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.

Sex Crimes

What To Do if You Are Accused of Child Molestation

Posted in California Law,Sex Crimes on June 9, 2022

Being falsely accused of any crime can be devastating—but if you are falsely accused of child molestation, the situation becomes even more harrowing. Despite the anger and embarrassment you may feel, you must focus on disproving the charges against you and formulating your defense. Your very liberty depends upon it. Hiring a seasoned and knowledgeable…

Read More

What Is Sodomy?

Posted in Criminal Defense,Sex Crimes on June 9, 2022

A crude but honest definition of sodomy is simply “anal sex.” In the state of California, sodomy is a crime when it occurs between an adult and a minor or if it occurs in the context of non-consensual anal sex between adults. “Anal sex” under California law involves the penetration of one person’s penis into…

Read More

Teen Sexting Laws in California

Posted in California Law,Sex Crimes on June 9, 2022

The act of sending sexually suggestive or nude images via an electronic device is known as sexting, and it can be illegal if teens are involved. Sexting usually occurs via text messages or social media platforms but can also be carried out via email or other electronic means. Teenagers, most of which are minors, commonly…

Read More

What is Considered Date Rape In California?

Posted in Assault FAQ'S,California Law,Sex Crimes on February 28, 2022

The simplest way of defining the term date rape is sexual assault perpetrated by an acquaintance similar to date is still rape. You will find that most states do not use the word “rape” anymore but rather refer to it as a sexual assault, battery, or conduct crime. Regardless of how it is labeled though,…

Read More

Child Seduction Crimes and Penalties in California

Posted in California Law,Sex Crimes,Sex Offender FAQs on February 7, 2022

Sexually engaging with a minor in any capacity is a grave crime in California, easily met with harsh fines and hefty prison sentences. Sometimes, criminals toying with the potential of physically engaging with a minor test the opportunity to do so over the internet – effectively attempting to seduce the underage child.  What they may…

Read More

California Indecent Exposure Laws

Posted in California Law,General FAQ'S,Sex Crimes,Sex Offender FAQs on January 18, 2022

Under California Penal Code 314, you are prohibited from exposing your private parts in public to anyone who might be offended or annoyed. In order for the action to fall under this law, the defendant must have acted in a manner intended to draw attention to their private parts to offend someone else or for…

Read More

What is Considered Child Neglect in California?

Posted in California Law,Juvenile Crimes,Sex Crimes on January 13, 2022

Child neglect and abuse are defined differently in each state. The definition of these terms is of most concern to friends and family of a child they suspect is being abused. Before assessing a case of child neglect, it is recommended that those investigating child abuse recognize that it can be perpetrated by anyone –…

Read More

Evidence Used in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases

Posted in Domestic Violence,Domestic Violence FAQ'S,Sex Crimes,Sex Offender FAQs on January 10, 2022

Domestic violence and sexual assault charges are serious, some of which carry the status of a felony. Under normal circumstances, both alleged victims and alleged perpetrators are concerned with the evidence that may or may not be used in a suit against them. While this is a worthwhile concern for those looking to find justice,…

Read More

What Does California Define as Lewd and Lascivious Conduct? 288(a)

Posted in Criminal Defense,Sex Crimes on April 21, 2021

California Penal Code 288(a) states that it is illegal for a person to engage in any lewd or lascivious conduct with a minor. “Lewd and lascivious” acts refer to any actions that are indecent or of a sexual nature with an individual under the age of 14. This includes “arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the…

Read More

SB 145: Amended Sex Offender Registration Laws in California

Posted in California Law,Criminal Defense,Sex Crimes on March 15, 2021

Sex offender laws do change from time to time. One of the changes to California’s sex offender registration requirements came in 2020. California Senate Bill 145 (SB 145) was passed in an attempt to give judges the same discretion that they have for cases where a young adult and a minor engage in vaginal intercourse….

Read More