about our criminal defense and DUI defense firm
finding the right firm
Searching for the right criminal defense or DUI defense lawyer is an important process. Making this task even more difficult, the internet is filled with various information and endorsements. It’s often hard to know what information to trust.
That’s why Gressley & Donaldson not only stands by everything posted on this website, Gressley & Donaldson encourages you to ask other lawyers about the firm. In fact, if other lawyers have questions, they call Gressley & Donaldson for the answers. Other attorneys
will tell you that there is no firm more knowledgeable about the
law, and no firm that has obtained more successful outcomes for
its clients.
Please visit the Case Results link so that you can see some of the outcomes that Gressley & Donaldson has obtained for clients just like you. Gressley & Donaldson lawyers won’t settle for anything but the best possible results for you. Gressley & Donaldsonlooks forward to providing you with the best representation the defense bar has
to offer.
Firm Highlights
Case Highlights
- Our firm has won countless Not Guilty verdicts on DUI cases, including felony DUIs.
- Our firm has fought and won dismissals on numerous DUI cases.
- Resolved serious felony DUI matters (including DUI death cases) with little or no jail time.
- Won a significant number of DMV Hearings, protecting numerous clients’ driving privileges.
appellate Highlights
- Lara has worked on all of the major DUI appellate cases in California, including:
- People v. Vangelder
- People v. Harris
- People v. Arredondo
- Espinoza v. Shiomoto
- Lara has also drafted amicus curiae briefs in the cases of:
- People v. Dungo in the California Supreme Court.
- Williams v. Illinois in the United States Supreme Court.
- Lara routinely handles criminal appeals. Those include appeals after a denial of a 1538.5 motion to suppress, as well as appeals after trial.
- Lara has won many criminal appeals.
scholarship and teaching
- Our firm wrote the leading book in the nation on DUI defense, Attacking and Defending Drunk Driving Tests.
- Lara and Mike regularly lecture other lawyers across California on DUI defense strategies.
- Lara is a former recipient of the President’s Award from the California DUI Lawyer’s Association, for outstanding criminal defense and appellate work.
- Lara is the past elected President of the California DUI Lawyers Association.
- Lara is the elected Vice President of the California DUI Lawyers Association.
What our clients say
Mike Donaldson was extremely knowledgeable and helpful during our process. He was communicative and explained everything in detail which was much appreciated. The decision came back as a dismissal in our particular case which was great news! I would definitely recommend Mr. Donaldson for all your legal needs.
Lisa Duarte
Great people, Mike and his office is a solid team and know what to do, to get you the results your looking for!
Michael Hickson
I just want to note that Mr. Donaldson was an excellent lawyer and I would recommend him to anyone dealing with a similar situation. He was always so promt with his responses to my questions about my DUI case and extremely understanding and compassionate. I never felt judged by him, even for a second. He definitely eased a lot of stress throughout the whole process, handling stuff I wouldn’t even have known where to start. Thank you, Mr. Donaldson.
Taylor Barnett
Attorney Mike Donaldson did a fantastic job. He helped me accomplish what I needed to get done. He is also the best and most responsive lawyer I have had. Taking the time to reply to my emails usually with in a few hours.
Dale Broad
I was arrested for crashing and then blowing a .08. I was devastated from being arrested for the first time and was facing DUI charges. I called 4 or 5 top-rated DUI attorneys in Temecula. I talked to each one for 30 minutes to one hour on the phone. Many of the responses were very uninterested and grim or OVERLY “promising” to talk to. And then I spoke to Mike Donaldson, and everything felt right. I decided to pay the $4,500 and meet with him and his partner in person at their location in Riverside, CA. Mike Donaldson take appropriate action to have my DUI dismissed. One thing that stood out to me is his attention to detail and patience to find a “reasonable” prosecutor. Also, they didn’t charge me for the DMV appeal. I feel like Mike saved my life. He went over everything and made me feel less like a terrible person. Mike is forever in my positive memories. And most importantly, My DUI charge went down to a reckless driving charge with a quick 32 hr online class and a small court fee of like $2,500. If you have any form of DUI, you have to choose Mike Donaldson.
Zachary Hellmann
Excellent attorneys who know DUI law inside and out and go to the mat for their clients. They’re the ones other lawyers go to for help and advice on DUI cases. I have, as well as attended their always informative presentations on DUI law they give to the legal community.
Adriane Bracciale
Michael did a Great job, he went over & above for me! Plus he is a Good caring person & made me feel better. I definitely would recommend this Law Firm.
Marla Buhre
Thank you Mike & Lara for getting my case dismissed and showing compassion, empathy and providing communication throughout the entire process.
Mark Cowan
Decades ago, I got myself into quite a bit of trouble with the law. I never thought it possible I’d be able to get my record expunged, but with Mike Donaldson, it was made a dream come true! I can’t express enough how worth it is to spend the money to get a record expunged. He took care of absolutely everything. He was very easy to reach and always responded in a timely manner. I highly recommend him!
Flavorful Faves
the go-to source for other lawyers
Lawyers call Gressley & Donaldson when they, or their loved ones, need help. Why go elsewhere, when you can hire the source? That is because they know this firm has the best criminal defense, DUI, and appellate attorneys around. They know they will get quality representation and individual attention from a team of lawyers who have a command of the field.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you should not settle for anything less than the best representation you can find. At Gressley & Donaldson, that’s exactly what you will get. Just ask any lawyers around.
dUI, criminal defense & appeals case results
.18% DUI Dismissed – Unlawful Blood Draw
Our client was stopped by CHP. CHP called a phlebotomist to draw our client’s blood in a Jack in the Box parking lot. No kidding. His blood was drawn in the parking lot, while he stood at the hood of the patrol vehicle. After a two-day hearing on our motion to suppress evidence under Penal Code section 1538.5, the judge granted our motion and dismissed the case in its entirety.
March 2024
3rd DUI Dismissed – Illegal DUI Checkpoint
Our client was charged with a 3rd offense DUI after being stopped at a DUI checkpoint. Our office filed a motion to suppress evidence under Penal Code section 1538.5, challenging the legality of the DUI checkpoint. The judge ruled in our favor, finding that the checkpoint was illegal, and dismissed the DUI charges outright.
March 2024
.19% 2nd Offense DUI for Class A Commercial Driver Dismissed
Our client, a Class A commercial driver’s license holder, was charged with a 2nd offense DUI resulting from a traffic stop. His BAC results were .19%/.19%. Because a conviction would have resulted in a lifetime revocation of his commercial driver’s license, we had to take the matter to trial. On the day of trial, the DUI charges were dismissed in exchange for a plea to reckless driving, which saved the client’s Class A commercial driver’s license from any suspension.
January 2024
contact us to start building your defense
We understand that being accused of a crime is one of the most challenging times of your life. Rely on us to advocate for your rights and to give you the defense you deserve.