T.J. Perlick-Molinari

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T.J. Perlick-Molinari, a member of the OWI Legislative Committee of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, attended an Assembly hearing on proposed changes to the state’s OWI laws — laws, he believes, that are tough enough, and rely on “science” that is unproven and more importantly, un-scientific.

Not many share his views. That doesn’t mean he’ll give up — he’s up for the fight. He says, “This whole process gives new meaning to the phrase, ‘Good enough for government work.’ It offends me as a citizen that such poor and unsophisticated tests are used to take away our most sacred right, liberty.”

Perlick-Molinari is used to championing unpopular causes in representation of his clients, too. After just four years in practice, he’s attained an impressive list of dismissals and acquittals for defendants facing OWI and serious criminal felony charges, including shootings, beatings, battery to an officer, and hit and run, to name a few.

Q&A

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you have done?

A college orchestra or band director — I love making music and working with ambitious people who want to be something great together

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Judah Ben-Hur, a man who had his trust violated, faced tragedy and deprivation, yet stood by his principles, persevered and in the end triumphed over oppression

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive?

“You have served me well”

What is your greatest fear?

Being wrong, but being convinced that I was right the whole time

What is your most treasured possession?

My education — it’s one of the few things I have that no one can ever take away

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

“I Get Around” by the Beach Boys — nothing’s better than cruising with the top down with
the Beach Boys in stereo