Daniel is married to the Hon. Judge Maria Fortune, who is the Jefferson County District Court judge in charge of the Drug Court program. Daniel has two children that attend John Carroll Catholic High School and The Altamont School. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys fishing, traveling, and watching sports. Daniel really enjoys watching his children play quarterback, guard, pitcher, and outside blocker.
Listed in Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2025 Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2023-2026 Listed in Business Alabama, Legal Elite, 2025 Victim Assistance Federal Attorney of the Year for the Northern District of Alabama, 2009 Ford v. CitiMortgage, No. SC18cv295, in the State Court of Muscogee County, Georgia, 2023 Served as lead trial counsel in a nine-day jury trial that resulted in a complete defense verdict. Plaintiff sought $70 million, with the potential for trebled damages plus punitive amounts and attorneys’ fees on claims of wrongful foreclosure, trespass, and violation of Georgia’s RICO statute in a notoriously plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction. Conducted cross examinations of both plaintiffs and final closing argument. Gemstone Foods, LLC v. AA Foods, (N.D. Ala.) 2022 Represented executive employee for large poultry processing company in allegations involving fraud, theft, and computer hacking. Successfully avoided federal government and state government making any criminal allegations against client. Involved experienced civil litigation partner to handle civil allegations. Assisted on four-week civil jury trial that included RICO and CFAA allegations and resulted in a complete defense verdict. Mario Addison v. PNC Bank, No. 01-CV-2018-902877, Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, 2021 Successfully helped argue summary judgment motion in favor of PNC Bank as part of civil litigation team. Represented large company in ransomware attack Represented company, conducted internal investigation to determine cause and reporting obligations, coordinated contact with law enforcement and forensics consultant, and coordinated identity theft protection services for impacted customers. No government action taken against client and all possible civil claims resolved. Represented large school district in ransomware attack Represented large school district in ransomware attack, conducted internal investigation to determine cause and reporting obligations, and coordinated contact with law enforcement and computer forensics consultant. No government action taken against client and all possible civil claims resolved. Represented large company in Department of Justice fraud investigation Represented company and executives in response to subpoenas and target letters that resulted in successfully convincing federal government to not make any criminal allegations against client. Represented bank employee in Department of Justice and FDIC fraud investigation Represented a bank employee in response to subpoenas and target letters that resulted in successfully convincing federal government to not make any criminal allegations against client and allowing client to keep necessary licenses and employment privileges. First criminal jury trial in the new federal courthouse in Anniston, Alabama CJA appointed case to represent client charged with firearms and large quantity of narcotics. Conducted internal investigation for large athletic league Conducted an internal investigation into compliance with anti-kickback obligations for employment contracts for certain executives and a municipality. Conducted internal investigation for large materials company Conducted an internal investigation during 2020-2021 for a major materials company regarding allegations of theft and fraud.
