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Brian E. Donohue

Brian E. Donohue

Brian E. Donohue, Esq.
68 2nd Street
Troy, NY 12180-3932

Phone: (518) 272-2300  |  Fax: (518) 272-0540
http://www.briandonohuelaw.com

Contact Brian E. Donohue

Here to Protect Your Rights and Your Freedom

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

Virtually all criminal and personal injury cases.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Appeals
  • Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
  • Environmental Violations
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Military Crimes (UCMJ)
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
  • Victims' Rights
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • DWI
Computer Crimes
  • Hacking
  • Malicious Code
  • Unauthorized Access
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
  • Medical Marijuana
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insider Trading
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Public Offerings
  • Racketeering & RICO
  • Securities Fraud
  • Smuggling
  • Tax Evasion & Fraud
  • Trade Secrets
  • Wire Transfer
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

NY, Jan 1984
Bar Number: 2114916

Other Court Admissions

All New York State Courts; United States District Court, Northern District of New York; and United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.

Association Memberships

Rensselaer County Bar Association and American Trial Lawyers Association.

Continuing Education

I attend approved Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars, primarily in criminal law and personal injury law.

Papers and Publications

Albany Law Review: The Right to Counsel as it has Evolved in New York State

Example Cases

Jury verdict of acquittal in rape case in which the police had extracted a false confession and we were able to utilize the State's DNA evidence to exonerate out client.

Jury verdict of acquittal in murder case in which the police had coerced several confessions from the accused.

Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

University at Albany

City:

Albany

State:

NY

Year:

1974

Honors:

Cum Laude

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Albany Law School

City:

Albany

State:

NY

Year:

1983

Honors:

Law Review

Focus and Accomplishments:

Law Review; Moot Court; and Legal Research and Writing Instructor.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

New York

Firm Focus and History

We specialize in litigation, both criminal and civil, in New York State and federal courts. Each major case we accept is undertaken upon the understanding that the case may have to go to trial. Every effort is made, however, to achieve the best possible result in a manner which minimizes the stress and cost to the client and the client's family.

The firm was established in 1995 after having been a partner in a small, prominent Troy firm for approximately ten years.

Previous Employment Summary

I was a partner in Frost & Donohue, P.C., in Troy, which was a general practice firm concentrating in criminal defense and a broad range of civil litigation.

Activities and Awards

Named in Who's Who in American Law.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I am all for it, provided that the client utilizes reliable sources.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

It is most welcomed and encouraged if the client wishes to do that.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

The only instance in which I would recommend doing that is if the client is pursuing or defending a case in small claims court. In that situation, usually a 15-minute conversation with the attorney is all that is required. Otherwise, in my opinion at least, it doesn't make any sense and can even be counterproductive.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

For a great variety of reasons, I concluded that law was the field that I was most “cut out for.”

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I literally worked my way through both undergraduate college and law school. I observed the way my father practiced law for many years with diligence, empathy, and enthusiasm.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

My primary areas of practice are those which I find most intellectually challenging and fulfilling.

What do you like best about your career?

There is literally at least one, usually many more, new challenges every day.

Tell us about your law firm:

Since I am a solo practitioner, the client can be certain that I am the one performing all of the work on his or her case.

What are your strengths and style?

Confident, yet not overly so; one who is overconfident will soon find reason not to be.

Personal Interests:

Family, reading, working out, and skiing.

Office Manager/Assistant

Joyce Blauvelt

Fax

(518) 272-0540

Office Hours

Evening and weekend appointments available.

For emergency after hours please call (518) 369-8154.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I do not have fixed-price fees per se. In order to provide the best service at a reasonable cost, there are many factors taken into account. However, our fees are very competitive.

Hourly Rates

If applicable, $350.

Free Initial Consultation?

No.

Typical Retainer

No.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.