Matthew Curran Knauss’s Reviews

This Law Firm has a great reputation for a reason - they know the law and they will fight for you. To watch my lawyer Matt Knauss in court was an eye opening experience. He was prepared and very direct and was so thorough in his comments - and yet respectful that the judge was swayed to dismiss the case! I am not saying this will happen for you because each case is so unique but I can say that Matt and his CKG will do their best! His staff is just great also. I can't recommend him, his staff, and the entire firm more highly to anyone!

I was pulled over this summer for a DUI and it was the shock of a lifetime. As a professional in my early 30's, going to jail was just not something that I had ever considered could happen to me! I'm usually very responsible, especially when I go out to the bars and have a couple drinks, but this night I just made a mistake. I was pulled over at about 1:30am and failed the sobriety tests and was taken away in the back of a cop car. How mortifying! Fortunately my friend that was in the car with me happened to have Matt Knauss's number in his phone and recommended him highly (I think he used Matt to help with a prior DUI offense he had). I called Matt up, not expecting him to answer his phone since it was almost 2:30 in the morning by this point, and he answered the phone ready to help. From the get-go, he was completely professional, understanding, and compassionate. I didn't feel like I had to be embarrassed about what had just happened, and felt as though he was holding my hand through the whole thing.

When we met to come up with our game plan as to how best to minimize the damages, Matt was very prepared and reassured me that he had handled hundreds of cases just like mine and that he would do his best to help me. My biggest fear was going to jail, followed by losing my license and having to have one of those interlock devices in my car. I work in sales and often take clients to lunch, and just couldn't imagine how I would explain that.

Matt handled my case like an absolutely rockstar, and I was able to walk away with paying only a minimal fine. No jail time, no interlock device, and I got to keep my license. It was truly the best case scenario I could have dreamed of in this situation.

Will I use Matt again? Well, I hope to never be in a DUI situation again but if any of my friends happen to make this mistake, I will definitely refer them to Matt! I believe he also helps out with traffic violations and other minor infractions, so I'll definitely keep his card on hand just incase.

Matthew is very good at what he does. His professional, friendly demeanor made the process much simpler. His transparency and no-nonsense attitude was exactly what I needed throughout this ordeal. Matt was available whenever I needed him and was able to provide me with any information I needed to ease my stress or simply educate me.

Don't let his age fool you as he is mature and has a strong presence in court. He represented me very well by having my interests first but still maintaining a necessary relationship with the prosecutor and judge. These kinds of relationships are crucial in these kinds of situation.

I cannot thank you enough Matt. This process, while difficult at times, was made easier and more fluid by you and your considerable strength as a lawyer.

Matt took me thorough over a year long process after getting my second DUI. He remained ethical while making sure we did not provide the prosecution with information that they were not able to identify on their own. In short he took his time with the case to best use his skills as a defense attorney, and through that process and his knowledge of our local systems, the best possible result came out of the case. If you can get him, your working with one of the best.

I made a pretty big mistake and was in deep. I interviewed many local lawyers and was disappointed that most had a prescriptive approach. Each sounded more cookie-cutter than the next, and none of those cookie-cutters seemed appropriate for my situation. All seemed geared toward a deal, none seemed oriented to ensuring my full representation under the law.

Matt Knauss broke that mold. It was obvious that he really knew what he was doing. His rates were at the middle of the scale for area lawyers, but he immediately treated me as a long-time client, even though we had just met. More importantly, he treated me as though I was his only client throughout the entire process.

Unlike the others, Matt brings an entire firm to bear when needed. His toolkit includes senior partners that literally wrote the book on Washington Statues pertaining to this specific expertise. He has junior associates with superior intellectual prowess and peers that enable him to be in two places at once. You don’t get shucked off on voicemail for hours on end, it just doesn’t happen.

Matt explained in detail my options and what the different outcomes would likely be. I was never confused.

He was a prosecutor. He knows the law. He knows how the prosecution works, how they perform their duties and he knows them, as well as the justices. They have relationships based on mutual respect. His points are thoughtfully considered and not passively dismissed as they are with the serial plea dealers that seem to exist to settle for a conviction for the next-lower offense.

Watching the plea mills during many court appearances and seeing good lawyers doing a good job of representing clients cemented my realization that Matt operates on a different plane, a higher level.

If you’re looking, do yourself a huge favor and give Matt a call before you finalize your choice. Maybe the plea deal makes sense for you. Maybe one day it will mean the difference between getting a job that allows for no convictions. Either way, for the same money, you should know your options and know the full extent of your rights.

My case turned out better than I had dared to hope. That’s the highest endorsement I have.

Matt,

If you are reading this, you have my sincere and undying gratitude. Thank you so much.

Around New Year's eve a couple of years back I found myself in the midst of a life-changing and most embarrassing incident. I had never been in trouble legally before and I was afraid to say the least. My arrest was the culmination of an unfortunate sequence of events in my personal life that year and I was already in a dark place mentally. At that time, I was a recent graduate of the University of Washington with aspirations to attend Law School in the near future. I was convinced that I may as well say goodbye to those dreams after this incident. I needed someone like Matthew to help convince me otherwise and he did that and so much more. What impressed me most was the genuine and sincere nature with which Matthew received my family and I. I was impressed and comforted instantaneously as Matthew, knowing little or no facts of my case, showed up on a Saturday morning to begin my defense, which he pursued with vigor and zeal until its resolution.

Though I had never been involved personally with the legal system, I knew enough about it to be fully aware that I was not Matthew's only client. That said, one would never have been able to tell as I felt he was always there, even to respond to the most nominal inquiry. Perhaps most importantly, Matthew impressed me in his personal and his official capacity. Specifically, he treated me like a human being, with understanding and compassion. He gave me the benefit of the doubt and didn't treat me like a career criminal (unfortunately the same can't be said for the Seattle PD). The words simply don't exist to describe how much better about the whole process Matthew and his firm made me feel.

As the title of the review indicates, Matthew, the other Cowan Kirk Gaston attorneys, and the rest of the firm's staff were at all times consummate professionals. I remember one morning when Matthew had a scheduling conflict during a court appearance of mine. I remember thinking for a second, "well, this is just great." That morning being a fairly simple and quick hearing, I wondered if Matt would send a more junior associate or an office staff member or something to this effect. I should have known better as he did neither. Rather, he arranged for one of the firm's senior partners to appear his stead. If that doesn't impress and reassure, I don't know what would.

The case against me appeared strong and the outcome bleak, but Matthew never stopped working towards a more favorable resolution. Matthew quite literally fought on my behalf until the 11th hour and he was able to secure a much, much better resolution to my case than we'd ever expected was possible. Matthew and Cowan Kirk Gaston epitomize class and professionalism. As I recall that chapter in my life, I begin to wonder if it truly was that unfortunate after all, Certainly, I wish I could take it back, but with Matthew's help I was able to cast the darkness of everything aside and focus on the tunnel's light. Actually, I was so impressed with the representation that I knew I belonged on the other side of the law with certainty and I began to pursue my own goals with renewed vehemence. I'm proud to say that I've just recently embarked on my second year of law school and some credit for renewing my faith in the justice system is due Matthew and his firm.

I have already recommended Matthew's services and will continue to do so with fervor in the future.

If you have to be going through this, it's best to go through it with Matt... Working with Matt was great! He is very knowledgeable, compassionate and patient with the legal process. Having a smart, calm, methodical attorney really helped me relax, focus on the things I could control and feel that I was in good hands. I would highly reccommend Matt to anyone!

I have had several DUI's in the past and was on probabtion. During my probation, I was arrested for drinking and 3 other offenses. I was terrified of going to jail. It was almost inevitable. Upon meeting Matt Knauss, he made me feel like everything was going to be okay and gave me many options on how to go about my case. I never once felt as if I were in the dark or just left wondering what was going to happen to me. This wasnt my first run around the block, I have been in trouble before. So, I know how lawyers can be, and Matt Knauss is unlike any other. During my court appearances Mr Knauss was NEVER late and always made me feel as if I were his only case. When everyone around me was headed right to jail for the same offense, I was able to leave the day of my appearance. It did not look good for me, however he helped me see through the fear. During all of this, I was getting ready to move out of state to NYC and truley thought that I would not be able to because of probation, jail, or other punishment. Mr Knauss understood this and worked tirelessly on my behalf. In the end, my punishment was minimal, especially for my crime. In which he was truley honest and upfront about this in the very beginning, I was going to have some type of reprocussions....like I said it wasnt my first run around the block. I had 3 days of work crew, a small fine and further unreporting probation. However, he was able to work it that I could leave the state 3 weeks later. Im not going to say he works miracles, he just works his ass off for his clients. His INTEGRITY is matched by no-one...that is hard to find these days. Professionalism and results are what you will get with Mr Matt Knauss.

Matthew represented me for my DUI case and the result was much better than I thought it could be. I have never been in any real trouble before, and was quite scared about what the outcome would be. Matthew was there for me every step of the way to answer all my questions (and occasionally, the same question repeatedly!)

He is smart, talented and reliable. I would recommend him to anyone facing a DUI/DWI case.

Matt was referred to me by another attorney to represent me in a DUI case in the city of Kirkland and in Skagit County. It was my first experience with the legal system and from the moment I entered the office the staff treated me with dignity and respect. I soon learned that the court and the DOL were 2 different arguments. Matt's knowledge of the law, his experience as prosecutor and his passion to defend all contributed to the best outcome I could have hoped for. Even though the check has been cashed long ago, Matt and his staff never delay in returning a call and reminding me they are my team until the very end. Thank you for making this rough journey a lot smoother.

I had never been in court before. Matt was very patient, knowledgable, and honest. He explained the procedures and met expectations with outcomes. I

Ive worked with many attorneys in business however, recently I required an attorney to represent me in a personal and potentially embarrassing situation. My goal was to have the best representation I could possibly get. I choose Matt after interviewing three of the highest rated, most expensive and most experienced attorneys in area who specialize in DUI's. Although the firm as a whole and particularly the senior partners are extremely well regarded I was surprised that I ended up trusting my case to the more junior member of team over any of the more experienced members of the three firms i interviewed (which are all well regarded.) I preferred Matt's style and attitude despite the fact he is a more junior member in the firm. I appreciated that Matt is backed up by one of the most experienced and well respected attorneys in the area, especially when we had to make negotiation decisions that involved understanding the players and likely outcomes. The combination of his enthusiasm, prior work history and the depth of the firm really worked to my advantage. That being said, Matt seemed to be able to handle the entire case on his own easily. He was clearly respected by the judges and other attorney's during our court dates which always put me at ease. At the end of the day my outcome was more positive than I had hoped for or that most attorney's evaluating my situation thought possible. I feel that Matt understand the details of my situation, the case against me, the law (which he used artfully, and the people involved. He was not afraid to push on my behalf and was always straightforward and honest with regards to the risks.

Matthew’s successful defense of my daughter resulted in a positive outcome which has secured her ability to pursue her career and re-established a self assurance that she can control any life situation.

It was with hurt and fear that she first sat down during the interview process. She had never been in any trouble. The reality of the charges and the potential consequences were explained. Then the advocacy of the law firm was explained and their reputation for defense. We decided to obtain their legal counsel which set the firm in motion. My daughter felt relieved which was the first step in re-gaining her self confidence.

My daughter was kept abreast at each step in the process and was actively involved in reviewing the case, strategy and making the final decisions with his counsel.

The office staff is an integral part of the law firm. They are all elite professionals. They were always genuinely cordial both in person and on the phone. We found them to be highly efficient and knowledgeable of any steps we needed to take and were quick to provide answers or resources to any questions we had.

Matthew acted as advocate on my daughter’s behalf in between court dates, relentlessly defending her and working towards a positive outcome.

As we moved through the hearings it became self evident that Matthew takes his cases personally and his clients even more so. It was also evident that he was an attorney to be reckoned with as we saw time and again his knowledge of the law, character, personality, strategist, maneuverability and always honest.

Matthew took my daughter’s defense personally and defended her as if she was his own daughter. As a father that is the best that I could possibly expect or hope for. The results reflect this.

It resulted in one case being dropped and one case put on a deferred sentence which was successfully completed with a subsequent motion entered to dismiss which was accepted.

A sincere “thank you” to you Matthew and everyone at the Cowan Kirk Gaston Law Firm.

Matthew is best in his proffession. He helped me in reducing my DUI to negligent driving. I hope I never need him again but would not hesitate if the need arose. Many many thanks to Matthew and staff.

My wife and I have needed Matt's expertise a couple of times and he has handled each case with success. I haven't and wouldn't hesitate again to recommend him to anyone.

When Matt handled my case, I was extremely pleased with his knowledge of the court system, professionalism, organizational skills, quick response to all my calls and questions and his level of empathy. I will continue to recommend Matt Knauss to anyone needing legal support.

Matt and the team at Cowan Kirk Gaston were amazing in helping me with my case. As a first time offender I was unsure of what steps needed to be taken to protect myself. After hearing the details of my case Matt and team helped guide me through the court process and prepare me for any and all interactions with the prosecution. Due to their thorough research, investigation, and negotiating they were able to have my charges reduced to a misdemeanor, per my request. They respected that my desired result was to take responsibility for my actions without being branded as a felon.

I cannot accurately express how thankful I am to Matt and the team at Cowan Kirk Gaston

Matt took on my case in Feb 2009. His extensive knowledge of the court system of Bellevue stemming from his days as a Prosecuting Attorney were invaluable. His confidence in executing each step of the trail process produced the best possible results I could have hoped for. I can only enthusiastically endorse Mr. Knauss and recommend him highly to anyone looking for legal council in any sort of Traffic related higher level offense. He may look like a youngster with boyish charm, but he knows very well the legal system and the Bellevue Court network.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My teenager made some bad choices that resulted in two DUI tickets within 6 months. A friend recommended the Cowan Law Firm, and Mr. Matt Knauss in particular. Thank goodness we found Matt! He is extremely knowledgeable about Washington State DUI law and truly knows his way around the court system. He was very responsive to my numerous questions and concerns. Matt went the extra mile for us on several occasions. Matt Knauss is the attorney that you want in your corner when you are in scary territory.

Matt was on top of my case from the get go and knew what needed to be done. He was on time and very organized throughout all our meetings. I felt he cared about my case and made sure that I got the representation I needed. If anyone needed a lawyer I would refer them to Matthew knauss.

I was very pleased with Matthew Knauss from start to finish on both cases that he handled for me. I was impressed with his passion for his profession and his genuine compassion for what each client is going through. I was always kept in the loop throughout the entire process and would highly recommend Mr. Knauss.

I could not have been happier with the help I received from Matt. It is abundantly clear that he has years of experience within this particular field; I can recall numerous incidents within the duration of his retainer that his judgement calls ultimately contributed to the best possible result for me. Matt will also fight hard for his clients, as he aggressively pursued negotiations with both the city's attorneys and the Department of Licensing on my behalf. Again, these efforts went a great way to mitigate the fines and sentences passed on me by the state.

The thing I least anticipated and yet appreciate enormously about Matt's practice is the customer service environment created both by Matt and his staff. Whenever I called to make an inquiry about my case, I was sure that I would receive an answer via phone call or e-mail shortly thereafter. Beyond that, Matt empathized and listened to my concerns, and explained clearly why we should pursue a specific course of action. For instance, I personally wanted to be done with the case as soon possible, yet Matt had the communication skills necessary to show me the benefit in waiting to increase our bargaining posture. This strategy eventually led to sentence far less severe than the one originally proposed by the city.