Christopher L. Hartley. They should emphasize their "aggressive, experienced criminal defense" and their "must-win attitude." Promoting their 24-hour availability for immediate advice and the offer of a "no cost, no obligation consultation" would be highly effective in attracting new clients in urgent need of criminal defense. Specific case victories (while respecting client confidentiality) could also be highlighted to demonstrate their proven success.

A promotional message could leverage the positive attributes: "Facing criminal charges? At Hartley Rauch Law Office, our experienced criminal defense attorneys, including Jessica Birmingham, are known for their aggressive advocacy and unwavering commitment to your rights. We offer personalized attention, clear communication, and a proactive approach to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Available 24/7 for a complimentary consultation. Don't delay—your liberty is on the line." They could also highlight their broad service area, extending beyond Milwaukee to neighboring counties. To mitigate any concerns from mixed reviews, a firm might subtly emphasize their commitment to client satisfaction and continuous improvement, ensuring that all attorneys adhere to the highest standards of client care and legal effectiveness.

In summary, Hartley Rauch Law Office, located at 600 W Virginia St Suite 205, Milwaukee, WI, operates within the "Nearby Lawyers" category, specializing predominantly in criminal defense across various charges, including DUI, drug offenses, and felonies. The firm prides itself on an aggressive and proactive approach to defense, with attorneys regularly appearing in courts across Milwaukee and surrounding counties. While the firm's overall commitment to client care and effective litigation is underscored by positive testimonials for attorneys like Jessica Birmingham, some client experiences, such as the one with Annette Rauch, highlight areas where consistency in outcomes and client satisfaction may vary. Nevertheless, the firm's accessibility, comprehensive criminal defense services, and emphasis on a tailored approach make it a relevant option for individuals seeking legal representation in challenging criminal matters in the Milwaukee area.