David W. Knecht, Esq.

Born and raised in California, David W. Knecht has been serving and protecting Californian’s for over 30 years.  Mr. Knecht began his service career as a lifeguard for the County of Los Angeles, and after a two year service mission in Spain, Mr. Knecht completed his undergraduate education at the California State University, Fullerton.  After graduation, he embarked on a law enforcement career as a sworn police officer for the City of Fullerton, California.  Mr. Knecht worked as a police officer and detective for the cities of Fullerton, Santa Rosa, and Vacaville for 13 years before attending the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, graduating in 2006.  As an attorney, Mr. Knecht has continued the tradition of service, focusing his practice on family law, wills and trusts, probate, and trust administration.

Experience

  • From 1990 to 2003, Mr. Knecht served as a police officer and detective in three California jurisdictions, specializing in the investigation of gang crimes, sex crimes, property crimes, computer forensic evaluation, domestic violence, and child molestation cases.  Mr. Knecht investigated thousands of cases in his career ranging from simple theft cases to homicides.
  • After graduating from law school, Mr. Knecht worked for attorney E. Bradley Nelson in Vacaville.  Judge Nelson is now a sitting judge in the Solano County Superior Court.  Mr. Knecht worked on complicated employment law, business/contract, and other civil litigation matters while working as an associate attorney for Mr. Nelson.
  • Mr. Knecht opened his own law office in Vacaville in 2007, and has represented thousands of clients in estate planning, family law, trust and will litigation, restraining orders, and other matters since.  (Results, Testimonials)

Education, Memberships, and Awards

  • Admitted as a Member of the Bar, State of California.  2006.
  • Graduate of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law,  Juris Doctor with Distinction.  2006.
  • Chosen to participate in the Moot Court/Appellate Advocacy Program at McGeorge, winning awards in competition in Los Angeles and New York. 2005.
  • Admitted to the Traynor Honor Society for academic excellence.  2005.knechtcop2
  • Distinguished Service Award, City of Santa Rosa, for leadership and sustained excellence as a police officer in domestic violence investigation, training, and support services in Sonoma County.  2004.
  • Formal training as a police detective in the investigation of Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Homicide, Computer Forensics, Gangs, Use of Force.
  • Orange County Sheriff’s Academy graduate, 1990.  Advanced POST Law Enforcement certificate.
  • B.A. in Business Administration, California State University, Fullerton.  1990.
  • Two year service mission in Spain.  1983-1985.  Fluent Spanish speaker.

Personal

  • David Knecht is married to Susan and they have four beautiful daughters and seven fantastic grandchildren.   In his spare time, David enjoys snow skiing, fishing and spending time with his children and  grandchildren.