Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether the charges involve driving under the influence, theft, assault, drugs,
embezzlement, solicitation or any other felony or misdemeanor,
David Knoll fights for the best possible resolution
of the charges filed against you.
"Your Bridge to Freedom"

DUI Attorney
DUI is a common criminal offense in Sacramento. Being pulled over for DUI and having to answer a barrage of questions asked by the police can be a truly frightening experience. If you agree to perform the requested sobriety tests, you might find yourself sitting in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What should you do if you are arrested for DUI?
DUI Attorney >

Felonies
Felonies are crimes that cover a wide range of serious criminal offenses, including identity theft, grand theft auto, tax fraud, embezzlement, assault, robbery, weapons charges and more. Felony sentences range from more than a year to life imprisonment. Our criminal defense attorney in Sacramento, will work to get your felony charges dismissed or reduced.
Felonies >

Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors include simple assault, drug violations, solicitation, vandalism, shoplifting, public drunkenness, and petty theft. If convicted of a misdemeanor, the sentence could mean a fine and/or jail time of up to one year in the county jail. Don’t leave your freedom to chance, contact a Sacramento criminal attorney who will protect your rights during misdemeanor proceedings.
Misdemeanors >

Expungements
Once convicted of a crime, it is possible to have your arrest records erased with an expungement. If you are convicted of a criminal offense, it becomes part of a permanent record seen by potential employers, schools, banking institutions, or by any agency requesting a background check. Criminal defense lawyer, David Knoll works tirelessly to get records expunged whenever possible.
Expungements >
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Will Protect Your Freedom
Lead attorney, David Knoll has over 20 years experience in obtaining the best possible outcome for his clients. As criminal defense attorneys, we understand that our work can be the difference between your freedom or time spent in jail. Therefore we work tirelessly, looking at every aspect of your case, to ensure we prepare the best possible defense.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney in Sacramento Today
Call the Law Offices of David Knoll at (916) 447-5297 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your particular case.
See What Our Criminal Defense Clients Are Saying
If you are looking for an experienced, professional and honest attorney to represent you hire this law firm. I recently had to seek help with a family member and this law firm helped this horrible process go so much smoother then what I anticipated. I can't thank them enough for their amazing hard work and dedication in our case. They are the best at what they do.
Christy Van Stelle is who …
Norma Lopez
December 5, 2021
The level of comfort and knowledge provided by Christy throughout the entire case led to a great sense of relief. During such a difficult time, Christy provided my family with immense support. She is attentive and always remained professional as she responded to calls in a timely manner. Whenever we had any questions, she was more than willing to explain every step in the process. More importan…
Christopher M Hill
January 19, 2021
i was arrested for DV. I would recommend the law office of David Knoll for anyone facing criminal charges. David and Christy were amazing. I am happy to be able to move on with my life now.
Maria ozuna
December 5, 2020
I had a grand theft felony case
I got the most amazing news I got a call from David knolls office and all my charges were dropped and I didn't have to show up to court .
My husband came to them years ago for a gun charge and my husband did no jail time just work project
Very professional they really care for their clients
Best attorney office hands down !
I highly recommend David knolls…
Daniel Pointer
October 8, 2020
I researched several attorneys before contacting David. My son had caught an assault with a deadly weapon charge while on parole. This would be his 3rd strike. David was straight up and didn't sugarcoat what my son was looking at. I explained my financial situation and not only did David lower his fee he agreed to take payments. When I was able to pay the first payment I met Christy what an ama…
I will recommend David. One of the best attorneys there is. He help drop a few charges that I got and even got me out of two days in work project. David and his secretary were very helpful through my case. I appreciate everything they did for me.
David And Christy are a great team. They helped me thru one of the worst experiences of my life. They were professional and kind throughout my case. They negotiated my case from a felony to a misdemeanor and 120,000 in restitution to zero owed for restitution. I could not of been better represented thru this process. I highly recommend them. David knows his stuff
Great service. David and Christy were honest and direct. I got the best outcome possible. They did a great job.
Terri Hutto
April 16, 2018
David and Christy saved me from a very horrible situation. I retained David twelve years ago, and even though it had been that long, as soon as I got arrested and needed a lawyer, David and Christy were there. David got a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, no real probation, and I was free to go home. I would call him again if I ever had to knowing he’d be there again. I would never hesita…
Crystal M.
December 29, 2016
Both David and Christy were awesome! We trusted them with my Brothers case and They produced results beyond our expectations. David Knolls down to earth “keep it real” approach is the key to his success in my opinion. I will and have recommended him. I cant thank you enough!
Robert Rosson
September 23, 2016
DAVID KNOLLl is an EXCELLENT ATTORNEY!!! He kept me OUT OF JAIL when other attorneys would have surely KEPT ME IN! He’s THE BEST at ALL CRIMINAL CASES and is AFFORDABLE TO EVERY BUDGET!…EVERY BUDGET!!!… I don’t have much money and I needed a REAL GOOD ATTORNEY, NOT A PUBLIC DEFENDER…So DAVID WAS the OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR ME…LOCATED RIGHT DOWNTOWN and EASY TO WORK WITH, DAVID WILL FIGHT, F…
Travis Smith
August 5, 2016
Great job helping me seek litigation. Thanks.
Edmond Barnes
July 28, 2016
I highly recommend David Knoll to anyone facing DUI charges in Sacramento.
Randy Rabourn
July 28, 2016
I lucked out hiring Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney David Knoll because of a FELONY having a gun in my car and a DUI. Mr. Knoll worked hard on my case and got me a great result. He used my status as a vet to my advantage and I would recommend Sacramento DUI Attorney David Knoll to anyone who has been and needs an excellent representation.
Efrain Gutierrez
July 28, 2016
I was Really Satisfied And he got me what I wanted I recommend David Knoll Great Attorney – Criminal Defense.
Alfonso Najera
July 28, 2016
I recently got my first DUI, and was bombarded with attorney letters after coming home. Mr. Knoll’s letter was one of the first I opened, his reviews were awesome, and after speaking to Christy on the phone, it was a no-brainer. I literally just made an appointment, gave them my documents, and paid their very reasonable fee (which they even allowed me to make in 2 payments.), and that was it! …
Outstanding experience. He kept me aware of my case dates. He also made sure that I was at ease. Knoll made sure that I had the best outcome for my case and also his hiring fees was the most affordable part. Christy also made sure I was okay and always answered my questions regarding my case. He is a lawyer who is very talented and will do a outstanding job on your case since he has far more ex…
Mariah Canales
July 28, 2016
We hired criminal defense attorney David Knoll and we couldn’t be happier. We highly reccomend him he was such a great help.
I cannot explain how much David knoll has done for me. I got a DUI and David has helped and guided me through everything. Him and Christina both made sure that I was in good hands and they took care of everything. I didn’t have to attend court and David with his valuable skills helped get my DUI dropped to a wet reckless which really saved my ass. I recommend David because he not only got my DU…
Great lawyer. I thank him for the hard work he put into the case. Couldn’t ask for better results. Of course I hope not to need a lawyer again, but for anyone in need of one. I can confidently recommend David Knoll. 100%
I do not know where to start about my graditude I have for David Knoll and Christy. Without their help I would have been screwed going through it alone. I hired them for both of my DUI. David and Christy always put my mind at ease and answers or return calls all the time.
They had my best interest at heart and did not judge me for my mistakes. They take their time to explain the pros and con…
Found myself in a jam and David was right there fighting for me. I am not only extremely pleased with the outcome, but know that if anything from this resurfaces he will be there to beat it back on my behalf. Thanks David! Hope I never need you again, but if I do, I got your number!!
Grateful client
July 15, 2016
We will be forever grateful to David Knoll for his ability to get our daughter’s domestic violence charge reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Both Mr. Knoll and Christy Van Stelle are easy to talk to, affordable and professional. They answered all of our questions and kept us informed throughout the process. They clearly have the experience and knowledge to fight the toughest of cases. D…
Jesse GMcAllister
July 1, 2016
Really helpful attorney, who helped me get charges for a DUI heavily reduced. Friendly staff and to the point. Really glad I found David Knoll to represent me.
I needed to get a bunch of old convictions off my record and Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney David Knoll was able to deliver. The judge originally denied my requests but Dave got her to agree to another court date. He went back and got a bunch of extra proof and was able to convince her to grant ALL of my expungements! I can now get approved for some licenses I need for work. Thanks Dave a…
David Knoll is the most experienced and knowledgeable lawyer I have ever encountered! He took a personal interest in my case and fought very hard for me to get the best outcome he could, even while the DA was doing everything possible to railroad me and destroy my life, as well as any chance of having a decent future. He was able to reduce my sentence from 6 months in jail to only 6 days. David…
David Knoll has earned our family’s everlasting gratitude. Our young son “D”, committed serious crimes, to which he admitted, and was facing very a lengthy prison sentence. David “pulled out all the stops” using his knowledge, contacts, reputation and skill to get the best deal for our son. He truly was a strong representative for “D”, and his future. It is without any reservation that I rec…
David Knoll is a great DUI attorney. He helped my friend get his charges dropped following a drink driving incident in down town Sacramento. Highly recommend them if you need a criminal defense attorney.
David Knoll is a superb lawyer! He has helped me with a few situations. Truly a life savor. Christy is also amazing. ALWAYS calls you back and always eager to help.
They don’t judge. They really put you at ease and make you feel comfortable. Such an amazing team. I would defiantly recommend them!
Michelle Magana
March 30, 2015
I am overjoyed and amazed beyond belief with the service provided by David Knoll and Christy Van Stelle. To say that I appreciate what they have done for me is an understatement. I cannot begin to convey how truly thankful I am to have had David and Christy take on the criminal justice system on my behalf. Mr. Knoll has over 20 years of experience defending people and displays the highest leve…
Case Dismissed
November 19, 2014
I was arrested for shooting a gun in my backyard. I hired David Knoll. He answered all my questions and the price was really fair. He was able to get my felony thrown out of court and my case dismissed!
Felony DUI to Misdo in Placer
May 14, 2014
I want to thank David Knoll for his candor, respect and empathy to me during this legal situation. I was caught for an accident DUI and injured three people. Placer charged me with a felony. They are one of the toughest counties. David got me a misdo with no jail time! He saved my future.
Discrimination DUI
April 27, 2014
Best lawyer I’ve encountered in a long while. He handled my daughter’s cases without her even being in the court room. The case was a DUI. It was clearly a discrimination situation, and he didn’t “break our bank”. If for any reason I know of someone who needs a lawyer I will highly recommend Mr. David.
Reckless Case Thrown Out
April 23, 2014
David is a great lawyer. He got a reckless driving case thrown out in Placer county. I was discriminated against by the cops and David stood up for me. I will definitely come back if I need him. Super cool lawyer.
Felony to a Dismissal
April 2, 2014
I was charged with felony embezzlement from my employer. Not knowing what to do my wife and I phoned the Law office of David Knoll. We has a sit down with Dave and Kristy. I felt assured David could represent us well in court. After three court appointments, my case was dismissed with taking a few classes. He also allowed payment plans! I would highly recommend David to anyone with a criminal c…
Highly Recommend
March 27, 2014
I highly recommend David Knoll to anyone fighting a case. His prices were super fair and he got my VOP / theft case thrown out of court!
No Prison
December 3, 2013
David was my lifeline in my $10,000 felony theft case. He did an outstanding job. I would refer him to anyone who needs legal counsel. I started at 16 month prison sentence to 75 days of house arrest. Thanks, David!
Thanks to David Knoll. He saved me a good fine and trouble. He is a great lawyer. I don’t know how he did it but he got my DUI to an infraction. He did not just save me money but also some classes, probation and SWP. Thanks David Knoll for your hard word on my case. I will recommend you out to people who need someone as good as you. I am super excited and you are worth hiring! Thank you so much.
DUI drug dui
October 17, 2013
I was pulled over and charged with a dui for prescription pills and marijuana wrongfully and the case was thrown out before trial. Saving me a bunch of money, time, headache, and stress. Definitely will be calling again if i get in a bind.
.10 BAC dropped to a PARKING TICKET!
September 20, 2013
I blew a .10 but David fought it and finally got it reduced to a parking ticket. They are a truly experienced team. This team is worth hiring. I kept my job because of this.
PD GAVE ME 30 DAYS
September 20, 2013
I went to my first court date without an attorney and was offered 30 days for resisting arrest. I hired David and he got the case dismissed! No jail time or work project.
NO PRISON TIME OR STRIKE
June 18, 2013
David Knoll is a great attorney. I was arrested for assault against an off duty cop. I put him in the hospital with broken face and he needed reconstructive surgery. I was facing 5 years and two strikes! It was gonna be an uphill battle and I doubted my future. The smartest thing I ever did was hire Mr. Knoll and have faith in him when nobody else in my corner did. Dave got me down from 5 years…
charges dismissed
June 10, 2013
I was arrested for a DUI. David Knoll and Christy answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable going forward about my case. And then the good news came that David got the charges dismissed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I would recommend David Knoll to anyone.
Outstanding Attorney
May 9, 2013
I just left the Sacramento County Courthouse. I hired David Knoll and Christy to represent me in a $70,000.00 restitution case. The case was complicated and I was preparing for the worse. David Knoll and Christy researched and investigated every aspect of the case and delivered a huge victory for me and my family today. I am PAYING ZERO! Looking for an attorney who is a Winner? David Knoll deli…
No Conviction
March 20, 2013
I expected hiring an attorney to help me in my criminal case would be costly and confusing. I did not want to be intimidated by the DA and I knew I needed help. David Knoll gave me a great deal and I got the best possible results. My assault case was DISMISSED. I never have to go court today and this case will have no impact on my future! I would recommend David Knoll to all my friends and fami…
Charges Dismissed!
March 8, 2013
I was so stressed out. I could not eat, sleep or focus on my job! Who was going to take care of my family now? I was facing serious assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury charges and was about to lose everything I worked so hard for in life. I chose David Knoll because his letter was straight facts. Thank God for his office! They got my whole case thrown out of court. It was like…
Case Dismmissed
February 11, 2013
I was facing two felony counts of assault and vandalism. Throughout the entire process, David and Christy were there every step of the way. They answered all my questions and the most important thing to me was David fought for me and never led me astray. He runs a clean shop and charges a really fair price. I would retain him again but hopefully I will never need to. David Knoll got my two felo…
NO THIRD DUI
February 8, 2013
This was my third DUI in ten years and I was facing 6 months. David was able to get it resolved as a second WET RECKLESS with no JAIL TIME. I don’t have to get the stupid interlock device installed in my car either! He was such a good attorney.
NO FELONY!
February 6, 2013
Mr. Knoll did an excellent job for me. he was able to resolve my case in less than a month and also changed it from a felony to a MISDEMEANOR and I did NOT have to serve time in jail. Instead, they gave me 120 days of home arrest which I will only do 60. I am very thankful to Mr. Knoll.
Excellent
January 14, 2013
I am very happy with the experience with David and Christy. I got my first DUI in Placer County and didn’t know how I was going to handle it. I called David’s office and put my case in their hands. They handled my DMV hearing and my court hearings as well. It was really comfortable talking with them and they answered any questions I had. Definitely made my 1st experience with the law a good one…
Very Happy
January 10, 2013
Throughout the whole process he and Christy kept me informed to the T about my case and how it was going. I owe them so much and thank them deeply for all they did for me in the judicial process. I didn’t have to worry about anything, they had my back the whole way through and even afterwards when my case was dismissed and I was only charged with VOP. They are the best lawyer combination in Sac…
So Scared
December 6, 2012
My experience with this firm was very positive. This is a very complicated process and they made it clear and easy. I understood exactly what my rights were and all possible options. I recommend this firm very highly.
Was arrested when I was 18 with a DUI charge and he got me a referral for a hardship license instead of sitting out a whole year without a license. Very helpful and answered all questions.
I had no idea what to do with my DUI? I had never been arrested. I was referred to David Knoll and he and his staff took really good care of me. So much weight was lifted off my shoulders.They fixed my problems with care and relief. Please go to David Knoll. THEY ROCK!
excellent representation
October 31, 2012
I recently hired David Knoll to represent me in a DUI case. He was not only able to get my DUI reduced to a wet and reckless. He also got my fines reduced from $2400.00 down to $1447.68! His legal assistant took care of my DMV hearing and all the headaches that come with this type of ordeal. I would highly recommend his law office to everyone that has wound up in this situation. Together they d…
Great Representation
October 29, 2012
My wife and I hired David Knoll to represent us in a serious case involving 6 felonies. We had consulted with other attorneys, but the scenarios they described were frightening. A good friend of mine who had experienced a positive outcome on his case with David’s representation, recommended David Knoll. Upon our first meeting with David, our outlook changed to one of hope. David Knoll was able …
Happy Client
October 25, 2012
My husband and I were extremely happy with the results of my case. Before we decided to have David Knoll represent our case we talked to other law offices. After speaking with Mr. Knoll and his associate, I immediately felt at ease. There was no judgement, they only wanted to help. I am grateful for all their help. Thank you!
Awesome Lawyer
October 22, 2012
You are a great law office! Your fast, quick and you really fight for people’s rights. Your prices are great too.
Great Attorney
October 2, 2012
Direct to the point in all areas. Most helpful with advice and direction given to me of my special needs in regards to my case. Was able to reassure me on any questions and worked with me on the requests I asked for in regards to my case. I do highly recommend Mr. David Knoll and staff Christy to anyone who may need his law service.
Very Professional Service
October 2, 2012
Direct to the point in all areas. Most helpful with advice and direction given to me of my special needs in regards to my case. Was able to reassure me on any questions and worked with me on the requests I asked for in regards to my case. I do highly recommend Mr. David Knoll and staff Christy to anyone who may need his law service.
Compassionate and Tenacious Attorney
May 20, 2012
I had reached the mature age of 56 and for the first time in my life I was arrested and charged with two counts of felony terrorist threats(PC 422) which carried a maximum sentence of three years in state prison and five years formal probation. After bailing from the absolutely awful and terrifying Sacramento County Sheriff Department’s “Jail of Hell,” I arrived home to find several letters in …
awesome lawyer and a man of his word
danny tinney
March 28, 2012
Attorney David Knoll is an awesome lawyer,he answered all my questions honestly and was straightforward and up front. He was on top of things from the minute he took our case until it was finished. He resolved it quickly and got our son an excellent deal! He kept his word to us just as he said he would. He or some one in his office picked up the phone every single time I called and helped me. E…
David Knoll saved my life!!!!
nicole schroeder
December 22, 2011
I was so terrified when I received my 3rd DUI, how could this happen!!! Long story short………..I was frantic to find a good lawyer and after spending hours upon hours calling around and meeting with lawyers that did not impress me, I was starting to really panic. I met with lawyers who were mean or creepy or had a weird office space, I even met one that looked like he had not showered in a …
Read All Testimonials >
Criminal Law Advice From Attorney David Knoll
Scenario: You have been approached by police “let me ask you a few questions”. Now what?
First of all, you should exercise you right to remain silent.
Say to the Police: “I WILL ONLY SPEAK TO MY ATTORNEY, DAVID KNOLL, AND WILL REMAIN SILENT UNTIL HE IS PRESENT”.
Please remember the stories of all of innocent people in prison doing incredibly long sentences. It could be you! Those innocent folks spoke to the Police, just like the Police want you to speak to them.
Innocent people DO need to worry!
We have all been taught since grade school that the Police are your friend and if bad things happen you should seek their help. What is not taught is that we live in an adversarial legal system where it is the Police’s job to gather evidence against you to give to the district attorney. The attorney will then try to use this evidence against you, to send you to jail or prison.
David Knoll, a leading Sacramento criminal defense lawyer, has been reading police reports for over twenty years. His clients are always amazed how the things they said to the police, which would have helped their case, are not included in the official police report.
People often think the Police are like their Dad. Tough but fair. This is not the case. If the Police think of you as a suspect, then they are trying to convict you. Believe it. If you answer a question as “maybe,” they might write it down as “yes.” How can you disprove what the Officer wrote down? You can’t.
The Police understand that they cannot question you if you forcefully assert your right to have and criminal defense attorney present when they are questioning you.
Weirdly, they will respect you for it because that is exactly what the Police do when they shoot someone on the job. They ask to speak to their lawyer, just like you should ask to speak to theirs.
Scanario: The police say ’you will not be arrested’:
Another favorite tactic the police use to get you to talk, when you shouldn’t, is to say that you will not be arrested. That is true right up to the point where you might incriminate yourself and then they will arrest you.
Do you really think there is a law that says “the policeman said I wasn’t going to get arrested, so I can’t be arrested?” Would you trade a night or three in jail for the possibility of the rest of your life in prison? The answer is no. They can arrest you and they will arrest you, if you incriminate yourself.
In the beginning the police officer is supposedly only finding out what is going on and therefore does NOT have to read you your rights. Don’t believe it. If he is talking to you, you are a suspect and risk going to prison even if you did nothing illegal.
It is only after you have already incriminated yourself and he arrests you that he must read you your rights. This means when he arrives on the scene and says what happened – no rights need to be read. Once you say, “ I stabbed the guy, but he had it coming,” the officer has enough information to arrest you and then they will read you your rights. By then it is too late as you have already incriminated yourself.
Instead you should say, “I understand how serious this might be so I want to talk to a Sacramento criminal attorney, and I will not answer any questions until my attorney is present.”
Does this make you look guilty? WHO CARES! Being questioned by the Police is not a popularity contest; it is a fight for your rights. If the Police are questioning you, they already think you did something bad and are just looking for a way to prove it.
Scenario: You have been arrested; now what?
When the Police tell you to just repeat it because you have already told me everything, what they mean is “I can not use that in court so please repeat it so it can be used against you.” Tell them “I WANT TO REMAIN SILENT AND NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. I WANT TO SPEAK TO MY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY, DAVID KNOLL IMMEDIATELY.”
It is better to be in jail for a few days than risk being in jail for the rest of your life. So use that right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present. Rights only work if you use them at the start.