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Christopher J. Cherella

Criminal defense Attorney at Milwaukee, WI

5.0   57 reviews
  • Licensed for 32 years
    State WI
    Acquired 1991
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Christopher

Learn Christopher’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    I practice all throughout the state courts in Wisconsin. I also devote a large portion of my criminal defense practice to the Federal District Court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. I have handled cases involving homicide, drug possession, distribution and conspiracy, domestic violence, sex offenses, drunk driving, juvenile offenses and traffic defense. I have tried many cases before a jury throughout my many years as a criminal defense attorney.

    29 years, 1,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    20%
    Includes OWI.

  3. Violent crime
    20%

  4. Litigation
    10%
    My practice in the area of civil litigation includes landlord/tenant, personal injury and other general areas of this side of the practice.

    29 years, 100 cases

I am an aggressive criminal defense attorney with extensive trial advocacy experience. I have been practicing law since 1991 and have handled thousands of criminal cases all throughout the state of Wisconsin.  I am an extremely hard worker and hold the best interests of each of my clients as my first priority. My job is to provide my clients with the best possible representation to achieve the utmost result in all cases. My clients are my business, and I treat each of them with respect and dignity.

Contact Christopher

Similar lawyers nearby

Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella
Chase Tower
111 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1925
Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  57 customer reviews
5 Star
 
98%
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Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Chris did a great job handling my case. He was very accessible, professional and experienced. He offered a lot of expertise and truly left me with a confident feeling throughout my case. He is diligent and very organized about his work and truly keeps his clients best interest in mind. I would highly recommend.
Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Job
Attorney Cherella comes highly recommended as he won a very difficult case He showed up and showed out, he definitely was a go getter. Attorney Cherella remained in contact and return all phone calls promptly,his passion for his work showed in the court room. Thanks Attorney Cherella WJ & Family
Posted by Peter | April 18, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr Peter Jurkowski
I was very satisfied with the work Chris did for me. He always kept telling me to focus on my well-being and he would worry and take care of all the Legal Aspects of my case. He was always available for questions and would took the time to explain everything clearly. He also kept me well prepared for court.
Posted by Aleks | March 21, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gold-standard DUI Defense
Could not be more satisfied—Chris provided top-tier legal help and made my situation considerably more manageable. He was prompt in his responses and perfectly on top of things, even with a substantial case load on top of mine. I would recommend his services to anyone.
Posted by Michael | December 23, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
I highly recommend this law firm. Attorney Chris Cherella did an amazing job of having a speeding ticket reduced down to a non-moving parking violation with no points. He was also very responsive and great to communicate with.
Posted by Leah Giuliani | May 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experienced Criminal Attorney
Our family hired Chris to represent us, he was respectful and professional. He accomplished what we needed him do with success. Great advocate for our family. We couldn't have won this case without him! So grateful for his service! Highly recommend!
Posted by Doug | February 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Prompt, Communicative, Timely
Chris was very professional, prompt, courteous, educational/very informative in terms I could understand. He even took the time to text/contact me outside of normal business hours to make sure we were able to communicate effective and in a timely manner. I personally highly recommend using the Law offices of Chris Cherella.
Posted by Michael | February 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
As an International client I could not be more pleased with the service provided by Chris
Chris is very professional in his approach, works very hard and was always available when I needed him. He achieved our desired outcome and I could not be more pleased with his services.
Posted by John | November 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks Chris!!
Had a restraining order filed against me on false pretenses Hired Chris Cherella to represent me Chris was professional, very informative & thoughtful. Job well done. I’d recommend Chris to anyone who needs these type of services Thank you Chris
Posted by Gavin | September 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended, Professional, Conscious Listening, Clarity with expectations
Hiring Attorney Christopher Cherella was hands down THE BEST decisions I've made for a attorney. The "direct" professional approach in which I was continually informed about my situation/case was what I needed (personally) to have in order to feel comfortable/understand what exactly is going on. (Side note: extremely quick via email for quick communications) If I had any questions about anything going on that I didn't understand, Mr. Cherella didn't hesitate to explain and also explain what avenues he was going to take to help my case go in a much more beneficial route. I had a 16 month case (take into count covid and closures) that seemed like I was never to see any light at the end of the tunnel. Here is my advice. Hire this man, listen to this man, TRUST this man and do exactly what he tells you to do ! You will see what he is absolutely capable of as Professional and as a Attorney! Thank you Attorney Chris Cherella !
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Posted by anonymous | September 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Definitely a life saver
4 years late with my review My experience with attorney Cherella was 10 out of 10 he did everything in his power to help me me keep my freedom, before finding him i felt helpless like like my world was crashing down over false accusations that wasn't true and i came to him with proof of text messages that i am a innocent man and he took everything i had and proved my innocence in court. I recommend attorney Cherella to anyone that needs a GREAT attorney.
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Posted by Ryan | June 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and dedicated
Chris did everything in his power to guide me through the process and help ensure the best possible outcome. From initially facing upward of 50 years, he helped me get a sentence with minimal time and financial repercussions. Strongly recommend him if you find yourself in a bad spot.
Posted by Keri | May 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Criminal Attorney In Town!
I was blown away by Chris’s experience and abilities! He is an amazing attorney that helped out my family so much. We would have never gotten the deal we did for my son without him. His compassion, honesty and ability to reassure us and inform us through the lengthy process was incredible! I can’t say enough about him! In the future, I will only recommend Chris to people as there is no one else I would rather use!
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Posted by Danielle | May 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb Communicator
In addition to his legal expertise, Chris is attentive, to the point and a very effective communicator. He does have staff, but you wouldn't know it because he handles all communications himself. He promptly responds to emails and usually picks up his phone. I don't think I have ever waited longer than an hour to hear back. I appreciated feeling like a top priority.
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Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Lawyer
Awesome lawyer he will work hard for you. Very pro fessional, Great personality.
Posted by Gafur Ergashev | March 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal lawyer
I hired Chris Cherella, because first time in life I need criminal lawyer and this was good choice I did thanks Chris!
Posted by Joe | October 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Cherella is a beast of an attorney
Without going into too much detail, I found myself in a situation that warranted the services of an attorney of Mr. Chris Cheralla's magnitude and stature. I found myself at ease when I first stepped into his office and noticed plaque on his wall that showed he has been practicing law since the year I was born. Before I had even given him a deposit he impressed me by jumping right on the phone to get details about my case. During the process, Chris took several steps to give me the feeling that me and my case were very important to him. The outcome of the case, with Chris on my side, couldn't have been better. His prices were very fair compared to other professionals in his field whom I consulted. A few adjectives I would use to describe Chris professionally, based on my experience, are; attentive, direct, capable, confident, knowledgeable, formal, well-spoken, thorough and keen. There is a 100% chance that I would recommend Chris Cherella to anyone needing criminal defense representation.
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Posted by Erik | October 16, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
Chris did a superb job for me. He was aggressive in court. I found he charged a very reasonable rate.
Posted by anonymous | October 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great help
When I got my first and only OWI I knew who to call, and that was Chris Cherella. I heard and read great reviews about his firm and he proved that I made the right choice. Chris responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had and thoroughly explained each step to resolving my case. I am very thankful for the tremendous work Chris did and would refer him to anyone going through a similar situation.
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Posted by Jay | August 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Man You Want
I hired Chris after a brief consultation. My ultimate results couldn't have been better. Law enforcement had decided not to pursue charges. Chris definitely understands how you are legally protected & exposed, most of all -he's got your back!
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella
  • 2001 - Present
  • Prosecuting Attorney
  • City of Milwaukee
  • 1998 - 2001
  • Attorney
  • Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella
  • 1996 - 1998
  • Associate Attorney
  • Courtney & Molter, S.C.
  • 1993 - 1996
  • Associate Attorney
  • Miller & Miller, S.C.
  • 1991 - 1993
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Dayton School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1991
  • Marquette University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • State of WI v. K.W., Milwaukee
  • Case Dismissed
  • City of Milwaukee v. C.N.
  • Case Dismissed
  • State of WI v. A.W., Milwaukee County
  • Dismissed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Member
  • N/A

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (18)
Given (19)
Endorse Christopher
Unknown Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | May 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a tremendous advocate for his clients. With extensive experience and knowledge of criminal law, Chris is able to achieve great results for clients in tough situations. I recommend Chris to anyone who is need of a quality criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Friend
"Chris and I attended law school together. He is an excellent, well respected trial attorney. He is also a committed husband and father who knows the importance of family. If you want an attorney with a great reputation who will vigorously represent you, then hire him!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Cherella for over 15 years and he has always impressed me with his work ethic and ability to obtain great results for his clients. Attorney Cherella is someone I would have no trouble referring a friend or family member to."
Family Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Chris for over 15 years, first as a City Prosecutor and adversary and then as a fellow criminal defense attorney. He brings a no-nonsense approach and tenacious verve to the representation of his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris is a skilled negotiator and an excellent trial attorney. He relentlessly fights to ensure that his clients get great results."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Chris is a great lawyer and always works hard for his clients. When I was an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee Chris and I had several cases together. He knows the law and has the litigation skills to back it up. Chris was always on his game and consistently achieved great results for his clients. Highly recommended."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris has been fighting hard for his clients for over twenty years. I have witnessed Chris litigate trials and he does a wonderful and effective job fighting hard for his clients. Chris will give you honest advice and is committed to getting his clients the best possible outcome."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris is a tenacious and skilled trial lawyer. I've watched him in difficult trials, and he is masterful at cross-examination and challenging the government's case. He is experienced in both state and federal courts, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone charged with a serious crime."
Litigation Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an experienced, top notch professional. He is especially qualified in contested hearings and trials, where his ability to think on his feet can be showcased. I would not and do not hesitate to recommend Chris to my family, friends, and colleagues."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've seen Chris in both state and federal court. He goes to bat for his clients and is a shrewd litigator. Chris is definitely not scared to take a case to trial, having done so many times in his career. I can recall seeing Chris litigate complex drug cases in federal court, successfully, for clients who were facing as much as life in prison. If you want somebody with the right mix of aggressiveness and compassion, Chris is your guy"
Criminal defense Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Chris for over twenty years. What his clients like most about him is his dogged determination to get the best possible result. I would trust him with a family member."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Chris is a great lawyer, who always conducts himself with the highest ethical standards and skills."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Criminal defense
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Employment and labor
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