Business Details
35 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Milwaukee, WI
For over 30 years, we have delivered personalized, hands-on criminal defense representation to clients in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. As a former prosecutor, I bring insider knowledge of the justice system to every case, combining legal expertise with a commitment to accessibility. Our practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, handling matters ranging from traffic infractions to complex federal offenses.We prioritize direct client communication, offering 24/7 availability and personal cell phone access to your attorney. With thousands of cases successfully resolved, our approach emphasizes early intervention, strategic defense planning, and maintaining client confidentiality.
Services
Criminal Defense
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence
OWI Defense
Federal Offenses
Sex Crimes
Theft Crimes
Violent Crimes
Appeals
Probation Violations
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of Wisconsin-specific criminal defense experience
- Our attorney served as a former Milwaukee municipal prosecutor
- We provide 24/7 direct access to your trial-tested defense attorney
- We've successfully handled 1,000+ criminal cases in state/federal courts
- We guarantee personal representation without associate attorneys
What people say
Hard worker
No courtroom needed
No-nonsense approach
Quick to reply
Zealous advocate
Services
Criminal Defense
We provide comprehensive defense against criminal charges in Wisconsin state and federal courts. Our practice handles all offense levels from misdemeanors to capital felonies. With former prosecutorial experience, we develop strategic defenses tailored to each case's unique circumstances while maintaining client confidentiality throughout the legal process.
Drug Crimes
Our firm defends clients against all drug-related charges including possession, trafficking, and manufacturing. We challenge evidence collection methods and laboratory procedures while leveraging our understanding of controlled substance schedules. We handle both state and federal drug cases with particular expertise in complex trafficking prosecutions involving interstate operations.
OWI Defense
We specialize in defending operating-while-intoxicated charges under Wisconsin law. Our approach challenges chemical test validity, police procedure compliance, and field sobriety test interpretation. We help clients avoid license revocation and ignition interlock device requirements while protecting their driving privileges through administrative hearings.
Domestic Violence
We represent clients facing domestic abuse allegations with emphasis on protecting their rights during investigation and prosecution. Our defense strategy addresses false accusations, examines evidence credibility, and minimizes collateral consequences like protective orders. We handle both misdemeanor and felony domestic violence charges in Wisconsin courts.
Federal Offenses
Our practice includes defending clients in federal criminal cases across Wisconsin. We handle complex investigations, grand jury proceedings, and trials in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. With experience in sentencing guidelines and appellate procedures, we represent clients facing charges ranging from white-collar crimes to organized drug operations.
People
Christopher J. Cherella
Attorney at Law
With 30+ years of experience, Mr. Cherella provides personalized criminal defense representation. A former Milwaukee prosecutor, he has handled 1,000+ cases in state and federal courts. He focuses exclusively on criminal defense, offering 24/7 client access and direct attorney representation.
Questions
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Wisconsin?
Remain silent, request legal representation, and contact our office immediately. Do not discuss your case with anyone until consulting with an attorney.
Can first-time OWI charges be dismissed in Wisconsin?
While challenging, dismissals are possible through procedural defenses, evidence suppression, or demonstrating flawed testing methods. Each case requires individual evaluation.
How does a former prosecutor help my criminal defense case?
Inside knowledge of prosecution strategies allows us to anticipate tactics, identify weaknesses in their case, and develop more effective counter-strategies.
What happens during a free consultation?
We'll review your case details, explain legal options, discuss potential outcomes, and answer questions about the defense process.
Can I get a domestic violence charge dropped if the victim recants?
Prosecutors decide charges, not victims. While recantation helps, the state may continue prosecution based on other evidence.
How are drug crime penalties determined in Wisconsin?
Penalties depend on drug type/schedule, quantity, prior record, and whether charges involve possession, trafficking, or manufacturing.
