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 7 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Mohammed | January 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Thank you Donna for saving my life and my family

I can not say enough about Attorney Donna Kuchler and her exceptional dedication to her clients. From the moment she took on my case, she treated me as though I were part of her own family. Her extensive knowledge of the law and meticulous attention to detail were evident in every step she took. Donn...a fought tirelessly on my behalf, demonstrating unwavering commitment and determination. Thanks to her hard work and expertise, she truly saved my life and my family. Her ability to navigate complex legal matters with confidence and precision gave me peace of mind during one of the most challenging times of my life. I will always be grateful for her and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a compassionate and skilled attorney.

Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Great attorney for child custody issues

Our daughter had an accidental head injury and was hospitalized at Children's hospital. They accused us of child abuse and CPS took custody of the child. We met with Donna and she told us we could probably get full custody back within 6 months. She knew what needs to be done and had a clear plan that... was well executed. We got our child in that time frame and got a consent decree for the case to be dismissed 3 months later. Donna is smart and has a network of expert physicians that examined our child's medical files. They are some of the top experts in their field. Our child turned up to have a bleeding disorder which convinced the court of our innocence and made us aware of the special medical needs for our child and the family. We don't believe other attorneys in the area are well educated and well connected medically as she is. We were fortunate in choosing her.

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 Barret | March 19, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

The best representation. Every bit as determined as me.

Donna Kuchler represented me in a very complex case. She dissected years of records to produce strong legal arguments. Donna was incredibly on-point at all times, from asking the right questions early on at depositions to tearing witnesses apart on the stand, and quickly countering all the tricky man...euvers of the opposition. Always the sharpest person in the courtroom. She takes copious notes, never forgets a thing, and never leaves an important point unmade. Donna is a great person as well as an excellent attorney, patiently answering my many questions and really helping get me through these difficult times.

Posted by Mary | March 13, 2013 | Criminal Defense

One AWESOME Lady!!!

She was there for me from the very beginning of my crime. She told me things about myself that I did not believe, yet, Donna was my inspiration to stay on the right track and change my life style. I found respect and trust for this fine lady. Without Donna Kuchlers help, I don't feel as though I woul...d have done so well as I have for the past 7 years. She is available, knowledgeable and takes the time to care for me as a human being that made a mistake. I will always recommend her to any family or friends. Without a doubt in my mind...she took extraordinary care in handling my case. YOU GO 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
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