Representing the Accused in Sacramento
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California Cannabis Lawyer Experienced Legal Guidance for Your Business

Sacramento Cannabis Administrative Appeals Lawyer

Over a Decade Spent Protecting the Rights of Californians

The County of Sacramento and its municipalities imposes administrative penalties for the alleged cultivation of cannabis when such cultivation exceeds six living cannabis plants within a private residence or upon the grounds of the residence. The penalties imposed range from $500 per plant to $1,000 per plant over and above the legal limit. Administrative penalties can cost homeowners hundreds of thousands of dollars and some penalties are over a million dollars. Donato Legal Group defends homeowners against the unlawful seizure of their property. In fact, after the Donato Legal Group successfully appealed an administrative penalty on behalf of its client, the City of Sacramento wiped out penalties in several other cases. You can read about it here.

Schedule your free consultation today by calling 916-594-3189 or contacting us online.

Bringing Charges Against Unwitting Property Owners

For people who own rental properties, the activities performed by their tenants cannot reasonably be monitored at all times. Unless a landlord visits a tenant on a constant basis, there is a chance that they will be unaware of illegal grow practices taking place on their property. Recently, more and more landlords are being charged for their tenants’ activities, sometimes without the actual growers facing any consequences.

Some property owners are charged based on accusations that they:

  • Did not adequately inspect their rental property
  • Are involved in more serious organized crime
  • Were negligent in suspecting illegal drug activity
  • Are guilty of a crime other than what could reasonably be said to have taken place

In these cases, it can feel like the notion of “innocent until proven guilty” goes out the window. Many property owners hardly understand why they are being fined for someone else's crime, which is why having an experienced cannabis law attorney is so important.

Fighting for Your Due Process

You have a right to understand the charges being alleged against you. Because of the ambiguity between state and federal law, some local law enforcement officers feel they are entitled to make arrests without having adequate evidence—let alone warrants.

At Donato Legal Group, our criminal defense lawyer understands the difficulty of your situation. We take the time to fully understand the details of each client’s case to help them obtain the best possible outcome for their situation. With us on your side, you can feel confident about reaching a favorable resolution to your case.

Call 916-594-3189 now to get started.

Former Client Reviews

Caring Representation That's Focused On Results 
  • 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.
  • 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 ...”

    - Former Client
  • 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 ...”

    - Former Client
  • 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, ...”

    - Melissa
  • 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 ...”

    - Daniel
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Meet the Team

  • Alan  Donato Photo
    Alan Donato
  • Iryna  Kylyushyk Photo
    Iryna Kylyushyk
    Iryna Kylyushyk is a provisionally licensed attorney at Donato Legal Group. Mrs. Kylyushyk focuses on civil litigation, with an emphasis on personal injury. Mrs. Kylyushyk is dedicated to achieving the highest level of success for her clients. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian she is able to communicate with wide range of client’s and provide effective representation. When not in the office, Iryna enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
  • Tiangay  Kemokai Photo
    Tiangay Kemokai

    Of Counsel

    Ms. Kemokai is a gifted attorney with extensive experience successfully litigating writs and appeals, as well as, all aspects of complex civil litigation from mass torts to putative class action lawsuits. During her tenure at McGeorge School of Law, she was on the Dean’s Honor Roll and held the most coveted positions: Editor-in-Chief of the Global Business & Development Law Journal, Member of the McGeorge Mock Trial Competition Team, and Student-member of the Kennedy Inn of Courts.
  • Keith  Staten Photo
    Keith Staten

    Of Counsel

    Keith Staten has expertise in all DUI and DMV related matters. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1992. After beginning his career at the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office, Mr. Staten left to pursue private criminal defense in 1994. Between 2001 and 2007, Mr. Staten was Senior Staff Counsel for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. There he reviewed DUI legislation and managed all writ litigation throughout the State of ...
  • Danielle  Chaloux Photo
    Danielle Chaloux

    Administrative Assistant

    Danielle Chaloux is the administrative assistant to attorney Donato. She handles all of the firm's intake phone calls and other administrative tasks for Donato Legal Group. Danielle has 10 years experience as a veterinary technician and recently graduated from California State University Sacramento in May 2023 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Danielle was awarded the 'Dean's Honor Award' for the entire Criminal Justice department for her graduating class of 7200 CRJ Students. She is currently ...
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