Aaron A. Nelson - Hudson, WI
Attorney at Nelson Defense Group
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hudson, WI
304 Locust Street Hudson, WI 54016
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
30
Years
Experience
Hudson Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/02/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
Litigation: 100%
Attorney Information
Overview
Aaron A. Nelson is the founding attorney of Nelson Defense Group, based in Hudson, Wisconsin. For 30 years, Aaron has defended people across Wisconsin, telling their stories with compassion, care, and skill. He has built his successful career on the belief that every person has unconditional dignity, is presumed innocent, and therefore deserves to have best defense and a chance to have their story heard.
Aaron is 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. In 2025, he was selected as one of the top fifty Superlawyers in Wisconsin, and is one of three criminal defense attorneys on the list. Aaron understands the devastating consequences of all criminal charges or convictions, which he and his firm focus solely on criminal defense law.
Aaron represents clients in the most serious and complex of criminal charges, with a record of Not guilty verdicts as well as reduced and dismissed charges. He has received the Martin Hanson Memorial Prize (from the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) for a successful Not Guilty verdict in a homicide case, more than any other attorney in the state. In 2014, the same organization awarded him the David C. Niblack Award for effective defense of the indigent.
Using his extensive knowledge to benefit others, Aaron regularly speaks at continuing legal education seminars including the National College for Criminal Defense and the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Annual Conference. In honor of his achievements, Martindale-Hubbell awarded Mr. Nelson an AV Preeminent* peer review rating. This is the organization’s highest rating, meant to honor lawyers who exhibit outstanding legal ability and high ethical standards.
Mr. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. He received his license to practice law in 1996. He is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the National Criminal Defense College and the National College for DUI Defense.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- "Rising Star" by Wisconsin Super Lawyers Magazine, 2006
- “Rising Star” by Wisconsin Super Lawyers Magazine, 2007
- “Rising Star” by Wisconsin Super Lawyers Magazine, 2009
- “Rising Star” by Wisconsin Super Lawyers Magazine, 2010
- AV rated by Martindale Hubbard, “Martin Hanson Advocate’s Prize” by Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2010, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020)
- Super Lawyers in Criminal Defense, 2011-2017
- David C. Niblack Award from WACDL, 2014
- One of 50 Super Lawyers in Criminal Defense, Wisconsin, 2011 - 2023
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, WACDL Prize Award Winner, 2024
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, Saint Croix – State v. Cole, 2021 CF 191
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, Dunn – State v. Jones, 2017 CF 45
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, Chippewa – State v. Lloyd, 2016 CF 325
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, Pierce – State v. Milberg, 2015 CF 55
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, Douglas – State v. Dunn, 2014 CF 359
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, Douglas – State v. Johnson, 2013 CF 194
- Advocates Prize: Martin Hanson Memorial, Dunn – State v. Edgemon, 2008 CF 61
- Kuchler-Nicholson-Stilling Sensitive Crimes Award, WACDL Stilling Sensitive Crimes Award Winner, 2024
- Kuchler-Nicholson-Stilling Sensitive Crimes Award, Saint Croix – 2021CF000844, 2023
Other Sources of Feedback About Aaron A. Nelson
Included on the 2025 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2024 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2011 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2010 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2009 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2006 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
University of Wisconsin Law School,
Madison,
Wisconsin, 1996
J.D.
-
University of Wisconsin Law School,
Madison,
Wisconsin, 1996
-
Non Legal Education
-
University of Wisconsin,
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, 1993
B.A.
Honors: magna cum laude
Major: Philosophy
-
University of Wisconsin,
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, 1993
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Founding Attorney, since 2017
Classes and Seminars
- (Wisconsin State Public Defender Conference, Wisconsin State Public Defender Trial Skills training), WACDL, Barry Cohen’s annual OWI seminar as well as nationally at the National College of Criminal Defense
Pro Bono Activities
- Coach and Volunteer, Hudson Soccer Association (HSA)
- Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA)
- Olympic Development Coach and Coach Education Presenter
- MYSA PACT Presenter
- MYSA Vice President of Development
- Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) Coach Education Presenter
Bar Admissions
- Wisconsin, 1996
Other Affiliations
- Wisconsin State Bar Association (Member)
- St. Croix Valley Bar Association (Member)
- Wisconsin Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member)
- National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member)
- Wisconsin Association Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) (President)
Photo
Contact
304 Locust Street
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: 715-386-2694
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.nelsondefensegroup.com/
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am-5:00pm. Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm. Weekends by appointment.
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