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.

Moreno Valley Criminal Defense Lawyer

After an arrest or criminal charge, you need a top Moreno Valley defense lawyer. Hiring a lawyer is the only way to ensure the judge hears your voice during an arraignment and trial. The Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC has aggressive defense attorneys who can make all the difference in your or a loved one’s case. We fight for fair treatment of our clients throughout the legal process, as well as true justice for defendants. Contact us today for sound legal advice during a free, confidential consultation.

Quick Answers:

When to Hire a Moreno Valley Criminal Attorney

Most people aren’t privy to the inner workings of Moreno Valley criminal law until police place them under arrest. This is why it’s critical to retain a defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can immediately bring clients up to speed on the related state and local laws pertaining to the case. An attorney can also give advice during the legal process, such as what to say and what not to say to police officers. Most importantly, a lawyer can craft a strong defense strategy for the best possible case outcome.

Hire a criminal attorney as soon as you can after an arrest. Depending on the severity of your alleged crime, you could be facing significant legal consequences. Partnering with a lawyer right from the start can help you save money, protect your rights, and optimize your odds of successfully navigating the legal system. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC offer clients immediate legal, personal, and emotional support. Call our office upon arrest, without delay, to make the rest of your time with the law brief and simple.

Moreno Valley Criminal Defense Attorney

Information on the Moreno Valley Criminal Court 

You’ll visit the Moreno Valley Courthouse on Heacock Street after a traffic ticket or charge. This courthouse handles small claims and traffic infractions, including speeding tickets and reckless driving. Other criminal cases most often go to the Riverside Superior Court, or the Riverside Hall of Justice. Its address is 4100 Main Street, Riverside, California.

The Superior Court is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our lawyers can help you navigate Moreno Valley’s criminal court system, advising you when to appear, what to wear, what to say, and what to expect. Call today to discuss the local criminal courts during a free case evaluation.

What Is a Felony?

According to the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, a “felony” is a criminal case in which the prosecution alleges that the defendant violated a felony law. Felony crimes often involve violence and are more serious than their lesser counterparts, misdemeanors. Felony crimes are the gravest types of offenses in California and can garner penalties such as jail time, life in prison, and the death penalty in some states. Always contact an attorney if you’re facing any type of felony charge in Moreno Valley. A lawyer may be able to argue your offense down to a misdemeanor.

What Is a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a minor crime or wrongdoing. It is the lesser charge between the two categories of crimes: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but more serious than infractions. While an infraction is a petty offense that often only results in a fine, a misdemeanor can result in jail time. A misdemeanor also becomes part of a defendant’s criminal record. In Riverside County, the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor conviction is a maximum of six months in jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both. Hiring an attorney could help a client turn a misdemeanor into an infraction.

Criminal Defense Services in Moreno Valley:

Domestic Violence Defense 

California Penal Code Section 243 is the state’s domestic violence law. This is a common type of crime that gets many people in trouble – including people who aren’t guilty. What many people don’t understand is that they can’t rescind a domestic violence claim once they’ve called the police. As soon as police hear the complaint, they must investigate. At this point, the charge is out of the alleged victim’s hands. Even if the person takes back the claim, the state can choose to prosecute the offender.

It is in your best interest to hire an attorney if facing domestic violence charges in Moreno Valley, CA. Domestic violence charges can take a major toll on your personal and professional lives. It can lead to the loss of your job, damage to your reputation, and the end of a personal relationship. The law might say you’re innocent until proven guilty, but even an allegation of domestic assault or battery could impact your life. Our law firm can help you protect your rights and freedom in the face of domestic violence allegations. Contact our Riverside domestic violence lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

 Sexual Assault Defense

Sex crimes in California come with serious, life-changing penalties. Sex crimes include sexual assault, indecent exposure, rape, statutory rape, prostitution, molestation, and child pornography. If the courts convict you of a sex crime, you could face prison time, hefty fines, and your name permanently on a sex offender registry. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC will work day and night to talk down your sexual assault charge to something more minor, prove your innocence, or create an attractive plea deal. We’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

Violent Crimes Defense

Arrested for violent or hate crimes in Moreno Valley? Give us a call. Graham Donath can offer exceptional representation for any crime, including assault and battery, kidnapping, terrorism, arson, and false imprisonment. Our attorneys understand the complexity of these most serious types of criminal charges. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to defend you regardless of the details of your alleged crime and arrest. We know that a police officer and the criminal justice system aren’t perfect. When they make mistakes, we’re there to point them out on behalf of our clients. Let us build a strong case to protect you. Contact us today.

Drug Crimes Defense

Our law firm also handles drug crime defense in Moreno Valley. If your charges involve illegal possession of illicit substances such as heroin or alleged possession with intent to distribute, we can help. A drug crime conviction could ruin your life. Our lawyers will work around the clock to make sure that doesn’t happen. We know the best defenses to common drug crimes in California, such as: the drugs weren’t yours, unlawful search and seizure, inaccurate crime lab analysis, missing drugs, and entrapment. We can also help with cases involving unclear medical and recreational marijuana laws.

Contact a Moreno Valley Criminal Defense Lawyer

Your defense is the only thing that stands between you and a criminal record. If there’s a way to escape a criminal conviction in your case, the Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC will find it. Otherwise, your lawyer will come up with an exceptional defense strategy to reduce the charges against you or facilitate a plea bargain that minimizes penalties and repercussions. We’ll work closely with you every step of the way, informing you of your rights and coming up with solutions to bring you closer to your case goals.

The sooner you contact our offices, the better the outlook for your case. Our attorneys can truly make all the difference in your case. Mr. Donath has spent his entire career standing up for the rights of the accused in California. As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County and Current Riverside criminal defense lawyer, he’s always been in the business of defending people. Find out how he and his team can help you after an arrest in Moreno Valley. Call (951) 667-5293 or contact us online today.