Melowski not deterred by tough cases

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Dennis Melowski has taken on plenty of cases in which the odds have been stacked against him.

And he’s relished it.

“I always knew I wanted to do criminal defense and I worked with Barry Cohen and that was his specialty. OWI was a good fit,” said Melowski, founder of Melowski & Associates LLC in Sheboygan. “In virtually every case, there’s scientific evidence to overcome — whether it’s a blood test or breathalyzer. But I enjoy the challenge.”

Melowski – an athlete who competed in the Ironman World Championship six times in Hawaii – is not afraid to push himself. Since beginning his OWI defense practice, Melowski has had clients’ charges dismissed or reduced more than 450 times and has won more than 90 acquittals in jury trials.

“The cases are so varied. It is so rewarding to help people and the goal is to reach an agreement with prosecutors since there’s always a risk when you go to trial,” Melowski said. “I definitely try fewer cases than I used to because of my reputation for success.”

Sarvan Singh, Jr., who practices with Melowski, said his record is “unheard of” in a type of practice where victories are tough to come by. Defense attorneys usually must do battle amid a barrage of unfavorable evidence, including blood tests, breathalyzer results and possibly videotapes.

“His success really comes down to simplifying the facts and the procedures that need to be followed,” he said. “He crafts his arguments around the concept of fairness. Was the client treated fairly? Were all the rules and protocols followed? That’s his winning recipe.”

Melowski said most of his clients are facing their first OWI charge and “have a lot at stake professionally and personally if convicted. They may lose their job or their reputation could be seriously harmed. They have made one mistake in their lives and the consequences are enormous.”

Beyond those first-time offenders, he also represents clients who have previous convictions and face time behind bars. Still another common charge is causing a homicide while under the influence.

“Those are tough and emotional,” he said.