Caroline G Donato

Caroline G Donato

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 11 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at West Chester, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, White Collar Crime

17 West Miner Street, West Chester, PA

About Caroline

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 11 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2014

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 11 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2014

Active

No misconduct found

Location

MacElree Harvey, Ltd. - West Chester

17 West Miner Street, West Chester, PA, 19382

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Caroline G Donato's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Glenn | September 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

An Attorney who actually cares

Caroline and her team represented me for a DUI I was charged with back in 2021 where the state trooper lied about everything from why he charged me with a DUI, because I was not intoxicated, to the reason why he even pulled me over to begin with which was unlawful. Caroline, Mary, Donna, and everyone... who was on my case actually listened to me, believed me that I was telling the truth and proved it with video and by catching the trooper on the stand lying. This past over three years have been probably the toughest of my life, because of this stopping me from moving to Phoenix, and the care and compassion that Caroline showed toward me and what was right is incomparable and priceless to what I've seen from any other attorney that I've worked with. She didn't sugarcoat or bs anything and that was very much appreciated as well. Caroline and her whole team are amazing and I definitely recommend her if you want things done right.

Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Criminal Attorney

Caroline Donato was my criminal attorney. She was by far the smartest and most insightful person in the court room. She was also a delightful person and a pleasure to work with. Caroline handled everything that came her way in a complex case with an exceptional level of confidence and discernment. ...Her attention to detail, academic excellence, and commitment to her clients shined brightly from the beginning, and she sustained that level of promise to the end. Caroline delivered on all of her promises, was responsive in all of our communications, and came more than prepared to every meeting. She maintained utmost professionalism and poise in the courtroom and was always ten steps ahead of the opposing counsel. Whenever the situation called for it, she was as fierce as a lion on my behalf. Her closing arguments were on point; they deserved a standing ovation if not for the serious context of the case at hand. Any claims from opposing counsel were addressed and put to rest thanks to Caroline's preparedness and noteworthy eloquence in speaking. As a result of her efforts, justice was served. Caroline is who you want by your side in a crises. I highly recommend her services to anyone who needs a criminal attorney.

Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Lawyer In PA

Caroline was very professional and precise with my case. She stated from the start what she was planning to do and she did everything that she planned. Caroline communicated well with me from start to finish and she always stayed ahead and prepared just in case things didn’t go as planned (even thoug...h everything went as planned). She was honest and she made me feel secure and gave me knowledge in a lot of areas where I wasn’t knowledgeable about the law. She made the worst year of my life much easier and she beat my case! I was facing a felony but with Caroline professionalism, patience, knowledge and dedication I was able to walk away with no Felony or Misdemeanor I’m very thankful for Caroline. I wish Caroline and Mary both peace, happiness, and wealth!

Posted by Lou | January 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Caroline

I found myself in need of a criminal attorney facing charges that could result in incarceration and fortunately found Caroline for my case. Talking with her she knew I was innocent of the most serious charges I was accused of doing and developed a strategy to defend me. Throughout the process, Caro...line showed excellent knowledge of the law, was articulate in explaining to me how we would proceed and demonstrated professionalism. She showed true personal concern, compassion and support for me, my family and my situation. In interactions with the prosecutor she was fearless and confident. When appearing in court, she was well prepared and precise in arguing my case. Caroline was able to satisfy the charges against me in the most favorable terms resulting in no incarceration and dropping of the most serious charges. I am very thankful for her and what she did for me and my family.

Posted by Brian M | February 22, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Beyond Thankful For Her Work

I was wrongfully accused of four crimes in which I clearly did not commit. Caroline not only saw to it that I was proven innocent, but she was always available to answer any and all questions that my family and I had pertaining to my case. To say that we are thankful for her services would be an unde...rstatement. A five-star review doesn't do her justice.

See All Client Reviews

Caroline G Donato's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Caroline
Steve Edward Jarmon Jr. headshot
Steve Jarmon

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tiffany Griffin headshot
Tiffany Griffin

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy F. Rayne headshot
Timothy Rayne

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"I work with Caroline and highly endorse her as a superb Criminal Defense Attorney. Caroline has exellent knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal law and is a passionate advocate for her clients."

Michael Domenick DiCindio headshot
Michael DiCindio

Unknown lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Caroline is a compassionate and caring advocate who puts her whole self into the cases she handles. She works hard to secure the best possible result for each person she represents - and because of her work ethic and ability, I would highly recommend Caroline."

Andrew Ross Silverman headshot
Andrew Silverman

White collar crime lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse Caroline because she is a diligent and zealous advocate for her clients."

Peter E. Kratsa headshot
Peter Kratsa

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"Caroline is a talented, thorough and thoughtful attorney. I wholeheartedly endorse her."

Ashly Ryan McGarity headshot
Ashly McGarity

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Julie Marie Potts headshot
Julie Potts

Family lawyer

Brooke Reed Ginty headshot
Brooke Ginty

Family lawyer

Brian J. Forgue headshot
Brian Forgue

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Rising Star Honoree, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

2019

Top Lawyer, Main Line Today Magazine

2019

Rising Star of the Year, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry

2018

Rising Star Honoree, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

2018

Top Lawyer, Main Line Today Magazine

2017

Top Lawyer, Main Line Today Magazine

2016

Top Lawyer, Main Line Today Magazine

2015

Top Lawyer, Main Line Today Magazine

2014

James J. Manderino Award for Trial Advocacy, Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Attorney, MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

2013 - 2013

Summer Law Clerk, Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Delaware

2013 - 2014

Law Clerk, The Law Offices of John P. Deckers, P.A.,

2013 - 2013

Certified Legal Intern, Chester County District Attorney’s Office

2012 - 2012

News Department Intern, CBS Philadelphia

2011 - 2011

Law Clerk, Vaira & Riley, PC

2011 - 2012

Law Clerk, Law Offices of Michael J. Engle

2010 - 2011

Law Clerk, The Law Office of Caroline M. Roberto

2009 - 2009

Public Policy Intern, University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics

2006 - 2011

Law Clerk, Law Offices of Arthur T. Donato Jr.

Associations

2018 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), Eastern District

New Lawyers Committee Chair

2016 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

New Lawyers Committee Member

2015 - Present

Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Member

2014 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry

Women Influencing Business Committee

2014 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2014 - Present

Chester County Bar Association

Member

2011 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Possession with Intent to Distribute (criminal narcotics charge) PWID

Dismissal of Felony PWID charges

Rape Trial

Acquittal

Administrative Appeals

Favorable decision

Driving Under Suspension / DUI Related

Acquittal and negotiated results

Civil and Administrative Document Production

No enforcement action

PFA and Related Indirect Criminal Contempt

Successful withdrawals and successful negotiated results

Drug and Paraphernalia

Evidence suppressed

Theft

Dismissal

DUI

Great plea resolutions

Sex Crime

Successful negotiated resolutions

Traffic

Positive plea negotiations

See More Legal Cases

Education

2014

Widener University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2011

University of Pittsburgh

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

CCCBI Women Influencing Business Committee Networking Event Facilitator: TedX Talk “10 ways to have a better conversation” by Celeste Headlee

2017

Criminal Justice Class

Criminal Law Practice in Pennsylvania

2017

CCCBI WIB Legal Series

Freedom of Speech in the Workplace

Publications

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution