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Christopher D. Donovan
also known as Chris Donovan
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About Christopher
Biography
From the trial court to the United States Supreme Court, I have helped clients obtain great results. I have won cases on motions, at trial, on appeal, and gotten good plea offers in serious cases. I am passionate about defending individual rights. Call today to let me help you or a loved one in trouble.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
21 years | 500 cases
Federal Crime
30%
20 years | 150 cases
Appeals
20%
20 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 400-600 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 20 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Pruhs & Donovan, S.C.
757 N Broadway # 401, Milwaukee, WI, 53202-3612
pruhs-donovan.com/chris_donovan.htmlGallery
Christopher D. Donovan's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
FBI Investigation
Attorney Donovan guided me through an FBI investigation regarding J6. He was not afraid to ask THEM the questions about how THEY went about the investigation and what it meant. They didn't reply with much because it was a dragnet and the largest FBI investigation in US history. No charges, No fed...
Posted by Wesam | February 12, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
I’d absolutely recommend Chris to anyone who needs a good attorney.
I talked to Chris Donovan about representing my son and, even though I didn’t end up hiring him, I was really impressed with how personable and knowledgeable he was. He took the time to explain the situation clearly and laid out the challenges we’d be facing. It was obvious he knows his stuff and car...
Posted by anonymous | May 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hire him
I hired Chris for post conviction work. He is easy to get a hold of and the quality of his work is impressive. Chris also assisted in various other issues I faced.
Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very nice
Thank you for the advice. You were very nice person, Chris and I appreciate that you took the time to hear my case. I will continue and do as you suggested. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Wonderful Lawyer
Chris is the attorney you want if facing any criminal charges. He is knowledgeable, kind, organized, and confident. He always made me feel like I was most important. When it came time to court I felt comfort knowing he was behind me. I was facing some jail time. My outcome was home confident and...
Christopher D. Donovan's Lawyer Endorsements
"Chris Donovan combines superior knowledge of the law with great courtroom skills to get results for his clients. He is an excellent attorney."
"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I worked with Attorney Donovan for about a year and a half during law school. Chris is dedicated to his clients and works diligently to get results. Therefore, I endorse this lawyer."
"I have seen Chris in action in federal court. If you are facing serious criminal charges, you cannot go wrong by having him defend you."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an exceptional attorney. I have seen him in both state and federal court, and he is well-prepared at all times. He is a diligent worker and cares about his clients."
"Chris is an, intelligent, thoughtful and hardworking attorney who takes the time to get the job done right."
"I have known Chris for several years now and I have always been impressed with him. As a former prosecutor in Milwaukee, I saw Chris' hard work and dedication consistently achieve great results for his clients. He is always well prepared and fights hard for his clients. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone charged with a crime in state or federal court."
"Chris is an authority on federal criminal appeals. I often reach out to him to discuss my appellate cases. If you need help with a federal matter, you need someone like Chris on your side."
"Attorney Donovan is an outstanding advocate for his client's rights. His thorough knowledge of the law is the perfect compliment to his tireless commitment to stellar representation purposed on obtaining the best possible results for his clients. I routinely turn to Attorney Donovan for his thoughts and advice, and I unquestionably endorse him."
"Chris is a lawyer who enjoys the minutiae of the legal process. He is very detail oriented and extremely knowledgeable regarding the intricate nature of the law."
"Chris is one of the finest young lawyers out there. He has been actively taking federal cases for more than two years and has developed a reputation as one of the most thorough, prepared lawyers in court. "
Allison Ritter
Criminal defense lawyer
Craig Mastantuono
Federal crime lawyer
Craig Johnson
Criminal defense lawyer
Joseph Bugni
Criminal defense lawyer
Tara Adolph
Criminal defense lawyer
Brian Fahl
Appeals lawyer
Casey Hoff
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeffrey Jensen
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Cherella
Criminal defense lawyer
David Stegall
Unknown lawyer
Mark Maciolek
Criminal defense lawyer
Matthew Pinix
Unknown lawyer
Joshua Uller
Criminal defense lawyer
Theodore Perlick Molinari
DUI and DWI lawyer
Anthony Cotton
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Partner, Pruhs & Donovan, S.C.
2005 - 2012
Attorney, Pruhs Law Office, S.C.
Associations
2012 - Present
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar AssociationBoard Member
2012 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard Member
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
State Bar of WisconsinMember
2015 - 2016
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar AssociationSecretary
2014 - 2015
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar AssociationTreasurer
2010 - 2015
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar AssociationCriminal Committee, Co-Chair
Sample of Legal Cases
Probation on Serious Gun Charge
Probation and expungement
Serious Federal Charge Reduction
Time served
Concurrent time for felon in possession
Concurrent sentence
Probation on Serious Federal Drug Charge
Probation
United States Supreme Court
Supreme Court affirmed lower courts
State Appeal Win
Won on appeal
Federal Appeal Win
Appeal win
Life sentence remanded
Sentence remanded
NOT GUILTY after jury trial
Client found NOT GUILTY
Dismissal of case after DPA
Case dismissed
Early release from prison
Client released early from prison
United States v. Nunez
United States v. Tylman
United States v. Taylor
4 serious felony counts dismissed
Dismissal of 4 felony counts
Felony Fleeing reduced to Disorderly Conduct
Felony reduced to misdemeanor
Education
2005
Marquette University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual Meeting
The 4th Amendment and 21st Century Technology: Emerging Issues
2011
Defending State and Federal Drug Cases
Federal Revocation Proceedings
Publications
2009
Marquette University Law School Blog
Alum Blogger of the Month
N/A
Seventh Circuit Criminal Case Summaries
Blogger
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I have recourse for a DA at sentence hearing blatantly lie and say accusations that can be proven false?
30 Aug 2025
Q&A
What can I do if the secret service agents visited me ?
08 Dec 2024
Q&A
How to get my property back that was seized?
26 May 2024