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Graham Douglas Donath
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About Graham
Biography
Graham D. Donath is a seasoned and aggressive attorney who devotes 100% of his practice to criminal defense. From Gang Related Attempted Murder to a first time DUI, he has the experience and knowledge to handle the broadest range of criminal matters.
Mr. Donath graduated from Claremont McKenna College, where he was named a Distinguished Scholar, was a member of the Dean’s list, and was highly praised for his Honors thesis, titled “Ice-T, 2 Live Crew and Ozzy Osbourne: An Analysis Of Modern Obscenity and Incitement Laws’ Inadequacies as a Means Of Regulating Musical Expression.” He received his Juris Doctorate from University of California, Hastings College of the Law and was granted admission to the State Bar of California by examination immediately after graduation. He established a successful entertainment and real property transactional practice, eventually transitioning to his true interest, criminal defense.
Mr. Donath worked previously in Riverside as a Deputy Public Defender of Riverside County, where he was named Misdemeanor Trial Attorney of the Year. He has handled thousands of Felony, Misdemeanor, and Juvenile criminal matters successfully, obtaining excellent results for his clients both through negotiation and in trial. He is a member of the California Public Defender’s Association, the Criminal Defense panel of Riverside County, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association, and the Orange and Riverside County Bar Associations.
Mr. Donath’s previous employers include United States Senator Barbara Boxer, renowned jury and trial consultants Donald Vinson and Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Award winning Criminal & DUI defense attorney - State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Award winning Criminal & DUI defense attorney - State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Award winning Criminal & DUI defense attorney, providing superior representation that gets results.
Award winning Juvenile defense attorney, providing superior representation that gets results.
Award winning Criminal & DUI defense attorney, providing superior representation that gets results.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
20 years | 4,000 cases
Violent Crime
20%
20 years | 1,000 cases
Domestic Violence
15%
20 years | 500 cases
Juvenile Law
15%
20 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2012
2012
Licenses
Licensed in California for 20 years
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC
3801 University Avenue, Suite 260, Riverside, CA, 92501
gddlaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Graham online.
Graham Douglas Donath's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
33 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (33)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (27)
Advocacy (20)
Recommendation (18)
Professionalism (11)
Communication Style (10)
Character & Conduct (8)
Responsiveness (8)
Practice Area Knowledge (7)
Compassion (6)
General Knowledge (6)
Trustworthiness (6)
Cost of Services (5)
Staff & Support (3)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 6 - 7 of 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent Attorney and an Excellent Team
I was lucky enough to find Mr. Donath by chance. I called 8 different attorneys offices in San Bernardino looking to speak to someone about a consultation for my case but no one was available to take my call. The 9th call was Mr Donath's office and I was greeted by a very friendly women named Carrie...
Posted by TEL | February 11, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Top DUI Attorney - VERY high quality representation
First of – this is a real review. Many on this site are paid and / or not reliable. I cannot say enough about the outstanding job Graham did with my DUI case. I was facing a DUI in a case involving an accident. The DA refused to negotiate on the case and I was facing accepting a Misdemeanor Wet R...
Graham Douglas Donath's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He does a great job for his clients!"
"Graham is a refined litigator with a great presence in the courtroom. He works hard to get the best outcome for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Graham for many years now. He is an excellent lawyer who fights hard for his clients. He is very respected in the courts."
"I endorse Graham. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Donath for a number of years and have the highest respect for him as a lawyer. He is extremely well versed in the area of criminal law and represents his clients with their best interests in mind and obtains excellent results, whether that is in trial or through negotiations."
"Graham is a talented, hardworking, and ethical defense attorney. He has an excellent reputation in the Riverside legal community. As a former Riverside prosecutor, I witnessed his abilities on numerous occasions."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Graham is an excellent litigator with superior research skills and is great at presenting his case to the court."
"Mr. Donath is a skilled and dedicated attorney who is well-versed in the complex issues of criminal defense. I endorse this lawyer."
"Graham is a fantastic and diligent advocate. I endorse his work 100%."
"I endorse this lawyer. I strongly recommend Mr. Donath. He is a reputable attorney who I had the pleasure of working on a matter with. He is extremely knowledgeable and I am confident in his ability to handle any case."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Graham for several years and have had many cases with him. I was always glad to have him as co-counsel on a case because I knew I had an excellant and experianced attorney to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Mr. Donath many years ago at the Ventura County District Attorney's Office and found him to be very engaging and highly committed to the pursuit of justice. Now, as the proprietor of his own criminal defense firm, he uses his extensive experience in the criminal justice system to the benefit of his clients. If you need an experienced, but energized and ambitious, criminal defense attorney in Orange County or Riverside County, you should definitely contact him!"
"I have had the opportunity to work with and observe Mr. Donath both in and outside the courtroom. Mr. Donath approaches all of his cases with dedication and diligence. He conducts himself with the utmost professionalism, yet he has an energetic and approachable demeanor. His colleagues and his adversaries respect him, but most importantly, his clients appreciate him."
"Mr. Donath is an intelligent, hard-working, dedicated and passionate attorney. I have worked with him on several matters, as well as referred clients to him, all with fantastic results. I recommend him to the fullest extent possible."
"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. Graham Donath doesn't blink in the face of intimidation--which is a quality that only few trial lawyers have. We've worked together on mulitple defendant cases and I've seen his professionalism at work first hand."
"I am honored to endorse Graham Donath. He has an incredible work ethic and knowledge of criminal law and procedure. He understands what it takes to leverage weaknesses of the State's cases into incredible offers for his clients. Further, the district attorneys know that Graham is a fierce opponent in the courtroom who is not afraid to take cases to trial. I trust Graham to obtain outstanding results, so should you."
"If I was ever charged with a crime in California, I would be very fortunate to have Graham as my attorney!"
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Orange County's Top Criminal Defense Lawyers, Coast Magazine
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
Certified Specialist - Criminal Law, State Bar of California
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2008
Trial Attorney of the Year, Misdemeanors, The Law Offices of the Public Defender of Riverside County
Work Experience
2010 - 2012
Partner, Stepanian & Donath LLP
2007 - 2009
Deputy Public Defender, The Law Offices of the Public Defender of Riverside County
2003 - 2004
Law Clerk, Ventura County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2017 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeBoard Member
2013 - Present
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Riverside County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2012 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeAttorney Member
2012 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2009 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. J.S.
Aquitted of all charges
People v. A.D.
Result: Hung Jury on all charges – No Conviction
People v. D.B.
Result: Not Guilty on all charges
People v. M.E.
Result: Hung Jury on all charges – No Conviction
People v. J.B.
Result: Case Dismissed – Illegal Search and Seizure
People v. C.H.
Result: Hung Jury on all charges – No Conviction
People v. D.H.
Result: Not Guilty on all charges
People v. C.A.
Result: Not Guilty on all charges
People v. F.G.
Result: Hung Jury on all charges – No Conviction
People v. P.D.
Result: Not Guilty on all charges
People v. J.M.
Result: Not Guilty on all charges
Education
2005
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Juris Doctorate
2001
Claremont McKenna College
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Government
The Role of Criminal Defense in Society
Publications
2016
GDD Law
Riverside assault attorney
2015
2015
GDDLaw
Riverside Sex Crimes Lawyer
2013
Blog Post and Legal Guide
Gang Cases Update – People v. Rodriguez (California Supremes Bring Presents, Not Coal For Christmas)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Graham earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is a reasonable counter offer to 4years?
03 Oct 2018
Q&A
What felonies are not expungeable?
23 Apr 2013
Q&A
I was accused for a PCM487 (A) Does someone knows the meaning of severity M? I need a good attorney for my case in Fontana CA
01 Apr 2013