Catherine Donadio, Criminal Defense Attorney in Rutherford, New Jersey
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation
MemberatCipriano & Donadio PC
Rutherford, NJ
Practicing criminal defense in Rutherford since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Catherine Donadio is a member based in Rutherford, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. Catherine has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cipriano & Donadio PC.
- Based in
- Rutherford, NJ
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Family Law · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Rutherford, NJ.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Catherine Donadio: Catherine Donadio is a member based in Rutherford, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. Catherine has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cipriano & Donadio PC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Catherine Donadio
Catherine concentrates on criminal defense, family law, litigation, and prenup. Each area below outlines the kind of case Catherine handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Prenup
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Criminal Defense cases in Rutherford, New Jersey
Catherine takes criminal defense matters in Rutherford, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Catherine agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Rutherford, New Jersey
Catherine takes family law matters in Rutherford, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Catherine agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Rutherford, New Jersey
Catherine takes litigation matters in Rutherford, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Catherine agrees to represent you.
Prenup cases in Rutherford, New Jersey
Catherine takes prenup matters in Rutherford, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Catherine agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Catherine Donadio — Over 36 years of New Jersey criminal defense experience
Catherine Donadio is a member based in Rutherford, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Litigation. Catherine has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cipriano & Donadio PC.
Catherine Donadio is a lawyer practicing criminal law, matrimonial, civil litigation and 2 other areas of law. Catherine received a M.P.A. degree from Kean College of New Jersey in 1989, and has been licensed for 36 years. Catherine practices at Cipriano & Donadio PC in Rutherford, NJ.
How Catherine handles criminal defense matters
Catherine Donadio is a lawyer practicing criminal law, matrimonial, civil litigation and 2 other areas of law. Catherine received a M.P.A. degree from Kean College of New Jersey in 1989, and has been licensed for 36 years. Catherine practices at Cipriano & Donadio PC in Rutherford, NJ.
Who Catherine represents
Catherine reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, family law, and litigation matters in Rutherford and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Catherine Donadio's legal education and bar admissions
Seton Hall University
J.D. · 1990
Kean College of New Jersey
M.P.A. Montclair · 1989
Jurisdictions
Catherine's state bar admissions
New York
2019 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1990 · ACTIVE
Catherine studied at J.D. in Seton Hall University and M.P.A. Montclair in Kean College of New Jersey.
Law school and academic background
Catherine completed J.D. in Seton Hall University and M.P.A. Montclair in Kean College of New Jersey. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Catherine runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Catherine's professional memberships and bar associations
New Jersey Bar Association
membership
Locations
Catherine Donadio's office in Rutherford
Catherine's primary office is at 52 Chestnut St., Rutherford, NJ, 07070. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Catherine Donadio
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Catherine Donadio — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Catherine usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Catherine charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Catherine's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Catherine will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Rutherford, New Jersey
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Catherine
Catherine discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Catherine confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Catherine's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Catherine Donadio
How much does it cost to hire Catherine for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Catherine walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Catherine offer a free consultation?
Catherine charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Catherine's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Catherine's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Catherine gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Catherine take my case if I'm outside Rutherford?
Catherine is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Catherine will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Catherine?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Catherine will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Catherine accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Catherine's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Rutherford, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Catherine handles criminal defense matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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