The Martin Hanson Advocate's Prize is awarded to criminal defense attorneys who achieve the very difficult and rare task of winning a criminal homicide case.  Acquittal of a criminal homicide case is an achievement that very few lawyers have had the success of accomplishing.  Acquittal of any criminal homicide case is often a lengthy and arduous journey where skill and experience in the courtroom is a must.  The Hanson Prize serves as recognition for acquittal under what are often very challenging circumstances.

     In May of 2011 John Birdsall won a criminal homicide case that stemmed from a cold case investigation from almost 20 years ago.  Conviction rates in cold case homicides are often close to 100 percent.  The cases brought forth by cold case departments are often investigated by the best of law enforcement making these types of cases very difficult to defend against.  These facts made the State vs. Lewis case that John took to trial all the more difficult.  However, when John took on this case he knew that he had the ability to get the best possible results based on the circumstances.  He knew that he had the skills and expertise to possibly achieve an acquittal for his client.  John's confidence in taking on and ultimately trying this case turned out to be well-founded as he eventually fought the case to acquittal.

     In criminal defense, a homicide case can be very difficult to take to trial and John is very fortunate and satisfied in the outcome and will move forward as a defense attorney in Wisconsin with this valuable experience in his portfolio of skills.