Over the years, Steve Hurley has handled many high-profile cases. Here's a few from just the last two decades:
Richard Shoemaker, a state lawmaker, charged in 1989 with stealing from his campaign and other improprieties. Found guilty on reduced charges, he got 60 days in jail.
Brad McNulty, an assistant basketball coach at the UW-Madison, charged with a felony in 1990 for making more than $2,000 in personal calls at university expense. He pleaded no contest and got a fine; he also lost his job.
Anthony Hicks, convicted of a sexual assault in 1990, served four and a half years in prison. Hurley, handling his appeal, turned up the DNA evidence that led to his release.
Audrey Edmunds, convicted in 1996 of killing an infant in her care, despite consistent and credible claims of innocence. Hurley is haunted to think she's serving time for a crime she didn't commit. He points to a line on his forehead: "She is in this crease, right here."
Ed Thompson, the brother of Gov. Tommy Thompson, charged in 1997 with having illegal video games in his bar. The charges were dismissed after a failed effort to find jurors not favorably inclined toward the defendant. "That one was fun," says Hurley. "Just fun."
Chad Alvarez, the son of the Badger football coach, charged with a felony in 1999 for microwaving a parrot to death. He got probation with a brief stay in jail, and had to perform 250 hours of community service.
Benjamin Vanden Belt, a former Madison police officer, charged in 2001 with giving cocaine to and having sex with a 17-year-old boy. He got four years' probation; this February, that was revoked and he was jailed.
Meng-Ju Wu, a one-time UW-Madison student, accused of a triple murder in Verona in 2003. He pleaded not guilty, then hanged himself in jail on the eve of his trial.
Boo Wade, a UW-Madison basketball star, charged with battery in 2004 for allegedly choking his girlfriend. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and got probation.
Mike Rice, a prominent labor leader, nabbed in 2005 for stealing from his union. Rice pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison.
Bob D'Angelo, former president of the Overture Center, accused in 2005 of sexual harassment and using his office for personal gain. The investigation is ongoing.
Joseph Parish, a Cambridge High teacher and football coach, charged last year with three felonies, including sexual assault. All charges were dismissed.
Julie Thao, a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital, charged with a felony last year over errors that caused the death of a 16-year-old mother. Thao pleaded guilty to misdemeanors and got three years' probation.
In all, Hurley figures he has handled about 10 murder cases. He is now representing Eugene Zapata, charged with the 1976 murder of his estranged wife, whose body was never found. Zapata's trial is set for September.
