Criminal Defense
· Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with donovan engle attorneys at law
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Donovan Engle Attorneys at Law is a client-centered criminal defense firm in Charlottesville founded by Bernadette Donovan and Matthew Engle, former Innocence Project attorneys specializing in trial defense, criminal appeals, and post-conviction relief. They focus on protecting constitutional rights and challenging unfair sentences, with particular expertise in death penalty cases and habeas corpus proceedings.
Best for: People convicted of crimes seeking appeals or post-conviction relief, individuals facing serious charges who need experienced trial defense, those believing they were wrongfully convicted
Service area: Charlottesville, Virginia and surrounding areas
Innocence Project Experience: Both founding attorneys have worked on Innocence Project cases and death penalty litigation, giving them deep expertise in identifying wrongful convictions and constitutional errors.
Post-Conviction Specialization: They specifically fight for people imprisoned unfairly or due to constitutional errors, with a track record in habeas corpus and appellate work.
Client-Centered Approach: They treat clients as the most important member of the defense team, providing complete time and attention with skilled legal writing and courtroom advocacy.
“Bernadette Donavon took my case after being charged with assault to a family member and got 3 months jail time. My public defender did a horrible job and as a result I had gotten 3 months of jail time. With a recommendation from a good friend I found Bernadette Donovan and she immediately took control of the situation. We appealed the decision and she worked extremely hard to collect evidence and talk with all eye witnesses and finally convinced the prosecutor that the accuser wasn't mentally stable and I wasn’t the aggressor. They finally dropped the charges and I was a free man. I can not thank her enough! Words won’t be enough how appreciative I am to meet with her! She completely saved my life and I will be forever grateful!”
— Tarik Sercan Dikmen, Google Review
“Donovan Engle is the best attorney that I have ever had!!! It means more to him then just law!!! He genuinely cares and it shows!!! The hard work and sacrifices he made to get me home was like none other!!! Great communication with his clients and always does exactly what he says he will!!! Mr Engle saved my life from getting the Death Penalty!!! Not only did I not get the Death penalty!!! But I’m a free man!!! Now u tell me who’s a better attorney to put your life in his hands? Exactly!!!! 100%rating!!!”
— Darcel Murphy, Google Review
“Matthew Engle handled a case for my sister, who was wrongly accused by a co-worker who disliked her. So months later charges were brought against her and the first attorney did nothing. Then Matthew took the case on appeal, listened carefully to the evidence, and began working to defend her. Matthew did exactly what we asked him to do and what should have been done by the first incompetent lawyer who did no background work, just showing up in court to let the prosecution do all of the talking with no defense. I would recommend Matthew to anyone needing an attorney who puts his whole heart into a case. Five stars or more if I could give them.”
— J. A. EARLY, Google Review
“Mr. Matthew Engle was an amazing attorney for me and 8 other co-defendants! He gave us constant updates, was reassuring, and very dependable. He advocated and worked day in day out until the charges were dropped. Thank you again Mr. EngIe, I highly recommend this law firm!”
— Anthony Ferguson, Google Review
“This is the best attorneys in VA. I had 18 years from a conviction in Fairfax county VA. They reviewed my case and found several issues that I was unaware of. They are loyal and very detailed in their work. I really recommend them rather its pretrial or post-conviction”
— HudNet Systems, Google Review
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Phone: (800) 428-5214
Address: 1134 E High St Unit A, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Get directions)
Website: donovanengle.com/