Criminal Defense: General Practice Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Stephen P. "Steve" Hurley
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Steve Hurley's more than 45 years of practice provides clients with the background necessary to litigate complex cases. Steve is highly regarded throughout the state for his expertise in criminal defense. His persuasive presentation in the courtroom and knowledge of the law make him an effective litigator for civil cases as well. Steve was nominated and elected by his peers to the American College of Trial lawyers. His reputation earns him many referrals from colleagues for both criminal and civil cases.
Steve practices before agencies, state and federal courts, and has successfully represented clients at all stages: from pre-suit or pre-charging negotiations, through appeals before the appellate and supreme courts.
Various bar associations frequently request Steve to lecture on evidence, trial advocacy and criminal defense topics. Since 1989 he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin law School.
Steve was recently profiled by the Isthmus magazine in a cover story titled "Hurley for the Defense," available here. In addition, the American Bar Association Journal had a feature article on Steve's recent victory on behalf of a client. The article is available here.
The 2008 Wisconsin Super Lawyers® magazine featured Steve in its cover story.
Steve practices before agencies, state and federal courts, and has successfully represented clients at all stages: from pre-suit or pre-charging negotiations, through appeals before the appellate and supreme courts.
Various bar associations frequently request Steve to lecture on evidence, trial advocacy and criminal defense topics. Since 1989 he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin law School.
Steve was recently profiled by the Isthmus magazine in a cover story titled "Hurley for the Defense," available here. In addition, the American Bar Association Journal had a feature article on Steve's recent victory on behalf of a client. The article is available here.
The 2008 Wisconsin Super Lawyers® magazine featured Steve in its cover story.
Overview
- English
- French
- Knox College, B.A., graduated 1969
- University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, graduated 1972
- Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin
- Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
- University of Wisconsin School of Law - adjunct Professor of Law
- American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
- Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin, Inc - President
- U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeal for the Eighth District
- Supreme Court of United States of America
- English
- French
- Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin
- Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
- University of Wisconsin School of Law - adjunct Professor of Law
- American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
- Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin, Inc - President
- Knox College, B.A., graduated 1969
- University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, graduated 1972
- U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeal for the Eighth District
- Supreme Court of United States of America
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Criminal Defense: General Practice, Madison (2025)
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Madison (2025)
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Madison (2015)
- Criminal Defense: General Practice, Madison (2014)
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Madison (2011)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Criminal Defense: General Practice
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Special Focus:
- Non-White-Collar Criminal Defense
- White-Collar Criminal Defense
Awards:
- Wisconsin Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers: William Coffee Memorial Award
- Univ. of Wisconsin School of Law: Warren Stolper Award for the outstanding adjunct professor of law
- Admin. Office of the Illiniois Courts: Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Legal Defense Serivces
- Academy of Television Arts and Sciences: Primetime Emmy Awards honor for contribution to Picket Fences, Outstanding Drama Series
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- State v. Hicks 549 N.W.2d 435 (Wis. 1996)
This case marked the first time the Wisconsin Supreme Court considered the impact of DNA evidence in a post conviction proceeding. The decision reversed the accused''s conviction and remanded the matter for a new trial; which, ultimately, led to the release of a man who had been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for five years.
- People ex rel Rice v. Cunningham 61 Ill.2d 353, 336 N.E. 2d 1 (1975)
This decision by the Illinois Supreme Court held the then extant death penalty statute unconstitutional.
- United States v. Georgia Thompson 484 F.3d 877 (7th Cir. 2007)
Following oral argument, the Court of Appeals issued an order from the bench reversing the defendant''s conviction for honest services fraud, and directing the District Court to enter a judgement of acquittal. The Court''s opinion, issued later, clarified and restricted the government''s use of the honest services fraud statute.
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