Christopher D. Donovan

PRO

Christopher D. Donovan

also known as Chris Donovan

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Milwaukee, WI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Appeals

757 N Broadway # 401, Milwaukee, WI

Free Consultation

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

I've successfully handled state cases of every type, including trial court acquittals, appellate wins, and avoiding revocation of probation and extended supervision.

21 years | 500 cases

50%
Federal Crime 30%

I've gotten great results for clients for many federal crimes, both in trial court and appellate court (7th Circuit). Cases have included complex drug conspiracies, tax fraud, interstate theft, bank robbery, bank fraud, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal reentry, counterfeiting, welfare fraud, and revocation of supervised release.

20 years | 150 cases

30%
Appeals 20%

I have successfully handled many post-conviction motions and appeals in both state and federal courts.

20 years | 100 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 400-600 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 20 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2005

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Pruhs & Donovan, S.C.

757 N Broadway # 401, Milwaukee, WI, 53202-3612

pruhs-donovan.com/chris_donovan.html

Christopher D. Donovan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (17) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 17 reviews

Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2015

Chris Donovan changed my life.

Chris helped me through the hardest thing I've ever gone through, and did so with confidence and great advice. He was my lawyer and a friend. I could trust him, and trust that his advice was my best course of action. He was determined to get me the best result possible, and I honestly feel like with... any other lawyer I would not have had this positive of an outcome. If you need a lawyer you can trust, who will deliver quality advice and results, look no further.

Posted by Shawn | February 23, 2015

** CHRIS MIRACLE WORKER DONOVAN**

I don't believe that there is a word that would describe Mr Donovan. What Chris done for my family and I was beyond belief, a miracle if you will, chris has something special inside of him that puts him apart from all the others, his dedication, passion, & compassion that Chris has for his clients ar...e unbelievable so with that being said not only would I refer Chris to everyone but I highly encourage and recommend him and his abundant of blessings that he will bestow upon you.

Posted by Debra | February 23, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Outstanding.

Chris Donovan handled our case with utmost professionalism and genuine concern for us, as his clients. The outcome of the case was extremely favorable, in spite of dismal odds. We highly recommend him and consider him to be a shining star within the legal profession.

Posted by Kenn | October 03, 2013 | Federal Crime

Best. Lawyer. Ever.

If you're facing federal charges, in my opinion, you could not do better than Chris Donovan. He was helpful and kept me informed all through my case and afterward through my petition for early release. I honestly can't say enough. If you need an attorney, Call Pruhs and Donovan and hire Chris.

Posted by ron | June 21, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Chris is one of the best lawyers you could possibly hire

Chris was recommended to me by the lawyer my wife retained, and he told us by hiring chris we were basically assembling a dream team to combat the states criminal charges against us. The states case was built upon a illegal garbage search, and between Chris and my wife's attorney built a case to sup...press the search and did they hit a grand slam with it. The state would not reveal who the garbage men were along with the suppression, they did not want the courts to make a ruling on our case, so they called and offered to dismiss the charges, We were not happy with this offer, because at any time the state could refile the charges, and basically run us out money to defend our self's, so I called Chris and explained our dilemma with him and he said he would talk with my wife's lawyer and within 24 hours called me back to say that the state had put it's tail between it's legs, and now were offering to dismiss with prejudice( which meant they could never come back at us on these charges. I highly recommend chris and if faced with criminal charges again, I would not hesitate to call him, He answered emails quickly and returned calls promptly and let no rock unturned in my pursuit to have these charges dismissed or if I had gone to trial to have a not guilty verdict entered on my behalf. Another added bonus was that Chris took my case on a flat rate instead of an hourly rate which I thought was awesome, without the worry of the meter is running. So I say to you Chris, many many thanks and will recommend anyone I know needing a awesome lawyer to defend themselves against criminal charges

See All Client Reviews

Christopher D. Donovan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Craig R. Johnson headshot
Craig Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris Donovan combines superior knowledge of the law with great courtroom skills to get results for his clients. He is an excellent attorney."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Tara Adolph headshot
Tara Adolph

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Jeffrey W. Jensen headshot
Jeffrey Jensen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christopher J. Cherella headshot
Christopher Cherella

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Brian T. Fahl headshot
Brian Fahl

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Chris is an, intelligent, thoughtful and hardworking attorney who takes the time to get the job done right."

David M. Stegall headshot
David Stegall

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Mark P. Maciolek headshot
Mark Maciolek

Federal crime lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Matthew S. Pinix headshot
Matthew Pinix

Unknown lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Theodore Perlick Molinari headshot
Theodore Perlick Molinari

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Anthony D. Cotton headshot
Anthony Cotton

Federal crime lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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. "

View All Endorsements
Allison Marie Ritter headshot
Allison Ritter

Criminal defense lawyer

Craig A. Mastantuono headshot
Craig Mastantuono

Federal crime lawyer

Craig R. Johnson headshot
Craig Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph A. Bugni headshot
Joseph Bugni

Criminal defense lawyer

Tara Adolph headshot
Tara Adolph

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian T. Fahl headshot
Brian Fahl

Appeals lawyer

Casey Hoff headshot
Casey Hoff

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey W. Jensen headshot
Jeffrey Jensen

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher J. Cherella headshot
Christopher Cherella

Criminal defense lawyer

David M. Stegall headshot
David Stegall

Unknown lawyer

Mark P. Maciolek headshot
Mark Maciolek

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew S. Pinix headshot
Matthew Pinix

Unknown lawyer

Joshua D. Uller headshot
Joshua Uller

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony D. Cotton headshot
Anthony Cotton

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

Board Member

2012 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board Member

2010 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2007 - Present

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2005 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin

Member

2015 - 2016

Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

Secretary

2014 - 2015

Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

Treasurer

2010 - 2015

Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

Criminal 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

See More Legal Cases

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

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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