Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving Milwaukee, WI · 36+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James D. Cooley at a Glance
James D. Cooley is a dui/dwi, drug crimes, criminal defense, and appellate attorney based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have 36+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1990. Admitted to practice in Wisconsin (1990) and U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin (1990). Educated at University of Wisconsin-Madison, (J.D., 1990) and University of Wisconsin-Madison, (B.S., 1987). Serves clients in Milwaukee, WI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James D. Cooley
- Atty. James D. Cooley is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, felonies, misdemeanors and 4 other areas of law
- James received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years
- James practices in Milwaukee, WI
Practice Areas Explained
James D. Cooley's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James D. Cooley handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Milwaukee.
DUI / DWI Defense in Milwaukee
Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.
James D. Cooley is one of 29,739 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in Wisconsin →
Drug Crimes in Milwaukee
James D. Cooley is one of 6,914 drug crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse drug crimes attorneys in Wisconsin →
Criminal Defense in Milwaukee
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
James D. Cooley is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin →
Appellate Practice in Milwaukee
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
James D. Cooley is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Wisconsin →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Milwaukee
Practicing law in Wisconsin. Legal matters in Wisconsin are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Milwaukee are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Wisconsin state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Wisconsin brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Wisconsin courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Milwaukee Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Milwaukee-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Wisconsin attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Milwaukee or all attorneys in Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Milwaukee Choose James D. Cooley
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James D. Cooley's practice in the field of dui/dwi, drug crimes, criminal defense, and appellate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James D. Cooley brings 36+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Wisconsin and U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, James D. Cooley can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering dui/dwi, drug crimes, and criminal defense, James D. Cooley can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Milwaukee
A Milwaukee-based practice means James D. Cooley attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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How People Find James D. Cooley Online
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James D. Cooley's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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