Daniel M. Cavanaugh

Top rated DUI-DWI attorney in Naples, Florida

Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. | DUI Law Group, P.A.
Daniel M. Cavanaugh
Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. | DUI Law Group, P.A.
239-790-7913
Contact me today

Practice areas: DUI-DWI, Criminal Defense; view more

Licensed in Florida since: 1997

Education: Oklahoma City University School of Law

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026

Call today:
239-790-7913

Contact me today
Free Consultation

Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A. | DUI Law Group, P.A.

2180 Immokalee Rd
Suite 309
Naples, FL 34110 Visit website

Daniel M. Cavanaugh is a seasoned trial attorney with more than 25 years of experience, currently serving at the Law Offices of Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, P.A., | DUI Law Group Division. Since relocating to Naples, Florida, in 1997, originally hailing from West Springfield, Massachusetts, he has built a reputable career marked by significant legal achievements and a commitment to his clients. Focusing primarily on DUI cases along with other criminal defense issues, he has successfully earned a trusted reputation in the legal community, extending his services throughout Southwest Florida.

Mr. Cavanaugh’s professional journey is characterized by his relentless pursuit of legal and scientific advancements. In 2022, he achieved the prestigious ACS forensic lawyer-scientist designation from the Chemistry and the Law Division of the American Chemical Society, a rare accomplishment that underscores his proficiency in the forensic sciences crucial to complex criminal, particularly DUI, cases.

With DUI defense as a cornerstone of his practice, Mr. Cavanaugh has committed himself to mastering the forensic and legal intricacies of DUI cases, ensuring that he remains well-prepared to navigate the challenges these cases entail. This dedication is also reflected in his leadership in forming the DUI Law Group, focusing on delivering outstanding defense strategies for clients facing DUI charges.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Cavanaugh has been recognized for his trial capabilities, receiving accolades such as the Attorney of the Year from the State Attorney’s Office in Fort Myers and maintaining an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. Furthermore, he is an active voice in the legal community, having authored influential articles on criminal justice reform and the role of victims in the criminal system. His commitment extends beyond the courtroom through his involvement in community advocacy, notably recognized by Governor Jeb Bush for his work with abused and neglected children.

Beyond his DUI defense work, Mr. Cavanaugh possesses extensive experience in various aspects of criminal defense, having served in significant prosecutorial positions before focusing on defense. His roles have included Chief Assistant State Attorney and various chief positions in multiple counties, as well as a Special Victims Unit prosecutor. He has also received a “Superb” rating on Avvo.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

Practice areas

Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense

Focus areas

Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Debt, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Probation, Prosecution, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations

  • 80% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
  • 20% Criminal Defense

First Admitted: 1997, Florida

Professional Webpage: https://www.cavanaughattorneys.com/our-team/daniel-m-cavanau...

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Forensic Lawyer Scientist designation received. Trained in Gas chromatograph, DUI Drug and Solid Drug classes at Axion Lab in Chicago Illinois, 2022
  • President of Collier County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2011

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • Resisting Arrest without Violence jury verdict acquittal. 2022-2023 Numerous dismissals including dismissals for DUI, Reckless Driving, Battery, Flee to Elude, 2021
  • Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction, Acquittal, not-guilty jury verdict, 2023
  • Failure to Stop at Red Light - Not guilty, due to sudden medical emergency, 2023
  • DUI .15 or above - suppression granted, case dismissed, 2023
  • DUI alleging Drug Use - case dismissed, 2023

Representative Clients

  • I have represented hundreds of clients within this time but cannot disclose names for confidentiality purposes.

Transactions

  • The only transactional documents I have prepared are Powers of Attorney and Medical Authorization Releases.

Special Licenses / Certifications

  • Forensic Attorney Scientist designation with the American Chemical Society, 2022

Pro bono / Community Service

  • I have volunteered at Mock trial competitions through southwest Florida since 2003. I have been a coach, scoring and presiding judge. I continue to volunteer each year, 2023
  • Thomas S. Biggs Inns of Court, Past Member
  • Judicial Independence Committee, Past Member
  • Prior Night Court Hearing Officer for Civil Matters
  • On June 16, 2023, I volunteered to speak to underprivileged Lely High School students about the law, 2023
  • In June - July, 2023 I provided pro bono legal services to an abused mother and her son. She was wrongly arrested for committing domestic violence. She had no money. I represented bother her and her son, the State agreed not to prosecute her or her son, 2023

Honors

  • Chosen as top prosecutor from approximate100 assistant state attorneys, Attorney of the Year, State Attorney's Office, 2004
  • 2022 - Certificate, Forensic Principles of DUID
  • 2022 - Certificate, Forensic Analysis of Solid Drugs
  • 2022 - Certificate, Forensic Chromatography: Theory and Practice
  • 2022 - ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law Division of the ACS-CHAL
  • 2021 - DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • 2018 – Received “10 Best” Attorneys by American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys™
  • 2011 – Recognized as a “Top Lawyer” by Gulfshore Life Magazine
  • 2011 - President of the Collier County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 2004 – Trial Team Award, Office of the State Attorney, Twentieth Judicial Circuit
  •  Recognized by Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program for Outstanding Community Advocacy for Abused and Neglected Children and the Guardian ad Litem Program, with five members of the Special Victims' Unit of the State Attorney’s Office, Outstanding Community Advocacy, Governor's Office, 2005
  • Since 2011, Received the highest possible rating by his peers by being rated AV Preeminent®, martindale, 2021
  • Received an Award from Naples Illustrated Top Lawyers award for criminal defense, Naples Illustrated, 2019

Educational Background

  • Springfield Technical Community College Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, 1991
  • Axion Labs, Chicago IL - received designation of Forensic Lawyer Scientist Attendance at the following classes: Gas Chromatography x2 DUI Drug Solid Drug, 2022
  • Springfield College, 1993

White Papers

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

  • Discussed victim rights and the criminal justice system, op ed, Acknowledging Victims is Just the Beginning, The Times-Argus, April 2016, Times Argus, 2016
  • 2011 – Character Evidence in Civil and Criminal Cases, Collier County Bar Association, Adverse Witness, June 2011

Other Outstanding Achievements

  • Recognized as "top lawyer" by Gulfshore Life Magazine, 2011
  • Best of Collier awards Categories Won Gold: Defense Lawyer, Divorce Lawyer, DUI/DWI Lawyer, Family Law, Law Firm, Lawyer 2023 Total Wins 6, 2023
  • Best of Florida - Best of Legal Services, Regional, Criminal Defense, 2022
  • Naples Illustrated "top lawyer" for criminal defense, 2019
  • Received the highest possible rating by his peers by being rated AV Preeminent® As of 2023 I still have this rating, 2011
Industry Groups:
  • Individuals

Office location for Daniel M. Cavanaugh

2180 Immokalee Rd
Suite 309
Naples, FL 34110

Phone: 239-790-7913

Selections

2 Years Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026

Additional sources of information about Daniel M. Cavanaugh

Find me online

Attorney resources for Daniel M. Cavanaugh

Download badge
Update profile
Order online

Contact me

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

To: Daniel M. Cavanaugh Super Lawyers: Potential Client Inquiry

The information contained in this web site is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The use of the internet or this contact form for communication is not necessarily a secure environment. Contacting a lawyer or law firm email through this service will not create an attorney-client relationship, and information will not necessarily be treated as privileged or confidential.

Find top lawyerswith confidence

The Super Lawyers patented selection process is peer influenced and research driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers lists each year. We know lawyers and make it easy to connect with them.

Page Generated: 0.076539039611816 sec