MENU

Riverside:

(951) 667-5293

Orange County:

(714) 758-5293

who you hire can make all the difference

Mr. Donath has spent his entire career defending people and standing up for the rights of the accused.

request a free consultation
  • former deputy public defender

    As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. 

  • award winning certified criminal law specialist

    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

  • a true passion for defending the accused

    Your lawyer should have a passion for defense, not just a passion for money. Reputation, vigor, and determination go a long way in this business.

Request Consultation

request a free confidential consultation

*all fields are required
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Criminal Defense

AB 1950: Guide to New Probation Reform in California

Posted in California Law,Criminal Defense on February 22, 2021

For many people, prohibition is seen as a way to serve time without actually having to go to jail or prison after a conviction for a misdemeanor or felony offense. While this may be seen as a positive way for a person to complete their sentence, the reality is that the burdens of probation can…

Read More

Misdemeanor Diversion Program in California

Posted in Criminal Defense,Expungement on February 18, 2021

Over the last few decades, states across the country have recognized that certain low-level offenses should not necessarily be handled by the traditional criminal court proceedings. This is particularly true for low-level offenses committed by first-time offenders. California has acknowledged the need for diversion programs for certain misdemeanor offenses. Studies from universities and criminal justice…

Read More

Expungement for Completion of Fire Camp in California

Posted in Criminal Defense,Expungement,Sentencing on February 4, 2021

Many people may not realize that inmates in California play an integral role in fighting fires throughout the state. As of October 2020, there were approximately 3,700 inmates working at fire camps in various areas throughout the state. These inmates work to provide various services, including firefighting services as well as support staff for firefighters,…

Read More

Evidence in Criminal Cases

Posted in Criminal Defense on January 11, 2021

If you or somebody you care about has been arrested and is facing criminal charges, you will undoubtedly be looking for answers. This can be an incredibly confusing and scary experience, and the number one thing that you can do is secure a skilled criminal defense attorney to help. Your case will revolve around evidence,…

Read More

What Does ‘Tolling’ the Statute of Limitations Mean in CA?

Posted in Criminal Defense on December 10, 2020

Most people have heard of the term “statute of limitations.” The statute of limitations is important for both civil and criminal cases, and this refers to the amount of time that an action can be brought against another person. In a criminal case, the statute of limitations refers to the amount of time that prosecutors…

Read More

Attorney-Client Privilege in California

Posted in Criminal Defense on November 25, 2020

Most people have heard about the attorney-client privilege, whether they have seen it on TV or in the movies. The attorney-client privilege refers to any communication between an attorney and their client becoming privileged and confidential. In other words, an attorney is not generally allowed to disclose the privileged information that has been told to…

Read More

What Is My Constitutional Right To A Speedy Trial?

Posted in Criminal Defense on October 29, 2020

You have probably heard that a person charged with a crime has the right to a speedy trial. This is true. Under the Sixth Amendment to the US Constitution, criminal defendants have the right to a speedy trial, though the Constitution does not precisely define what a speedy trial means. Federal Speedy Trial Act The…

Read More

How Is Criminal Negligence Defined In California?

Posted in Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S on October 29, 2020

Criminal negligence refers to conduct a person engages in that ignores an obvious or known risk or disregards the safety and life of others. Federal and state courts have varying definitions of what criminal negligence means, but they all describe this behavior as a form of recklessness. When a person is criminally negligent, this means…

Read More

California Motions for Continuance in a Criminal Case

Posted in Criminal Defense on October 28, 2020

If you or somebody you care about has been charged with a crime in California, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed initially by the thought of going through a criminal trial. However, it is important that you have a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side. Preferably, you should contact a private criminal defense lawyer as…

Read More

How Are Plea Bargains Made?

Posted in Criminal Defense,Sentencing on September 24, 2020

Getting arrested and charged with a crime can be an incredibly scary experience. Those who are facing charges and their family members are often left wondering what their options are. First, it is important to understand that you need to secure a Riverside defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled criminal attorney will be…

Read More