Aggressive Advocacy. Personal Attention. Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Firm

Speak out on behalf of the voiceless for the rights of those who are vulnerable.

Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney

Over a Decade Spent Protecting Client Rights

From the moment you are arrested with a criminal offense, the prosecution team begins building a case against you to ensure you are charged with the full penalty. There is nothing easy about defending yourself from a criminal conviction, and the consequences of one can affect you throughout the rest of your life. You need help from a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer who understands how to build effective cases and keep your record clean. With over a decade of experience, Donato Legal Group is the team you can entrust with your case. We offer free consultations to give you the guidance you need to get started building your defense strategy.

Specializing in civil and domestic restraining orders

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  • Lawyers of Distinction
  • American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • Best of the Best Attorneys Top 10
  • Litigator of the Year

Former Client Reviews

Caring Representation That's Focused On Results
    “They have helped my son.”
    The nightmare started in South Lake Tahoe, my son was arrested and charged with a serious crime, he was appointed a Public Defender who did everything in her power to hurt my son and work against him, we called Alan and he took the case over, my only regret is that I didn't call him sooner as my son was coerced into a plea deal, Alan has been so kind to my son and to me and his family and treated the situation as if it where his own son and to me that's priceless! We have a big court date ahead and I hope that things will go our way! Thank you for your compassion and your kindness!
    Melissa
    “I owe a lot to him and would recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense lawyer.”
    Alan was amazing and helped me get through a really tough part of life. He fought for me and got me the best deal possible. I owe a lot to him and would recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense lawyer.
    Former Client
    “Alan Donato saved my life!”
    My story begins a year ago when my house was raided by the cops. They were looking for someone who had a warrant. When I went to jail my whole life flipped upside down. Fear of losing my job and even worse ruining my record with a felony was overwhelming. My public defender said that I didn't have a case and they weren't likely to give me a deal or a break. Immediately I began searching for a lawyer. Like everyone who searches for a lawyers, my number one concern, after winning the case, would be the amount I paid for the lawyer. Alan Donato's hiring fees were a couple thousand dollars cheaper than other lawyers. After I hired him my worries went away. He walked me through every step of the way. Basically all I needed to do was show up when he needed me to. Most of the language and laws were foreign to me but I wasn't worried. One year later, my case is being dropped after I complete some classes. It went from no case and no chance of winning with the public defender to a total victory in my eyes.. I just wanted to thank Mr. Donato again. You saved my life!
    Daniel
    “I cherish their hard work, dedication, and passion.”

    After fighting false allegations for a 3 year ordeal, I still can’t believe that my case is finally over. Alan took my case to trial and the jury agreed that I didn’t do anything. I will never ever be able to thank Alan and Tiffany enough or express how grateful I am for all they have done for me. They were by my side since day one and believed in me. I cherish their hard work, dedication, and passion they put into fighting for my innocence. Alan will forever be family to me.

    Former Client
    “Alan is a skilled trial attorney who's work ethic is matched by his integrity.”
    Alan and I have had several cases against each other. Alan is a skilled trial attorney who's work ethic is matched by his integrity. He is a worthy adversary who fights for his client.
    Brett W.

Why Hire a Sacramento Attorney?

Hiring a lawyer is an important decision. The right attorney can help protect your rights and get you the best possible outcome for your legal situation.

Here are some of the main reasons to consider hiring an attorney:

  • To ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly, so that you have a stronger case in court or during negotiations.
  • To provide experienced advice about the law and explain how it applies to your situation. An attorney’s expertise can be invaluable when dealing with complex legal matters such as business transactions or real estate deals.
  • To represent you in court if necessary, since having an experienced lawyer on your side increases the chances of success. Additionally, many attorneys offer free consultations to help determine the best course of action for your case.
  • To provide an unbiased third-party opinion, since attorneys are bound by the rules of professional conduct and must remain impartial. This objectivity can be invaluable in helping you make sound decisions that are in your best interests.
  • To negotiate on your behalf and work to get you the most favorable outcome possible. Attorneys understand how to leverage legal processes to benefit their clients, and can use their knowledge of the law to help you reach a successful conclusion to your case.
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We'll Walk With You Every Step of the Way!

Hire a defense team that will passionately fight for you. Call us today at 916-318-5997

Recent Case Results

We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Dismissed Embezzlement

    Client was a military veteran that was accused of embezzlement from his employer. Mr. Donato was able to get the employer and DA to drop all charges and dismissed the case.

  • Dismissed 1st Degree Murder

    Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; Client was charged with 1st Degree Murder looking at 75 years to Life in prison: upon case discovery review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and get the entire case dismissed in the interest of justice.

  • Case Dismissed Domestic Violence

    Client was arrested for domestic violence after boyfriend called the police and lied about a fight he in fact started. We showed the prosecution our client’s medical records documenting her significant injuries in contrast to her boyfriend’s minor injuries and the prosecution dismissed against our client to pursue charges against her boyfriend.

  • Case Dismissed Drug Charge

    Our client's drug case was dismissed after Mr. Donato proved to a judge that the officer's only basis for conducting a probation search in this case was for harassment purposes in violation of his client's 4th Amendment Rights.

  • Case Dismissed Possession of Marijuana for Sale

    Our client was facing felony charges of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.  After successfully having the case dismissed, Mr. Donato also negotiated with the District Attorney to return the $20,000 in cash that was seized from our client.

  • Full Acquittal DUI

    Mr. Donato won a full acquittal at trial by showing that the DA could not prove Mr. Brown was under the influence of alcohol at the time he was driving.  The jury concluded the case was too speculative, and Mr. Brown walked on all DUI charges against him.

  • Dismissed Felony child abuse

    Private Retained Counsel in Sacramento County; client was charged with felony child abuse and the DA offered prison time for plea bargan, Mr. Donato obtained the opinion of a child abuse expert and was able to get the DA to dismiss the case in the interest of justice.

  • Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon

    After an intense road rage incident, our client was charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly ramming another car with her own. After diligent investigation and negotiations with the Prosecutors in this case, Mr. Donato persuaded the government to dismiss the case in its entirety.

  • Acquittal Attempted Murder

    Client was facing life in prison for attempted murder after a shooting on a bus where the jury found the client acted in self-defense.

  • Suspension Waived DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing

    At this DMV Administrative Per Se hearing, Mr. Donato argued that the Campus Police Officers did not have lawful authority to conduct a traffic stop away from campus. The Hearing Officer agreed and set aside our client's Campus license suspension.

  • Not Guilty Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale

    With a client facing charges for possession of methamphetamine for sale in addition to firearm enhancements, even the judge questioned Mr. Donato as to why he was taking the case to trial. In the end, however, the jury had very few questions to ask, as it took them less than an hour to return their not guilty verdicts for Mr. Donato's client.

  • Not Guilty Gang Enhancement

    Our office was proud to defeat the gang enhancement charge at trial for our client, who was charged with possessing a firearm for the benefit of a gang.  Defeating the gang enhancement was the sole reason for going to trial, and it saved our client from gaining a second strike conviction, not to mention significant prison time.

  • Not Guilty Possession of a Concealed Firearm

    Charged with possession of a concealed firearm inside of a car, our client was facing special criminal enhancements. Not only did the gun have an illegal high-capacity magazine, our client allegedly possessed the gun in association with a gang.  Mr. Donato fought this case at trial and hung the jury 9-3 for not guilty. But the District Attorney elected to re-try the case. Mr. Donato responded by taking the case to trial again, this time returning with a full not guilty verdict.

  • Penalty Reduced Domestic Violence with Great Bodily Injury

    People v. Carter Reduced (Probation) Client was a professional athlete and broke his girlfriend’s elbow during a domestic incident. Original offer was five years in prison. Our investigation showed the conflicts and changes in the victim’s story, and we effectively negotiated the case down to house arrest and probation.

  • Case Dismissed Battery Charge

    This battery case was ultimately dismissed after our office conducted investigation and found independent witnesses who stated that the victim lied to police and actually started the fight.  The DA agreed to dismiss the case and Ms. August was able to maintain her clean record.

  • Not Guilty Illegal Discharge of a Firearm

    Client was charged with multiple felony assaults and unlawful discharge of a firearm with gang enhancements and looking at life in prison. Mr. Donato was able to get a full acquittal.

  • Case Dismissed Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale

    Our client was one of several defendants charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale. The defendants were found at an alleged "crack-house" surrounded by various illegal narcotics, and even firearms. After threatening to go to trial, Mr. Donato had the entire case against our client dismissed by day two in court.

  • Case Dismissed Battery Charged

    With a client facing charges for spousal battery, a serious offense that would have cost him his job, Mr. Donato effectively negotiated with the DA, resulting in a full dismissal in return for 12 anger management classes.

  • Case Dismissed Felony Marijuana Charges

    Dismissed Client was charged with multiple felony marijuana related charges. Our investigation showed that client was not involved in the operation although she was present during execution of the search warrant. The case was dismissed as to our client, whereas the co-defendants were convicted.

  • Acquitted of ALL charges (Trial) Felony Sexual Assault of a Minor

    Client was a group home employee and was accused by one of the (minor) group home residents of sexual misconduct. Our office successfully showed the complaining witness was lying about the allegations, and the jury unanimously acquitted Ms. Roberts of all charges after deliberating for only a few hours.

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