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 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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... probation. I can't thank him enough for all his hard work he did for me. Chris you are amazing!!

Posted by anonymous | February 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

The BEST Lawyer I've ever hired.

I hired Chris in 2016, and before I hired him I had little to no chance of winning my case. I had just turned 18 years old, and made some serious mistakes when I was 16-17. He was knowledgeable, kind, understanding, and charged me a VERY LOW fee for handling my case. Within a month or two of hiring C...hris I was on the road to righting my wrongs, instead of jail time. Thanks to Chris I have since been able to get my dream job which needless to say would not have been the case had I been convicted. Do yourself a favor and hire Chris he is BY FAR the best Lawyer I have ever hired!

Posted by Joshua | October 28, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Amazing Lawyer!

I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer in choosing Christopher Donovan from Pruhs and Donovan Law. He gave me confidence and tranquility throughout my little scuffle with the law. Always cared, always available whether it be through email, phone or meeting. Was very thorough with everything and al...ways seemed to have one if not two backup plans for whatever came our way. The outcome couldn't have been better. Could not have picked a better lawyer and would recommend him to anyone who is in any sort of trouble with the law. Won't hesitate to hire again.

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 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.

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