I'm a local Board Certified Specialist in Federal and State Criminal Law. My goal is to be the defense lawyer who people can trust to be a straight shooter and to work hard on their case.
Professionally, I chose to practice criminal defense from a very young age. I tagged-along to work with an uncle who was a prosecutor when I was a kid and decided then that the courthouse was where I wanted to spend my career. As a teen, I had a few run-ins with the law and although my offenses were somewhat petty, the enormous power that law enforcement and the government has over people facing criminal charges had a huge impact on me. It didn't take too much of that interaction for me to decide that balancing that power would be my lifelong professional goal.
If you need help, give me a call. Assisting those accused of crimes or infractions is all that I do. Godspeed.
Practice areas
I defend those accused of DWI in Dare, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties.
11 years
I defend those accused of motor vehicle offenses in Dare, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties.
11 years, 500 cases
I defend those accused of both felony and misdemeanor offenses in Dare, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties.
11 years, 200 cases
Not only do I privately represent individuals charged with a federal offenses, but I am also one of the two local "panel attorneys" selected to represent criminal defendants pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act of 1968.
Languages spoken
English
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC | Active | 2010 | 05/31/2021 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
| Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2017 |
| Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
| Board Certified Specialist - State and Federal Criminal Law | North Carolina State Bar | 2016 |
| Premier Attorney | American Academy of Trial Attorneys | 2015 |
|---|
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Donahue Law Firm | 2011 - Present |
| Associate | Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland, LLP | 2010 - 2011 |
| Assistant in Law Library | Charlotte School Of Law | 2008 - 2010 |
| Researcher | Powers McCartan, PLLC | 2008 - 2010 |
| Computer Lab Assitant | Charlotte School Of Law | 2007 - 2009 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit | Member | 2017 - Present |
| United States Supreme Court Bar | Member | 2016 - Present |
| American Academy of Trial Lawyers | Premier 100 trial lawyers for North Carolina | 2015 - Present |
| Federal Bar Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
| Criminal Justice Act | Panel Attorney | 2015 - Present |
| National College of DUI Defense | General Member | 2014 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2010 - Present |
| American Constitution Society for Law and Policy | Member | 2009 - Present |
| North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Criminal Defense Section | Member | 2008 - Present |
| North Carolina Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
| American Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2010 |
| North Carolina State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2005 |
| College of the Albemarle | A.A. | 2001 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Law: Practical Tips and Trending Topics | Case Management and Budgeting Strategies for New Lawyers | 2016 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| DWI Dismissal | Dismissed |
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I endorse this lawyer.
Timothy Koller, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mr. Donahue is a fine attorney, a great personality, and a credit to the profession of law practice. Having worked with Mr. Donahue as a GAL, and having seen him work on other matters in the community, I wholly endorse Mr. Donahue for anyone who wants an attorney who is not afraid to be a little different from the status quo. Mr. Donahue is different in the sense that he is personable, friendly, and an excellent listener. He will take in every word from his client, advise them accordingly, and his calm and professional demeanor make him dynamite in the courtroom. Judge's and his fellow attorney's tend to welcome him to the court and are warmed by the notion of having him present a case because Mr. Donahue understands and has mastered the art of brevity. He is truly a credit to the profession and I warmly endorse him for anyone who needs an attorney. He treats all matters with a level of mutual respect and dignity that makes him highly desirable in his profession.
I highly endorse this lawyer. I admire his knowledge and dedication to his clients.
Brian Thoman, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An Elizabeth City area lawyer who will fight to protect your record.
Martin Judnich, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Donahue is a great advocate for his clients and is often a contributor to discussions involving criminal defense. A+
Dustin Dow, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Benjamin Hamlet, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Daniel is a great attorney and fights for his clients.
Dennis Tackett, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Donahue is a top notch lawyer. His clients like him and his legal opponents respect him.
Johnnie Finch, Criminal defense Attorney on May 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Donahue will get the job done. He is a man of great integrity and wisdom.
Christopher Leroi, General practice Attorney on Aug 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Donahue is an exceptional attorney. Although I have been practicing law for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney, I learn from his responses on Avvo every time that he posts. If I needed an attorney, I would hire him. I recommend him with no reservation. It would be the best investment of your life to hire him to represent you.
Jennifer Chandler, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Attorney Donahue for years and can attest for his passion for the needs of his clients and his high level professionalism in everything he endeavors. Choosing Attorney Donahue will ensure excellence in your legal representation. I endorse this lawyer.
Norman Post, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 19, 2013
Relationship: Friend
One of the most intelligent criminal defense minds I have ever run across, DD is THE man in NE NC for traffic and criminal defense matters. Not only does he know more than the person on the other side of the aisle, but he will fight for you relentlessly to ensure that all of your rights are protected. DD is an outstanding attorney and a great friend!
Nathan Workman, General practice Attorney on Sep 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Daniel is personable, organized, and very sharp. I would recommend him without hesitation, and I endorse his services as an attorney.
Ralph Stevenson, General practice Attorney on Sep 28, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Donahue and I attended law School together. He is a zealous advocate, a dedicated litigator, and responsive to a clients needs.
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