Aaron A. Nelson

Aaron A. Nelson is a criminal defense attorney and lead homicide and sex crimes defense lawyer serving clients across western Wisconsin. With nearly 30 years of experience, he handles homicide defense, sex crimes, violent crimes, and gun crimes, as well as other serious criminal matters. His practice includes cases in Dunn, Eau Claire, La Crosse, St. Croix, and Pierce Counties. He focuses on examining the evidence closely, challenging unsupported allegations, and presenting the facts needed for a fair determination.

Aaron earned a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, graduating magna cum laude, and later received a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison. His academic training supports the detailed legal analysis and trial preparation required in complex criminal cases. He has also developed his advocacy skills through years of courtroom work and continued participation in professional trial education. He teaches other defense attorneys at Wisconsin programs and national criminal defense training events.

Aaron has secured not-guilty verdicts in several homicide matters, including a vehicular homicide prosecution, a first-degree intentional homicide case, and a felony murder case involving allegations of participation in an attempted armed robbery. These cases required close examination of who was responsible for the underlying conduct and what the evidence actually established. He also handles sexual assault matters, OWI cases, and other serious felonies and misdemeanors, bringing substantial trial experience to cases where clients face significant consequences.

Aaron A. Nelson was selected as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer in criminal defense every year from 2011 through 2025 and has appeared on Wisconsin’s Top 50 Super Lawyers list. He received the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Martin Hanson Advocates Prize eight times and its David C. Niblack Award in 2014. A former president and longtime board member of that association, he also speaks and teaches on criminal defense. His recognition reflects sustained courtroom work and contributions to the wider defense profession.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Nelson Defense Group
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
• Past President and Board Member, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Co-Founder, Elite Defense Group

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Wisconsin
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges