Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
73 Client Reviews
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Damien S Donnelly-Cole
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About Damien
Biography
Damien is a criminal defense trial lawyer with 18 years of experience representing clients in Oregon’s courts. He has built a successful career as a criminal defense lawyer by investing the time to understand his client’s needs, as well as the legal challenges they face, so that he can advocate for positive outcomes.
At the start of Damien’s legal career, he gained experience with both the prosecution of major crimes at the United State Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, and the defense of people accused of crimes as a public defender in both St. Louis, Missouri, and Portland, Oregon. Ultimately, it was defending people that resonated with Damien and has been the hallmark of his career.
As a former public defender, Damien represented people charged with Driving Under the Influence, Domestic Violence, Prostitution, and Ballot Measure 11 crimes like Vehicular Manslaughter, Attempted Murder, Robbery, Sex Crimes, and Assault. While at the public defenders’ office Damien learned how to represent people charged with a wide variety of crimes, managed a heavy trial docket, and built relationships by being in the courthouse every day advocating for the people he served.
Since moving into a private criminal defense practice, Damien has been able to spend more time with his clients and to provide them with guidance earlier in the process. Both changes have allowed him to advance his advocacy and help people who need his care.
Helping people is part of who Damien is as a person. Before becoming a lawyer, he advocated for landmine survivors in Jordan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Bosnia to gain access to rehabilitation services. He also worked to improve access to water and wastewater services in Cairo, Egypt, and participated in a public information campaign to provide Egyptians with reliable information about financial investing and financial markets.
Living overseas has long been a hallmark of Damien’s life. He was born in Ireland before moving to the United States. His family also lived in China for over a decade providing him with many opportunities to travel throughout Asia. He studied in Cusco, Peru, and Madrid, Spain. And work brought him to the Middle East. Time spent living in, and observing, other cultures instilled in Damien the importance of communication, of listening to others with an open mind to understand who they are and what is important to them.
Ultimately, Damien moved to Oregon in 2006 when he focused his career on criminal defense. Today he enjoys exploring this beautiful region with his family and friends and visiting courthouses across Oregon representing his clients.
Navigating the Judicial Forest ℠ - Here to Help Throughout Oregon
Navigating the Judicial Forest ℠ - Here to Help Throughout Oregon
Navigating the Judicial Forest ℠ - Here to Help Throughout Oregon
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
20 years
DUI and DWI
50%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Oregon for 19 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Stumptown Legal LLC
(503) 470-6362
Fax
333 SW Taylor Street, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97204
stumptownlegal.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Damien online.
Damien S Donnelly-Cole's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (25)
Advocacy (22)
Recommendation (20)
Professionalism (15)
Communication Style (14)
Responsiveness (13)
Trustworthiness (11)
Character & Conduct (9)
General Knowledge (9)
Practice Area Knowledge (9)
Cost of Services (8)
Compassion (4)
Punctuality (4)
Payment Plans (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 57 reviews
Posted by Preston | July 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding services
Damien Cole truly cared for my well-being. Even played the part of a friend in a couple conversations. As long as someone follows the advice, my experience is that he will find you the best possible outcome. Thank you.
Posted by anonymous | October 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Exceptional Legal Representation for My DUI - Trustworthy, Reliable & Capable
I had the privilege of working with Mr. Damien on my DUI case as an immigrant in the USA, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Mr. Damien's professionalism and dedication throughout the entire legal process were truly commendable. From our initial consultation to the resolution of the ...
Posted by anonymous | December 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Great Attorney!
Great attorney! Highly recommend and would hire him again in a second. He is upfront and honest. Along with being easily contacted he was very good at communicating with me throughout the process.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Working with Damien was very easy. He is very knowledgeable and clear with his communications. His help greatly improved my situation in a very quick and efficient manner. He was always available for questions and quick to respond. I highly recommend his services.
Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Fantastic Lawyer!
Working with this lawyer was a great experience. He was always prompt, very knowledgeable and professional. He showed compassion and patience as this was a new situation for me. I would highly recommend this lawyer.
Damien S Donnelly-Cole's Lawyer Endorsements
"Damien is smart, kind, and savvy. I highly recommend him. He cares about his clients."
"Damien is an intelligent and caring lawyer with a lot of experience in criminal defense who does an excellent job advocating for his clients. He is a strong negotiator who has a talent for explaining the legal process in plain terms so his clients understand their options. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"I am continually impressed with Mr. Donnelly-Cole's Avvo answers and approaches to criminal defense. He has the right combination of creativity, compassion and drive to reach the best possible outcome for any criminal defendant. His clients are in great hands!"
"I endorse this lawyer. A former public defender generally makes a great defuse attorney and there is no exception here. Highly respected in the portland area. Great reviews, contributions and local Portland attorney endorsements speak volumes. KUDOS"
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I have worked opposite Damien as a district attorney on many criminal cases. He is intelligent and knowledgeable, diligent and direct. I endorse Damien enthusiastically."
"Damien and I worked on opposing sides for years. Damien always represented clients well, and fought hard for the best possible outcomes. I highly recommend him."
"Damien is a smart, diligent and thoughtful attorney. He is well respected in the legal community. I highly recommend him for DUII and Criminal Defense cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough."
"I endorse Damien. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Damien has distinguished himself as a trustworthy and effective advocate on behalf of his clients."
"I have known Damien for years and have worked with him in court, both as his opponent and as a fellow defense attorney. I can tell you from experience that Mr. Donnelly-Cole approaches everything he does with the care and attention it deserves. He is truly one of the kindest, most respectful attorneys out there, as well. So, if what you are looking for is a meticulous, hardworking attorney who will treat you with dignity and respect, then Damien is your guy."
"I endorse this lawyer. Damien is the solid type of lawyer who just simply does a great job for his clients. I see him regularly on many of the same dockets and I always enjoy chatting with him about legal issues. When I see him in court I never doubt that his clients are getting great representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. During my time as a prosecutor, Damien served as defense counsel on many of my cases. I can say from experience that he is has extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney. He is professional, prepared and an outstanding advocate for his clients."
"Damien is an effective negotiator and skilled trial attorney. Hiring Damien is a very sound decision."
"Damien is a nice guy with a sharp mind. I endorse him."
"Damien is a great attorney and a great person, and I would recommend him."
"I've known Damien for several years and always have believed him to be a lawyer with his client's best interests in mind. Damien works hard on behalf of his clients."
Karen Mockrin
Criminal defense lawyer
John Neidig
Criminal defense lawyer
Richard Oberdorfer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Emily Oberdorfer
Criminal defense lawyer
Jordan New
Criminal defense lawyer
Jessica Kampfe
Criminal defense lawyer
Allison Williams
Criminal defense lawyer
Richard Morgan
DUI and DWI lawyer
Josh Gibbs
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Crow
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2018
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2017
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2016
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2015
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
2014
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2013
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2006
Award for Outstanding Writing on the Global Studies Law Review, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
2005
Honor Scholar Award, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
2004
Public Service Participation Distinction, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Attorney and Owner, Stumptown Legal LLC
2018 - 2024
Judge Pro Tem, Scappoose Municipal Court
2013 - 2014
Attorney, Reynolds Defense Firm
2007 - 2013
Attorney, Metropolitan Public Defenders, Inc.
Associations
2014 - Present
Multnomah Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2014 - Present
American Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionAttorney Member
2014 - Present
NORML Legal CommitteeLifetime Attorney Member
2007 - Present
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2006 - Present
Oregon State BarAttorney Member
2015 - 2018
Oregon State BarHouse of Delegates
2014 - 2018
SAFE of Columbia CountyBoard of Directors
2005 - 2006
Global Studies Law ReviewExecutive Articles Editor
2004 - 2005
Global Studies Law ReviewStaff Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. J.G.
Not Guilty Verdict after a Jury Trial
State v. J.L.
All charges diverted
State v J.W.
Case Dismissed Pre-Trial
State v. R.S.
Case not issued
State v. F.M.
Case Dismissed Pre-Trial
State v. G.W.
Jury trial resulting in a hung jury
Case v P.L.
Not Guilty after a Jury Trial
Case v S.M.
Case dismissed day of Trial
State v G.L.
Not Guilty after a Jury Trial
State v K.S.
Not Guilty after a Jury Trial
State v R.M.
Case Dismissed thru Negotiations
State v T.B.
Not Guilty after a Bench Trial
State v J.S.
Jury trial resulting in a hung jury
State v H.O.
Case Dismissed after Pre-Trial Motions
State v T.W.
Case Dismissed
State v C.R.
Case Dismissed after Pre-Trial Motions
State v B.H.
Case Dismissed after Pre-Trial Motions
Education
2006
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
Don Quijote Langauge School, Madrid, Spain
Certificate
2003
Amauta Language School, Cusco, Peru
Certificate
2002
Center for Dispute Settlement, Washington, D.C.
Certificate
1999
College of the Holy Cross
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
DUII Defense in 2020: What You Need to Know Now
Attacking the Act: Driving as the Volitional Act of DUII's
2015
29th Oregon High School Mock Trial Competition
Judge
2006
Guest lecturer
Landmines and the Role of Landmine Survivors Network
2005
Guest lecturer
Law and Human Rights in China
Publications
2014
AVVO Legal Guides
Ignition Interlock Devices and Oregon DUII Diversions
2014
2014
2014
2014
AVVO Legal Guides
Drivers License Suspensions for DUII Convictions
2014
2006
Washington University Global Studies Law Review
Not Just a Few Bad Apples: The Prosecution of Collective Violence
2006
Washington University Global Studies Law Review
Executive Articles Editor
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does my husband have to have an IID in our car after he completed diversion if he never got one during his diversion?
16 May 2024
Q&A
What's the length of the sobriety period and drug testing for Oregon DUII Diversion?
15 Nov 2015
Q&A
Got cited for speeding and failure to install iid. But it was the company car. Will the courts kick me out of diversion?
01 Sep 2015
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Ignition Interlock Device Requirement Following DUII Conviction Suspensions
02 Jun 2014
Legal Guide
Drivers License Suspensions for DUII Convictions
02 Jun 2014
Legal Guide
Implied Consent Suspensions for Failing or Refusing a Breath, Blood, or Urine Test
01 Jun 2014