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Riverside:

(951) 667-5293

Orange County:

(714) 758-5293

who you hire can make all the difference

Mr. Donath has spent his entire career defending people and standing up for the rights of the accused.

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  • former deputy public defender

    As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. 

  • award winning certified criminal law specialist

    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

  • a true passion for defending the accused

    Your lawyer should have a passion for defense, not just a passion for money. Reputation, vigor, and determination go a long way in this business.

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What Happens If A Witness In Riverside Doesn’t Show Up At Trial?

Posted in General FAQ'S on May 1, 2014

Any number of things can happen.

If the DA can show they have taken ample steps to secure the witness’s presence, then your trial could be continued over your objection.

The DA could have another way of securing their testimony, such as read-back of preliminary hearing testimony and potentially by playing prior recorded statements.

The DA may not be able to proceed with the case. It is entirely situational.

This is an important place for me to remind someone reading this section of potential consequences for dissuading a witness.

In the event the defendant tries to dissuade a witness from coming to court or from making a statement to the police, they can be charged with a new crime of PC 136.1, Dissuading or Threatening a Witness.

This is considered a violent felony with serious penalties, and, if gangs are involved, requires a mandatory life sentence in California.

If you have questions, contact Riverside, California Attorney Graham Donath at 951-667-5293. Let him answer your questions.