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Anthony D. Cotton
About Anthony
Biography
My first trial after graduating law school was a homicide case and we achieved a not guilty verdict. Since then, our firm has achieved innumerable dismissials and acquittals. We have won cases that seem unwinable. We have won cases when clients have confessed to crimes. In one very remarkable case, one of our clients confessed to a crime and pleaded guilty with another lawyer. After coming to us for a second opinion we were able to withdraw his guilty plea, go to trial, and convince a jury of his innocence despite the fact that he confessed his guilt to the police.
We have won every type of case you could imagine. Many of our wins occur even before charges are issued - countless times we are hired immediately after a client is arrested and we are often able to convince prosecutors to drop or reduce the case before charges are ever issued. When we can't beat the case, we are usually able to negotiate a favorable settlement. Myself, and my team, work tirelessly to protect your rights. We take what we do seriously, because lives and freedom are at stake. When you read our reviews you are reading real life stories of people who have had their lives changed for the better, because of their contact with our firm.
I have spent my life working for the underdog and the less fortunate. I come from humble blue-collar roots. I spent ten years driving garbage truck, putting myself through college and law school. During law school, I moved to East Africa and spent a summer representing war crime victims in Eritrea. After law school I have spent every minute of my professional career representing my clients with dilgence and care. If you choose to hire me as your lawyer, you will receive my unwavering committment to handle your case with extraordinary effort.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 350-350 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 20 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Kuchler & Cotton, S.C.
1535 E Racine Ave, Waukesha, WI, 53186-6826
Kuchler & Cotton, S.C.
7000 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI, 53213
Kuchler & Cotton
757 N. Broadway, Suite 401, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
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Anthony D. Cotton's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
65 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (65)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (53)
Advocacy (45)
Recommendation (35)
Professionalism (30)
Communication Style (26)
Practice Area Knowledge (24)
Responsiveness (24)
Character & Conduct (21)
General Knowledge (21)
Trustworthiness (16)
Compassion (10)
Cost of Services (7)
Punctuality (6)
Staff & Support (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 6 - 10 of 21 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Owi amended to reckless driving
Tony was a very helpful lawyer. He knows his stuff and advocates for his clients. We beat an owi case, which was a huge relief. He kept me informed of the process throughout as I was not very aware of the laws or the process of fighting an owi through the court system. I would highly recommend him. T...
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
TOP NOTCH !
If you need someone that not only knows the law but also knows the people in the law on both your side and the courts side, Anthony Cotton IS THE MAN !!!!! He knew the people that would help me and the people of the court that were trying to nail me for an accident I did not cause. His cost was m...
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2014 | Criminal Defense
The lawyer that other lawyers call when we get in trouble
I am one of the few people in the position of getting to endorse Tony as both a client and a fellow lawyer. When I got accused of a crime by an over-aggressive DA, there was only one attorney i could call, Tony Cotton. Thanks to Tony, I was never charged with any crime. I know that there are at le...
Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2014 | Drug Crime
If you're in trouble, call Tony
Tony handled a particularly challenging case for my family member. She was charged with one of the largest marijuana cases in Wisconsin history. This was exacerbated by the fact that both the Wisconsin Circuit Court and the Eastern District Court were prosecuting her simultaneously. Tony represent...
Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2014 | Juvenile
A role model
My teenage son was arrested along with a couple of friends for the possession of small amounts of controlled substances. He was lucky enough to get into a deferred prosecution program, the completion of which would have resulted in his charges being dismissed. He got himself kicked out of the program...
Anthony D. Cotton's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. We worked together on a drug case. Very well prepared, thoughtful, and a zealous advocate for his client."
"Anthony Cotton is well-known and well-respected by fellow attorneys across the country, and his clients sing his highest praises. He aggressively pursues every angle of a case on behalf of his clients. I would not hesitate to refer a client to him."
"Anthony Cotton is an outstanding attorney who I would not hesitate to recommend for representation on criminal defense law matters. He works hard for his clients, he is agressive in court, and provides a high level of professionalism and compassion. I endorse this lawyer."
"Anthony D. Cotton is a great lawyer with excellent judgment and legal ability. He is an attorney of the highest caliber, well-respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
"Tony is an outstanding attorney. He is tenacious and creative. Tony never gives up on a client or a case. He treats his clients with the utmost professionalism and care. I highly recommend Attorney Cotton."
"Mr. Cotton proved an admirable and persuasive litigator. He exhibited an ability to connect with the jury and advance his client's position. In my dealings with him, he has always been of the highest integrity and reasonableness"
"I had the privilege of working with Atty. Cotton on a high-profile criminal defense case. The entire case was scrutinized by the media, and the pressure was high. Atty. Cotton was always composed, confident, competent and professional. His mastery of the law is second to none, and his courtroom performance is phenomenal. What an inspiration! You can't go wrong with Atty. Cotton at your side. If I am ever in trouble with the law, he is the first person that I will call."
"Tony is an excellent lawyer who really cares for his clients. His hard work consistently yields great results for his clients. You are in good hands with Tony."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tony is an excellent lawyer. His insight, knowledge and passion are admirable. In addition to being wise beyond his years, his ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions for his clients is impressive. Tony obviously has oodles of talents, but it his constant striving to improve his lawyer skills that sets him apart. His results prove he is one of the best."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tony Cotton has mentored me, as a young lawyer, and has provided me with invaluable advice. He does an outstanding job being responsive to clients, works incredibly hard, and devotes his entire practice to criminal defense. If someone I cared about were to need an outstanding criminal defense attorney, Tony would be my first choice."
"Attorney Cotton is an intelligent, professional attorney willing to go the extra distance for his clients. He is aggressive and dedicated. I would feel comfortable referring a family member to him."
"I have had the opportunity to observe Attorney Cotton in court and have also had numerous conversations with him. I find his advice to be valuable and am always impressed with the sound legal strategies he puts forth on behalf of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tony is an exceptional attorney who works tirelessly to defend his client's interests. He is knowledgeable, well-spoken and is an exceptional trial attorney. I would recommend him to anyone looking for legal representation."
"Attorney Cotton is a tremendous defense lawyer and is deeply committed to providing excellent representation to his clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tony is a fighter and a winner."
"Tony is a lawyer with boundless energy and great integrity. You can't go wrong with him defending you."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Attorney Cotton in and around several local courtrooms. He is always well prepared and very knowledgeable about criminal defense matters."
"I highly recommend and endorse this lawyer. Tony's background, training, grasp of issues and demeanor make him the go-to guy in Waukesha for serious criminal charges. I have referred numerous potential clients to Tony and will continue to do so."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Justin Padway
Criminal defense lawyer
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Ronald English
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Thomas Alberti
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Christopher Glinski
Criminal defense lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
Matthew Murray
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jennifer Severino
Criminal defense lawyer
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DUI and DWI lawyer
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Criminal defense lawyer
Frank Cappozzo
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Richard Coad
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Experience
Honors
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Leaders in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Leading Lawyers, M Magazine
2012
Leading Lawyers, M Magazine
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Up and Coming Lawyers, Wisconsin Law Journal
2010
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyers - Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyers - Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2004
Best Brief Appellant, Pace University Law School
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Attorney, Kuchler & Cotton Law Offices
2005 - 2005
Human Rights Abuse Investigation, Eritrean/Ethiopian Claims Commission
2004 - 2004
Law Clerk, Federal Defender's Service
2004 - 2005
Law Clerk, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Associations
2007 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
2005 - Present
State Bar of Wisconsin
2005 - Present
Waukesha Bar Association
2016 - 2019
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
2014 - 2016
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident-Elect
2008 - 2011
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
2008 - 2014
Juvenile 180 DiversionPresident
2005 - 2008
EnlightBoard of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
Chit Thein
Amended to Disorderly Conduct
State of Wisconsin v. Jamie Zillmer
Dismissed
State of Wisconsin v. Angela Hernandez
Dismissed
State v. Michel Binet
dismissed
State of Wisconsin v. Nicole Gallman
Not Guilty
Joe White
Not Guilty
Billy Brooks
Not Guilty
Eunique Morgan
Not Guilty
State of Wisconsin v. Eddie Cannedy
charge reduced to misdemeanor
Kevin Kelly
Not Guilty
United States v. Armando Zugastia
Heroin conspiracy reduced
United States v. Amanda Bustamonte
Dismissed
State of Wisconsin v. James Cayo
Not guilty at jury trial
United States v. Darrick Fitz
36 months prison
State v. Shaun Ray
Client was released from prison
State v. Daniel Braznell
Acquittal on all counts
Education
2005
Marquette University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2006
Waukesha Public Defender's Spring Conference
Probation Revocations from A-Z
Publications
2008
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Black Friday
2005
Pace University Law Review
Appellant's Brief
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Job Application: Do I have to include underage citation?
18 Mar 2013
Q&A
Will felony show up on background check after probation?
06 Dec 2012
Q&A
Do I need to disclose my expunged Wisconsin criminal record on job applications?
21 Jan 2012
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Federal Drug Conspiracy
18 Jan 2011
Legal Guide
I Have a Marijuana Charge in Milwaukee
18 Jan 2011
Legal Guide
How Newly Discovered Evidence Can Impact Your Conviction
04 Sep 2008