Aaron A. Nelson
LEAD homicide and sex crimes Defense Attorney
Your life is worth defending. Aaron Nelson has spent nearly 30 years making sure Wisconsin courts know that. He has a track record built on winning cases that matter. One of only 50 attorneys in the state named to the Super Lawyers Top 50, and a Super Lawyer for 15 years running.
Your case is next.
This is who you call when everything is on the line.
Track Record
Vehicular Homicide — Our client and friend left the bar, and nobody saw who entered the vehicle. They got into an accident due to the driver’s speed, resulting in both people being ejected from the vehicle.
The decedent was the driver.
1st Degree Intentional Homicide — Decedent was shot and killed. A video of the incident revealed an unclear image of the shooter. Our client was accused by others.
One of the State’s prisoner witnesses was more likely to be the shooter than the accused.
Felony Murder (PTAC) — Group of teens tried to buy marijuana; one shot the dealer. The state charged all five with Attempted Armed Robbery. Jury took under two hours to find our client didn’t aid or assist the shooter.
There was no robbery plan, and our client was unaware of the gun, making them neither an accomplice nor an aider in the crime.
Nelson Defense Group is the shield that protects you – giving voice to your story when it matters most.
“As one of the most experienced trial lawyers in the state, I've spent decades dialing in my practice and my process. I like to think the reason for my successful results is simply that I care more. I put in more time, more thought, and pay more attention to the details. I ask the questions nobody else is willing to ask, and I come up with solutions that nobody else sees.”
~ Aaron A.Nelson
Nelson Defense Group is the shield that protects you – giving voice to your story when it matters most.
About Aaron A. Nelson
BIO
For nearly three decades, Aaron A. Nelson has been recognized as one of Wisconsin’s leading criminal defense attorneys, respected for his performance in the courtroom, his creative arguments, and his unwavering dedication to protecting his clients. He has built his career on his belief that every person has unconditional dignity, is presumed innocent, and thus deserves a strong defense and the chance to have their story heard.
Podcasting
In 2025, Aaron started a criminal defense podcast, Sanctuary in the Jungle. Amidst a plethora of true crime podcasts, Sanctuary focuses on sharing the humanity of all people who find themselves in the criminal legal system. In conversations with some of the country’s greatest criminal defense attorneys, Aaron builds a community of attorneys insisting that courtrooms operate on fair principles, rational decision making, and unconditional regard for all humans.
Career Highlights
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Named among Wisconsin’s Super Lawyers in Criminal Defense every year from 2011 to 2025.
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Named one of Wisconsin’s top 50 Super Lawyers, one of the few attorneys outside the Madison or Milwaukee metro area recognized as being included on the Top 50 list.
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Holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards.
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Recipient of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) Martin Hanson Advocates Prize a record eight times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2024).
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Honored with the David C. Niblack Award from WACDL in 2014, recognizing outstanding contributions to the defense of those unable to afford legal representation.
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Past President of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and long-time WACDL Board member.
Practice and Leadership
In 2023, Aaron co-founded Elite Defense Group alongside two other accomplished defense attorneys, continuing to serve clients across Wisconsin in complex criminal cases, including homicide, sexual assault, OWI, and other serious felonies and misdemeanors.
Beyond the courtroom, Aaron is committed to advancing the practice of criminal defense. He frequently shares his expertise as a speaker and instructor at legal education programs throughout Wisconsin—including the Wisconsin State Public Defender Conference and Trial Skills Training—as well as nationally at events such as the NACDL, National College for Criminal Defense (NCDC), and Barry Cohen’s annual OWI seminar.
Aaron’s work reflects a steadfast commitment to justice and to defending the rights and dignity of every individual he represents.
AWARDS
Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial
2008 – Dunn County
2013 – Douglas County
2014 – Douglas County
2015 – Pierce County
2016 – Chippewa County
2017 – Dunn County
2021 – Saint Croix County
2024 – Saint Croix County
David C. Niblack Award-2014
Superlawyer 2011-2025
Kuchler-Nicholson-Stilling Sensitive Crimes Award
2023 – St. Croix County
2024 – Pierce County
EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison - J.D.
University of Wisconsin - B.A.
Honors: magna cum laude
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