ABOUT ME
Daniel J. O'Hara
WHERE I COME FROM
I was born and raised in Kent County. I grew up in Rockford. I attended Grand Valley State University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance. I then went to Law School at Western Michigan University's Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids. Today, my wife and I have made Caledonia our home, which is where we live and raise our three children.
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I cherish the people of Kent County and their values. As a Judge, I would preside over cases with the knowledge and respect our community deserves.
A THRIVING CAREER
As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I'm entrusted with responsibilities ranging from making charging determinations to trying jury trials. I am in court every day, with rare exception, handling both criminal and civil cases. The volume of work and experience I have inside of a courtroom is unmatched.
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CRIMINAL EXPERIENCE
Throughout my career I have handled thousands of cases and tried countless trials. I am relied upon to use my knowledge of the law, experience, and discretion in handling cases pending in the courts. I've utilized these skills throughout both the District and Circuit Court levels. I am proud that my reputation and skill set has earned me multiple Judicial endorsements. I am looked to daily by the People of Kent County and victims of crime to ensure justice prevails in our community.
NOTABLE GUILTY JURY VERDICTS:
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1st Degree Premeditated Murder
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Assault With Intent to Commit Murder
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Assault With Intent to Commit Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder
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Felony Firearm
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Felon In Possession of a Firearm / Ammo
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Carjacking
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Domestic Violence / Aggravated Domestic Violence
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Assault / Aggravated Assault
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Stalking
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Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl 450 - 1000 Grams
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Possession with intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
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Possession with intent to Deliver Cocaine
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CIVIL EXPERIENCE
As one of the "drug forfeiture" prosecutors, I assist police departments around the county in civil filings related to narcotics investigations. I regularly draft civil filings, engage in contract negotiations, and try civil cases related to this work.
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TREATMENT COURT EXPERIENCE
The 63rd District Court has the "Treatment and Recovery Court". This is one of many types of treatment courts in Kent County aimed at reducing recidivism. These courts adhere to strict standards set forth by the National Association of Treatment Court Professionals (NATCP).
I have worked as the Drug Court prosecutor at the 61st District Court (City of Grand Rapids) for the majority of my career. This includes screening candidates for the program, holding individuals accountable when they are not abiding by the terms of the program, and making case status decisions when they are subject to termination. I have participated in multiple NATCP conferences, presented to the Grand Rapids Bar Association on the various treatment courts in Kent County, and participated in grant certification.
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