Donna Jean Kuchler

Donna Jean Kuchler

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Child abuse Lawyer at Waukesha, WI
Practice Areas: Child Abuse, Criminal Defense

1535 E. Racine Ave, Waukesha, WI

About Donna

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Child Abuse 55%

30 years | 200 cases

55%
Criminal Defense 45%

Primarily sexual assaults

30 years | 500 cases

45%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 500-700 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 30 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1996

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Kuchler & Cotton, S.C.

1535 E. Racine Ave, Waukesha, WI, 53187-0527

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Donna Jean Kuchler's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

43 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Hans Chavez | August 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Amazing!

For 2 years I was going through the hardest time of my life, being falsely accused of 2nd degree sexual assault having Donna Kuchler next to my side throughout this process made me more hopeful! She did an amazing job throughout this whole process from court hearings to Zoom meetings, she kept me inf...ormed throughout this whole process, she secured the NOT GUILTY verdict for me! I appreciate you Donna Kuchler! The best of the best.

Donna Kuchler

Replied last December 08, 2021

I am so glad to have represented you & congratulations on the verdict!

Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Excellent representation

I was under investigation for child sex abuse, which is not something I ever thought I would face. Donna helped me understand the process and my options and was kind and helpful at every step. In the end she was able to help keep the case from ever being charged. I trusted my life and career to Donna...'s capable hands and she came through for me. I would give six starts if I could!

Posted by Stephen | October 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Child Abuse

She's A winner

I cant express how wonderful Donna is. She is a fighter and a Winner. My case involved allegations of child abuse from my pre-teen son. She was quickly able to document his history of mental health issues and was able to show the district attorney that it was in fact just those ongoing issues that ca...used him to make those allegations. She was always been there when I had a question and always explained everything thoroughly. She was strait to the point and told me how it was and what her plan to handle everything would be. I never would wish someone to go through what I did, but if you do hire Donna. My case was dismissed today thanks to her hard work and determination. Thanks Donna for everything. -Stephen

Posted by Joel | April 29, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Exemplary Representation

Donna is a superb attorney, who provides exemplary representation. No one wants to be in a position of needing an attorney - Bad things can happen to very good people. If this occurs, make no mistake, you must hire an attorney who will truly be your advocate, and represent you as if your very life d...epended upon it, because it truly does. Donna is a highly skilled attorney. She is tough and direct, yet always polite and professional. It is quite obvious that Donna is highly respected in the Courtroom. Donna will respond expeditiously to your needs, and always answers questions and concerns promptly. You will know where you stand at all times. When you retain Donna, listen to everything she says, and do everything she asks, because she knows. What really made me most comfortable during the strain of the legal process, was knowing at all times that Donna truly cared. My case had a very successful outcome, and I cannot express highly enough, my appreciation for Donna's representation. I was fortunate to have her fight for me. Donna simply wins.

Posted by CJ | April 12, 2015 | Criminal Defense

exceptional

Donna helped my family in 2013. I received her name as a reference from another attorney and I'm so glad I did. In a panic, I contacted her to help my son, a minor who got himself in a bit of trouble. She promptly took my phone call, met with my family, explained the law, and suggested a course of... action. Not only is she capable of working towards a resolution, but she is willing to proceed to trial, if need be. Fortunately, a trial was not necessary for us. Her knowledge of the system in Waukesha and the surrounding area allowed her to stay on top of every aspect of the case. Her style of practice was a perfect match for me. She "says it like it is" yet is compassionate and mindful of the financial strain on the family. She kept me informed and responded promptly to my calls and emails. Lastly, she made such an impression on my son that he may pursue law as a career! Thank you Donna!

See All Client Reviews

Donna Jean Kuchler's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donna
Mark Lynwood Rowe headshot
Mark Rowe

Child abuse lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Donna Jean Kuchler works hard for her clients, and gets great results. She really cares for her clients, and it shows in the passionate way that she advocates for them. If she is your lawyer, you are certainly in good hands."

Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

Child abuse lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Donna jean Kuchler is a zealous advocate for her clients. She utilizes unique approaches to obtain a favorable outcome for her clients. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing assistance."

Kevin Bernard McKie headshot
Kevin McKie

Child abuse lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Donna Jean Kuchler is knowledgeable and astute. She has a broad range of experience and knows her stuff. I would refer any and all individuals to her."

Gia M. Pionek headshot
Gia Pionek

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donna is a legal giant. She is one of the few attorneys in Wisconsin who has successfully won a death penalty case. She is compassionate, tenacious, and she never gives up on her clients."

Jane E Probst headshot
Jane Probst

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Attorney Kuchler many years. She is an excellent attorney and has shown the highest of integrity each time I have worked with her. She fully advises her clients of their rights. She will always be forthright with them as to their chances of winning at trial and will be a fierce and knowledgeable advocate. If there is not the greatest liklihood, she will negotiate the best possible outcome for their case. She cares deeply for all of her clients."

Thomas R. Jones headshot
Thomas Jones

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.I have had the pleasure of observing Ms. Kuchler in action in the Waukesha courts for over 20 years. She is a skilled and tireless advocate."

Ryan J. Harrington headshot
Ryan Harrington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. Donna is an exceptional attorney and a zealous advocate for her clients, both in and out of the courtroom. She is an experienced and knowledgeable litigator and of the highest character and integrity. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled attorney."

Christopher L. Wiesmueller headshot
Christopher Wiesmueller

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Other

"Donna is knowledgeable and aggressive. I pity the fool who gets on the witness stand only to get cross-examined by her."

Elizabeth Ewald-Herrick headshot
Elizabeth Ewald-Herrick

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Donna Kuchler is a dear friend. Whenever someone seeking a divorce calls me, I refer him/her to Donna. Everyone has been pleased with her representation."

Casey Hoff headshot
Casey Hoff

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Friend

"Donna is a fantastic attorney in every sense of the word. She goes great results for her clients and is highly respected as a superb advocate. I would definitely recommend her."

Joanne Kay Leifheit headshot
Joanne Leifheit

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Donna for many years, and I have had the opportunity to work with her on several guardianship matters. Donna is known for her compassion to her clients and her zealous and tenacious advocacy on their behalf. I endorse Donna for matters involving competence issues, such as guardianships, and also for her criminal defense work."

James P. Martin headshot
James Martin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Donna is an excellent attorney and a great resource. I have referred many clients to her."

Eric Shane Brittain headshot
Eric Brittain

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Donna Kuchler as she is one of the top defense lawyers in the State."

Theodore Perlick Molinari headshot
Theodore Perlick Molinari

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Friend

"Donna works extremely hard for her clients and gives them the best chance they can to get the best result possible."

Anthony D. Cotton headshot
Anthony Cotton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Family member

"The hardest working lawyer I know."

View All Endorsements
Laura M. Habush headshot
Laura Habush

Criminal defense lawyer

Justin Singleton headshot
Justin Singleton

Criminal defense lawyer

Gia M. Pionek headshot
Gia Pionek

Immigration lawyer

Nancy L. Moore headshot
Nancy Moore

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher P. Ehrfurth headshot
Christopher Ehrfurth

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey J. Szczewski headshot
Jeffrey Szczewski

Criminal defense lawyer

Jane E Probst headshot
Jane Probst

Family lawyer

Thomas R. Jones headshot
Thomas Jones

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan J. Harrington headshot
Ryan Harrington

Family lawyer

Sara Elizabeth Dill headshot
Sara Dill

Criminal defense lawyer

Casey Hoff headshot
Casey Hoff

DUI and DWI lawyer

Joanne Kay Leifheit headshot
Joanne Leifheit

Estate planning lawyer

James P. Martin headshot
James Martin

Criminal defense lawyer

Theodore Perlick Molinari headshot
Theodore Perlick Molinari

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony D. Cotton headshot
Anthony Cotton

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Women in Law Honoree, Wisconsin Law Journal

2024

Wisconsin Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2023

Martin Hanson Advocate Prize, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers

2014

Coffey Award, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2014

The Hanson Award for Homicide Acquittal, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2014

Women in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal

2013

Leading Lawyers in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Magazine

2010

David Niblack Award for Lifetime Indigent Defense, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2006

The Hanson Award for Homicide Acquittal, Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Partner, Kuchler & Cotton, S.C.

Associations

2010 - Present

National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center

Member

1996 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1996 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1996 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1996 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Trial Lawyers

Member

1996 - Present

Waukesha County Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

2003 - 2004

UP Connection

Board President

1998 - 2001

Mental Health Association

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of WI vs. Kathleen Cummings

NOT GUILTY

State of Wisconsin v. Paul Marshall

NOT GUILTY

State of Florida v. Ramgoolie

Not guilty

State of Wisconsin vs. Daniel White

Not guilty on bail jumping; hung jury on everything else

State of Wisconsin v. Patterson

Not guilty at jury trial

State of Wisconsin v. Daniel Zielinski

Not guilty verdict

State of Wisconsin v. Nicole Gallman

Not Guilty

State of Wisconsin vs. Dittberner

Not guilty at jury trial

State of Wisconsin vs. Begicevic

Case remanded on appeal

United States v. Fidel Robles

Conviction reversed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

University of Wisconsin Law School

J.D.

1995

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Bachelor of Arts - Summa cum laude

Speaking Engagements

2014

Using Technology in Criminal Defense

Using Power Point to Secure an Acquittal

2013

Wisconsin State Public Defender Annual Conference

Defending Shaken Baby Cases

2013

Spring 2013 Conference

Legal Issues Faced by Foster Families

2008

Child Abuse

Defense of Shaken Baby Cases

Publications

2012

Huffington Post Bail Money Forfeited

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution