David Thomas McDonald

David Thomas McDonald

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Portland, OR
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

833 SW 11th Avenue #625, Portland, OR

About David

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

I represent individuals accused of crimes in State and Federal Courts in Oregon and Washington including major felonies, sex crimes, assaults, white collar fraud and DUII.

39 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 36 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1989

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Oregon for 39 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of David Thomas McDonald

833 SW 11th Avenue #625, Portland, OR, 97205

Law Offices of David Thomas McDonald

833 SW 11th Avenue #625, Portland, OR, 97205

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David Thomas McDonald's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

5 star (4)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Ryan | May 7, 2015

Jedi Lawyer takes leaves no prisoners!

Dear potential defendant, Ok where do I even begin? To say I owe this Trial Lawyer my life both present and future would be the understatement of my life which to state things lightly has consisted of more intentional mistakes than I care to admit...so I won't... ;-) Without David's intervention i...n a system plagued with hypocrisy and unfair governmental practices I'd still be buried under the Federal building after of which if they ever did decide to un-bury me they would have then buried me under the State prison! This is one attorney that you can lay it all out for in all it's splendor or ugliness and he'll weed through any prosecutorial induced nonsense like a locust in a corn field! Don't get me wrong; he won't cross ethical boundaries (nor does any good attorney need to in order to still win) but if you want a real person that won't judge you; yet will still protect your interests whether you're innocent or guilty as sin; this is your man. Period. I've seen David T McDonald turn prosecutors and cops into helmet wearing, window licking simpletons just by knowing his trade and the law better than anyone else in the arena; and make no mistake it IS an arena. Is he cheap? Nope but like anyone who has ever paid for a real service knows; you get what you pay for and after all what is more valuable than one's time? Nothing, because you can't get it back... you can't buy it back, steal it back or beg for it back. It's just gone. Besides, prison really sucks; trust me on that if you trust me on nothing else. A savvy competent lawyer can prevent your time and life from slipping into the black abyss of what is oddly referred to as the "Justice System". Have a swell day and I hope this aids in you deciding to arm yourself with a Tyrannosaurus (I believe that's what the T in David's name stands for) chess piece that is unparalleled by any other across the board. Regards, Your friendly neighborhood ex criminal. RR

Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2015

Skilled, Reliable and Effective

I got arrested for drug possession and distribution at a music festival in Washington in 2012. David was able to work with me directly on steps that I needed to take to improve my life and legal situation. He worked with the county where I was arrested and my charges were greatly reduced. I am ver...y thankful for this man and how helped my family and I get through that tough time with as little grief as possible. He is a solid lawyer and a good role model and is worthy of my highest recommendation.

Posted by Robert | March 27, 2015

The Best of Best...

I hired Mr. McDonald in 2013 for a very serious case; I was facing multiple felony charges in Clark County Washington and hired David and his team. Mr. McDonald being the absolute professional that he is had a complete team of professionals servicing my case private investigators, doctors and staff.... They gave my case undivided attention and unparalleled performance. In the end, all of my charges were dropped I accepted a minor deal and I got my life back....David McDonald is the Best of the Best and I highly recommend his services if and when they are ever needed.... Super Lawyer he is....

Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2015

Diligent and proactive

David was a pleasure to work with. He made navigating a difficult situation as easy as possible. He was extremely proactive, communicated well, and always treated my case as a high priority. I would absolutely recommend David to anyone who needs aggressive, passionate and honest representation....

See All Client Reviews

David Thomas McDonald's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

John Peterson headshot
John Peterson

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher B. Rounds headshot
Christopher Rounds

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known David for over 30 years. He takes pride in giving his clients the best possible defense. And he has a lively and upbeat personality. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone who is being accused of a crime."

Hubert Duvall Jr headshot
Hubert Duvall

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known this fellow Oregon lawyer for a considerable time. He is hardworking, ethical and dedicated to his clients. I give him my wholehearted endorsement."

Beau D. Harlan headshot
Beau Harlan

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with David last year defending several people involved in a union dispute. David is bright, articulate, fearless, and has a great work ethic. He is one of a few select attorneys that seasoned criminal defense attorneys call for his impressions and perspective on pending cases. Without question, one of the best in Portland-Metro and Southwest Washington."

Diane Wiscarson headshot
Diane Wiscarson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"David McDonald is a skilled criminal defense lawyer. We have had a number of common clients, students with disabilities who find themselves faced with criminal charges. In each case, I was struck by how well he actually understood the client and the impact of the client’s disability. Not only did he understand the impact of the disability, he was adept at communicating that impact so that the authorities considered the client’s conduct in light of the disability. David also works well with other lawyers, which is an uncommon and valuable skill."

Lisa A Maxfield headshot
Lisa Maxfield

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is a creative and tenacious advocate. No stranger to hard work, he is committed to legal excellence."

Michael Robert Levine headshot
Michael Levine

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Mr. McDonald's work. David is a highly intelligent and creative thinker and strategist. He is a superb advocate. I strongly recommend his services without reservation to anyone charged with a crime."

View All Endorsements
Diane Wiscarson headshot
Diane Wiscarson

Education lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2013

SuperLawyer-Criminal Defense, Law & Politics Superlawyers

2013

Best Lawyers in America-Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America

2012

SuperLawyer-Criminal Defense, Law & Politics SuperLawyers

2012

Best Lawyers in America-Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America

2012

President's Award, OCDLA President

2011

SuperLawyer Criminal Defense, Law & Politics Superlawyers

2011

Best Lawers in America-Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America

2010

President's Award, OCDLA

2009

Portland's Top Lawyers-Criminal Defense, Portland Monthly Magazine

2008

Best Lawyers in America-Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America

2008

Portland's Top Lawyers-Criminal Defense, Portland Monthly Magazine

2004

President's Award, Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

1986

American Jurisprudence Award, Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company

1984

Outstanding Oral Advocate, Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorney, David T. McDonald, P.C.

1991 - 1996

Criminal Defense Attorney, Cross & McDonald, P.C.

1989 - 1991

Criminal Defense Staff Attorney, Metropolitan Public Defender Services, Inc

1987 - 1989

Criminal Defense Staff Attorney, Multnomah Defenders, Inc.

1986 - 1986

Certified Law Student, Metropolitan Public Defender Services, Inc.

Associations

1992 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Sustaining Member, Speaker

1987 - Present

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association

Life Member, BOD, Chr-Defendant's Rights, Co-Chair Ed Committee

Education

1986

Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2012

Search and Seizure Seminar

Search Warrants-Creative Challenges

2011

Sex Cases: When A Child Is Involved

Images in the Machine: The Morphing of State and Federal Child Pornography Laws

2010

Investigation and Trial Preparation:Staying Ahead of the Curve

Ethics

2009

OCDLA Annual Conference

Real Ethics in Real Time

2009

IMPACT Seminar

The New Property and Drug Crime Sentencing Rules

2008

Technology and the Law

Developing Successful Teams, Avoiding Pitfalls and Navigating The Ethical Dilemmas

2006

OCDLA Annual Conference

A New Look At Aider and Abettor Liability

2006

Drugs, Searches and Shakespeare

Failing To Prepare is Preparing To Fail: Dissecting The Affidavit and Challenging the Affiant

2005

OCDLA Annual Conference

Hunting and Gathering Information in a Landmine Strewn Field of Ethics

2005

Criminal Law and Investigation

Hunting and Gathering Information in a Landmine Strewn Field of Ethics

2004

OCDLA Annual Conference

Airport Searches

2002

OCDLA Annual Conference

Diagramming the Warrant and Reports: Advanced Search and Seizure Techniques

2000

Criminal Investigation/Practical Skills/Nuts & Bolts

The Law As It Relates To Criminal Investigation

Publications

2011

Major Crimes And Defenses (OCDLA) Co-Editor and Contributing Chapter Author

2010

Criminal Law Formbook/OCDLA Editor
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