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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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General FAQ’S

What You Need to Know About Facing Murder Charges in California

Posted in Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S,Sentencing on February 25, 2022

Few crimes carry as severe penalties as murder charges. When you have been arrested and accused of murder, you can expect your entire life to be upheaved. The consequences of a murder conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life. It is essential that you have an aggressive California murder lawyer defending you….

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Crimes that Don’t Have a Statute of Limitation in California 

Posted in California Law,General FAQ'S,Sentencing on February 13, 2022

It is heavily suggested to all of those who intend to make a claim that they fully understand the amount of time in which they are able to file said claim or lawsuit. This is, by definition, a statute of limitation. Statutes of limitation vary by state, meaning that understanding those that exist under California…

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What is the Difference Between Competency and Sanity In Law?

Posted in Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S,Statistics on February 1, 2022

Watch any legal drama on TV and you are bound to hear the terms “competency” and “sanity” bounced around. Perhaps you may hear “not guilty by reason of insanity” after a dramatic courtroom showdown between your favorite actors, or the plot may feature a defendant who is “not competent to stand trial.” So, what is…

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California Indecent Exposure Laws

Posted in California Law,General FAQ'S,Sex Crimes,Sex Offender FAQs on January 18, 2022

Under California Penal Code 314, you are prohibited from exposing your private parts in public to anyone who might be offended or annoyed. In order for the action to fall under this law, the defendant must have acted in a manner intended to draw attention to their private parts to offend someone else or for…

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Stalking Laws and Charges in California

Posted in General FAQ'S on January 11, 2022

Understanding the ins and outs of stalking laws and charges in the state of California is critical as innumerable amounts of people fall victim to stalking every year. It is important to not only know your own rights, but which warning signs to look out for when dealing with the estranged behavior of other people. …

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What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

Posted in California Law,Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S on June 17, 2021

There is often confusion about the difference between parole and probation, particularly because these two words are thrown around together so often. We do want to stress that parole and probation are different, and it is critically important for any person facing either of these to understand what will happen moving forward. Here, we want…

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How Is Criminal Negligence Defined In California?

Posted in Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S on October 29, 2020

Criminal negligence refers to conduct a person engages in that ignores an obvious or known risk or disregards the safety and life of others. Federal and state courts have varying definitions of what criminal negligence means, but they all describe this behavior as a form of recklessness. When a person is criminally negligent, this means…

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What Can the Police Arrest You for at a Protest?

Posted in Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S on August 26, 2020

Protest rights are protected under the First Amendment to the US Constitution, but that does not mean a person cannot be arrested at a protest. As civil unrest and protests continue across the country, it is important to understand what your rights are at a protest and what you can do if you have been…

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You Can Now be Sued for Distribution of “Deep Fakes”

Posted in Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S on March 25, 2020

Technology is rapidly evolving, and the criminal justice system is often playing catch up when it comes to certain internet-related crimes. One of the biggest growing threats for many people is the creation of “deep fakes.” Deep fakes are altered videos or photos that look incredibly realistic. This has many implications and has been in…

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What is a “No-Contest” Plea?

Posted in Criminal Defense,General FAQ'S on March 24, 2020

There are various ways that a person can be found guilty after being charged with a crime. This could include a jury finding a defendant guilty after a trial. However, a person is more likely to be found guilty after actually pleading guilty before going to trial. However, there are times when prosecutors or judges…

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