Liesl E. Nelson

Liesl E. Nelson is a criminal defense attorney serving Hudson and western Wisconsin, with three decades of public defender experience. She represents people confronting serious criminal accusations and handles matters involving homicide defense, sex crimes, violent crimes, and gun crimes. Her legal background also includes juvenile proceedings, mental health matters, child protection cases, and supervision revocations. She focuses on understanding each client’s circumstances while protecting their legal rights and helping them navigate difficult decisions within the justice system.

Liesl earned a B.A. from Washington University and completed her Juris Doctor at the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1996. Her legal education supports a practice shaped by courtroom advocacy and the practical concerns that arise when criminal charges intersect with treatment, family needs, and community services. She developed much of this perspective through years as an Assistant State Public Defender, primarily representing people in Pierce and St. Croix Counties. Her background informs her approach to cases that extend beyond a single criminal allegation.

During her public defense career, Liesl handled criminal charges, juvenile cases, mental health matters, child protection proceedings, and supervision revocations. She helped establish the Pierce and St. Croix County Treatment Courts and supported Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils in both counties. That work involved collaborating with judges, prosecutors, county agencies, and other stakeholders to improve local responses to legal problems. She has also supported problem-solving court initiatives that bring together legal professionals and community resources to address the circumstances surrounding individual cases.

Liesl E. Nelson received the 2022 Aulik Award from the Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals. She has served on the board of the Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals since 2007, including as president, treasurer, and chair of its Education Committee. She also participated in revising Wisconsin’s Treatment Court Standards. Her career combines criminal defense representation with sustained leadership in court programs designed to recognize individual needs while addressing legal accountability and long-term community outcomes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Nelson Defense Group
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
• Founding Member, Pierce County Treatment Court
• Founding Member, St. Croix County Treatment Court
• Member, Pierce County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
• Member, St. Croix County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
• Member, Wisconsin Association of Treatment Courts (2007-Present)

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• Washington University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges