Michael M. Hayes

Michael M. Hayes is a veteran Milwaukee criminal defense attorney with over four decades of legal experience. He focuses on OWI/DUI defense, traffic violations, and criminal law, serving individuals across Wisconsin with proven courtroom skills and detailed legal knowledge. His career is marked by strong advocacy, client trust, and consistent results in complex cases.

Michael Hayes earned his J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 1981, where he served as Lead Articles Editor for the Marquette Law Review and completed a judicial internship with Chief Judge John Decker of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. He earned his B.S. in 1977 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with additional study at the University of Notre Dame.

From 1983 to 2019, Mr. Hayes was a founding partner of Hayes & Rothstein, one of Wisconsin’s largest consumer Chapter 7 firms. He later established The Law Office of Michael Hayes, LLC, providing highly personalized legal services. Recognized for his clear legal thinking and courtroom command, he is a respected figure in both state and federal courtrooms throughout Wisconsin.

Michael Hayes is admitted to the Wisconsin Bar and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. He holds the AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, a “SuperLawyer” distinction, and a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo. He has been featured as a seminar speaker on OWI law and has presented at Bar association meetings and national legal webinars. His legal services also include client referrals and practical guidance on a wide range of concerns beyond OWI and criminal law. Known for fairness, diligence, and a deep respect for the legal system, Mr. Hayes remains a trusted advisor and formidable advocate in Milwaukee’s legal community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, The Law Office of Michael Hayes, LLC
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin (1981)

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• Marquette University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges