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Dan’s career is marked by a steadfast commitment to staying at the forefront of legal and scientific advancements. In 2022, he became one of only four attorneys in Florida to achieve the prestigious "ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation," as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law Division of the American Chemical Society. This rare designation reflects his mastery of the forensic science often critical to complex criminal cases, particularly DUI litigation.
Dan has been recognized as a top trial attorney, earning awards such as Attorney of the Year at the State Attorney’s Office in Fort Myers. He also holds the AV Preeminent® rating, the highest possible peer rating, signifying exceptional legal ability, professionalism, and ethical standards. In addition, he was honored as Best of 2023 in Collier County for Criminal Defense and DUI and has been selected for Super Lawyers in 2025. These accolades underscore his reputation as a fierce advocate and skilled litigator.
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30 years
30 years
30 years
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Chat withState: Florida
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
State: Vermont
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
2500 Tamiami Trail, North, Ste 218, Naples, FL, 34103
38 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by anonymous | December 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Respectful and Diligent
Dan was extremely comforting and helpful with my case as a victim. He explained everything I needed to do, which made me feel confident. The communication between Dan and his amazing staff is impeccable, all of my questions were answered almost immediately using their portal. I would highly recommend...
Posted by Robin | February 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Absolutely Brilliant
I chose Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh to handle an outstanding warrant in Collier County that had been there for over 7 years. I was very concerned about my predicament, but Daniel Cavanaugh explained everything to me, the path we would take and exactly how he would represent me. My retainer was affordable a...
Posted by Jewel | January 17, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommend
He was nice and caring from the start ...Very informative with everything that had happened....was quick to respond on Portal .. especially me being an out of state client. Everything worked out in my favor Thank God..if it wouldn't have I still trusted Dan to do the best he could to get my charge to...
Posted by Shellie | November 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly Recommend
I hired Daniel Cavanaugh after finding myself in need of a criminal defense attorney. I was overcome by fear and anxieties about how the charges against me would affect my future. I chose Mr Cavanaugh based on his track record of case success and knowledge of the judicial system. During my consult...
Posted by Amy | October 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best lawyer in town
We are extremely relieved that we hired Daniel Cavanaugh to represent our son in his criminal matter. He was able to mitigate the case favorably and substantially. His knowledge and skills are unmatched. Whenever he arrived at court, we immediately felt a sense of relief knowing that we were in the b...
"I endorse this lawyer. Dan's reputation as an aggressive advocate of his client's rights is only matched by his integrity in the way he practices law. With over 20 years of experience, both in his time as a prosecutor and in private practice, he has always been ready for trial. He's at his best in the court room, and he garners everyone's trust and respect."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dan and I once worked together as prosecutors and he is an outstanding attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible."
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Government lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2011
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Recognition for Outstanding Community Service, Jeb Bush and Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem
2004
Attorney of the Year, State Attorney's Office
2004
Trial Team Award, State Attorney's Office
2018 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A.
2016 - 2018
Attorney, Hurtado Cavanaugh, Attorneys at Law
2011 - 2013
Partner, Cavanaugh, Kirby & Cavanaugh, PA
2003 - 2010
Prosecuting Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney
2010 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2011 - 2013
Collier County Bar Association, Trial Lawyers SectionBoard Member
2010 - 2013
Collier County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
BS - Bachelor of Science
1991
AS
2016
Law enforcement education
2015
Law enforcement education
2010
Domestic Violence Prosecution
2010
Ethics in Prosecution
2009
Ethics of Closing Argument and Pretrial Publicity
2009
Domestic Violence Prosecution
2008
Victim's Rights
2008
Ethics of Closing Argument
2008
Legal Topics
2008
Trial Practice
2007
Hot Topics in Ethics, Brady/Giglio and Pretrial Publicity
2007
Ethics of Closing Argument
2006
Legal Topics and Courtroom Testimony
2006
Ethical Considerations for Trial
2005
Ethics of Closing Argument
2004
Criminal Court Training
2004
Case worker training
2016
2016
2011
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
What's the responsibility for "Leave the scene of a crash involving injury" ticket?
24 Apr 2020
If if I am currently paying restitution the company went out of business do I still have to pay restitution tell my probation?
21 Apr 2020
Will my fiance get full credit for his time in county jail right now?
21 Apr 2020