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Firm Overview

Former Prosecutor with Experience on Both Sides 

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, our criminal defense lawyer is an advocate for the preservation of our clients’ rights and interests. When we handle a criminal law matter, we provide the highest standard of legal care defined by courteous, tailored, and highly responsive service.

When you choose to entrust your case with our team, we will provide you with the following:

  • Insider knowledge as a former prosecutor
  • A trial-tested advocate
  • Highly rated attorney by peers and clients
  • Decades of proven experience and results
  • Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer by the New Jersey Supreme Court

Donahue's Experience as a Former Prosecutor

We are backed by extensive knowledge of local courts and procedures. Having served as a former prosecutor, Attorney Joseph R. Donahue has a deep understanding of:

  • The inner workings of prosecutors’ offices
  • How they perceive particular offenses
  • How prosecutors assemble cases
  • The mitigating and aggravating factors that are important to prosecutors

This insider knowledge better enables our firm to grasp the strengths and weaknesses of a case and anticipate the type of approach a prosecutor may take.

Our Unique Approach

In every case, we put our client in the best possible position. Our first goal is always to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal when possible. If this is not achieved, we seek to minimize any criminal or collateral consequences through all possible legal means. If a plea agreement is considered, we evaluate the full impact of a plea agreement on our clients, including alternative sentencing options and measures that can minimize the impact on our client’s records.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Our attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if our firm feels it is in the best interests of a client. We work diligently and aggressively to preserve our clients’ rights at all phases of a case. As a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, Attorney Donahue is prepared to fight for your rights. Start today with a free consultation.


Call (201) 574-7919 to get started.


How We Can Help

  • Why Hire Us?
    Get 30 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side.
  • Proven Track Record
    Our Top Trial Law Firm Is Known for Results.
  • Client Testimonials
    We Come Recommended by Peers & Clients Alike.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Recent Case Victories

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.

  • Complete Acquittal for Bar Patron Accused of Aggravated Assault

    Acquittal in Passaic County Superior Court jury trial obtained on behalf of a patron of a bar charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Successfully challenged identification of bar bouncer and the findings of the treating neurosurgeon.

  • Complete Acquittal at Jury Trial of Client Accused of Possession of over 1,000 Kilograms of Cocaine and Marijuana
    One of the largest drug seizures by the New Jersey State Police. Successfully challenged testimony of New Jersey State Troopers attempting to convict client of charges that would result in 10 to 20 years in jail.
  • Complete Acquittal for Physician Accused of Sexual Misconduct
    Not guilty verdict in Bergen County Superior Court jury trial obtained on behalf of a physician charged with sexual assault of a minor. Successfully challenged the credibility of the alleged victim and used video of client's statement to police to demonstrate lack of any criminal intent on his part.
  • Dismissal of Felony Charge Preserves High School Athlete’s Division One Athletic Career
    Secured a reduction of a felony charge and thereafter secured a dismissal after appearing before the local Juvenile Conference Committee. Client, anationally recognized high school athlete with a promising college athletic career, was able to secure a Division One athletic scholarship to a nationally recognized athletic program.
  • Dismissal of Restraining Order, Burglary and Criminal Mischief Charges
    Successfully negotiated a dismissal of a restraining order with the consent of the alleged victim while negotiating a “civil restraints” order which obligated the client and the alleged victim to have no contact with one another. Also secured a downgrade of the underlying felony charges of burglary and criminal mischief and thereafter persuaded the prosecutor to dismiss all charges against the client, a young father with no prior criminal history.
  • Probationary Sentence Secured for College Graduate Accused of Distribution of Synthetic Drugs
    Persuaded prosecutor to extend probationary offer to recent college graduate accused of purchasing and possessing with the intent to distribute large quantities of a synthetic psychedelic drug. Client utilized the “darknet” and bitcoins to anonymously purchase the drugs over the internet. Successfully negotiated sentence based upon the client’s age and lack of criminal history as well as the unsettled nature of the law underlying the criminalization of the synthetic drug at issue.

Contact Us Today

We’re Ready to Help

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "The best lawyer I could have ever asked for"

    The best attorney I have ever met in my life. I was facing four felony gun charges and ended up paying a $100 fine with a ...

    - Patrick
    "An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends."

    He handled my case effectively. An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends. He displays a lot ...

    - Recent Client
    "TRUST me and go to him if you need anything, he won't let you down"

    My experience was beyond amazing. I always thought going through the court process and finding a lawyer would be the hardest ...

    - Recent Client
    ""the superior court judge issued a written order reversing the municipal court's guilty decision""

    Our son was arrested and charged with DUI in early December of 2015. We got a lawyer who helped us gather evidence (arrest ...

    - Anonymous Client
    "You and your staff were exemplary in your efforts and performance."

    Dear Joseph: I wish to thank you and the staff for all of your efforts, professional knowledge and timeliness in performing ...

    - Criminal Client
    "Outstanding Legal Professional"

    As a Case Management Consultant, I have referred a number of clients to Mr. Donahue over the years. He is an outstanding ...

    - Advocacy Support Network LLC
    "restored my faith in lawyers"

    Mr. Donahue defended me in DWI,it would have been my 3rd.I would have lost DL for ten years and 180 days in jail. I would ...

    - Ken
    "Outstanding Litigator"

    I am a legal consultant who works with many of the top criminal defense lawyers primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey. ...

    - Client