Criminal Defense Project

Lawyers experienced in criminal law are invited to submit their name for consideration. 

If you wish to be considered, please forward a letter of interest and a completed application to:
Shelly Maas, Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts
Dane County Clerk of Courts Office
215 S Hamilton Street, Room 1000
Madison, WI  53703
shelly.maas@wicourts.gov
 
2026 Criminal Defense Project Application

The deadline for applications is December 12, 2025.

Under the Criminal Defense Project, Dane County Circuit Court judges appoint counsel on a flat-rate basis for indigent criminal defendants who are not eligible for Public Defender appointment. The current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the court and selected lawyers expires December 31, 2025. A new MOU will be signed for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The current basic rate of pay is as follows:

• CM/CT:  $1000 for up to 12 hours of work. After 12 hours, $100 per hour, including prep and trial time. 
• CF (Class F - Class I):  $1500 for up to 17 hours. After 17 hours, $100 per hour, including prep and trial time. 
• CF (Class C - Class E):  $2000 for up to 20 hours. After 20 hours, $100 per hour, including prep and trial time. 

Case assignments will be made on a rotating basis.

Additional Resources:

• Criminal/Traffic Forms including Criminal Defense Project information for Defendants