Daniel P. Donahue

Daniel P. Donahue

also known as Danny Donahue

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 15 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Nags Head, NC
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Criminal Defense, Federal Crime

2405 S. Croatan Highway, Suite D, Nags Head, NC

About Daniel

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 30%

I defend those accused of DWI in Dare, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties.

16 years

30%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 30%

I defend those accused of motor vehicle offenses in Dare, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties.

16 years | 500 cases

30%
Criminal Defense 20%

I defend those accused of both felony and misdemeanor offenses in Dare, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties.

16 years | 200 cases

20%
Federal Crime 20%

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.

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 15 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Donahue Criminal Defense

2405 S. Croatan Highway, Suite D, Nags Head, NC, 27959

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Daniel P. Donahue's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

46 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (46) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Penny | April 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Ticket Dismissed

We so appreciate Mr. Donahue and the Donahue Defense team! They helped to make a difficult experience manageable with strong oversight, accurate guidance, quick response time, and positive results. We highly recommend their services!

Posted by Michael | May 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Highly recommend Donahue Law Firm!

I am very pleased with the service I received from Donahue Law Firm. Mr. Donahue was able to get my traffic ticket downgraded to a much lesser charge. His office staff kept me updated appropriately throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Mr. Donahue if you have any legal needs.

Posted by Brian | January 04, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Great response, incredible customer service, is represented me well!

The people at Donahue law firm were very professional and courteous. Once I need my payment online, Dan Donahue contacted me promptly, once I explained my situation he was able to easily explain to me exactly how the process would work. Dan Donahue is a man of great integrity, he could have simply ...taken my payment and went to court and paid what was owed, instead he fought to have my fine reduced from 86mph in a 60mph, to 69mph in a 60mph zone. His actions saved me hundreds of dollars in fines. It is with great pleasure that I strongly recommend the Donahue law firm.

Posted by Evangula (VAN) | August 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellence at it's BEST

Congratulations to Donahue Law Firm, PLLC, on a job well done! Thank you so so much for all the work, effort, and time you put into bringing my son’s case to closure. Thank you so so very much for answering my calls and taking my son’s case on such a short notice. As our attorney, I witnessed many... sides of Danny that showed me he is “top-notch and the best in the field”. Having an experienced attorney like you, granted us a sure “WIN”! In addition, this post wouldn’t be possible without the HEART of Michelle. Can I yell, AMAZING!” Danny, (this saying rings true for you both) behind every great man there’s an amazing WOMAN. You have ONE for sure that exemplify patience, warmth, and honesty. Michelle stood in replying to all my call, listening patiently, and supplying me with reassurance and comfort (as a parent). (To all readers) Yes, I can say with confidence, my son and myself were blessed and extremely fortunate to be represented by Donahue Law Firm, PLLC. We both thank you for caring enough, putting up with me, and other family members who called, reducing cost, and just listening. Danny and Michelle saw that my son was different and didn’t stereotype him. They both were fair and believed in him despite of the circumstances. In my absence, Danny remained professional, treated my son as an adult (even when I resulted to babying him), he searched for the truth until the truth was clear, and he conducted this case as though my son were his child (counseled/protected). After watching and seeing what went on during all these proceedings, I was completely appalled and taking back by the unfairness of our legal system (when it comes to our youth). My heart is happy knowing that Donahue Law Firm exists standing boldly for fairness, making a difference despite of limited funds (will offer a payment plan), and ensuring that the charge fits the crime. Again, thank you very much for the excellent service that you provided my son and family. We couldn't have asked for a better team (Danny & Michelle). I most definitely would recommend Donahue Law Firm to people I know or for anyone searching the web seeking legal help. Donahue Law Firm is Nothing but the TRUTH! Love, Evangula

Posted by Jeanette | October 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Fantastic Results!!!

I highly recommend Donahue Criminal Defense! My son spent a week in South Carolina after graduation. The kids got into some trouble. I was at a lost and did not know what to do. To top it off, we live in another state. My son was getting ready to start college, has never been in trouble before. I did... not want his future ruined because of an irresponsible choice. Another parent recommended Daniel Donahue. I reached out to him. Daniel was quick to respond. He and his wife Michele were extremely responsive through the whole process. As a matter of fact, they took control. I did not have to go back to SC. A huge weight was lifted. At the end, Daniel Donahue had the charge dismissed. What a blessing! Every parent wishes their kids will always make good choices. But when they don't, it’s good to know there are people who understand and will help you get them back on track. I hope my son learned his lesson and I hope this review will help any future parent who find themselves in the position I was in. Thank you, Daniel Donahue!

See All Client Reviews

Daniel P. Donahue's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Daniel
Alexander Kraff headshot
Alexander Kraff

Unknown lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy Paul Koller Jr. headshot
Timothy Koller

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

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."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Other

"I highly endorse this lawyer. I admire his knowledge and dedication to his clients."

Brian Damas Thoman headshot
Brian Thoman

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An Elizabeth City area lawyer who will fight to protect your record."

Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 20

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 Randolph Dow headshot
Dustin Dow

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Benjamin Harrison Hamlet headshot
Benjamin Hamlet

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Daniel is a great attorney and fights for his clients."

Dennis Wayne Tackett headshot
Dennis Tackett

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 08

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 Lee Finch Jr. headshot
Johnnie Finch

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Donahue will get the job done. He is a man of great integrity and wisdom."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

General practice lawyer | Aug 29

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 M Chandler headshot
Jennifer Chandler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

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 Charles Post III headshot
Norman Post

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

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 headshot
Nathan Workman

General practice lawyer | Sep 17

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 Erskine Stevenson III headshot
Ralph Stevenson

General practice lawyer | Sep 28

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."

View All Endorsements
James Austin Davis II headshot
James Davis

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael P. Sanders headshot
Michael Sanders

Criminal defense lawyer

Dustin Randolph Dow headshot
Dustin Dow

Criminal defense lawyer

Lu Aloupas headshot
Lu Aloupas

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Louis Wegman headshot
Robert Wegman

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin Harrison Hamlet headshot
Benjamin Hamlet

Criminal defense lawyer

James Edward Short headshot
James Short

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Damas Thoman headshot
Brian Thoman

Criminal defense lawyer

John Naumovski headshot
John Naumovski

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark Allen Andrews headshot
Mark Andrews

Criminal defense lawyer

Dennis Wayne Tackett headshot
Dennis Tackett

Personal injury lawyer

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense lawyer

James Kevan Minick headshot
James Minick

Criminal defense lawyer

Norman Charles Post III headshot
Norman Post

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Scott Schrum headshot
Matthew Schrum

Estate planning lawyer

Jennifer M Chandler headshot
Jennifer Chandler

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Board Certified Specialist - State and Federal Criminal Law, North Carolina State Bar

2015

Premier Attorney, American Academy of Trial Attorneys

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Attorney, Donahue Law Firm

2010 - 2011

Associate, Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland, LLP

2008 - 2010

Assistant in Law Library, Charlotte School Of Law

2008 - 2010

Researcher, Powers McCartan, PLLC

2007 - 2009

Computer Lab Assitant, Charlotte School Of Law

Associations

2017 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Member

2016 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

Member

2015 - 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

2014 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

General Member

2010 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - Present

American Constitution Society for Law and Policy

Member

2008 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Criminal Defense Section

Member

2007 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

DWI Dismissal

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2010

Charlotte School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

North Carolina State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

2001

College of the Albemarle

A.A.

Speaking Engagements

2016

Traffic Law: Practical Tips and Trending Topics Case Management and Budgeting Strategies for New Lawyers

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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