Donald Matthew Knepper

Donald Matthew Knepper

also known as Donny, Donnie

4.9
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 19 years

Family Lawyer at Rockville, MD
Practice Areas: Family, DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense ... +2 more

100 South Washington St., Rockville, MD

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 35%

DUI, DWI, Driving on Suspended, Driving on Revoked, and other traffic violations & citations.

19 years | 292 cases

35%
Family 35%

Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Post-Judgement, Peace & Protective Orders, Paternity, Seperation Agreements, Prenuptial Agreements, etc

19 years | 53 cases

35%
Criminal Defense 20%

Extensive experience with serious criminal charges ranging from felony jury trials in circuit court to misdemeanor district court cases. Fights to win every case and willing to go to trial whenever it is in the interest of the client.

19 years | 326 cases

20%
Personal Injury 5%

Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Elder Abuse, Negligence, etc.

19 years | 15 cases

5%
Trusts 5%

Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Trusts & Estate Administration Management, Trust litigation

13 years | 2 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 6 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2020

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 12 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2014

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 19 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 15 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2011

Inactive

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Hampshire for 15 years

State: New Hampshire

Acquired: 2010

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Offices of Donny Knepper

100 South Washington St., Rockville, MD, 20850

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Donald Matthew Knepper's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

47 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Appeals

Posted by Betsy | March 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Appeals

Understanding and Knowledgeable

I hired Donny for my family case long after my divorce was over and I really wish that I had hired him much earlier. My first attorney really took me to the cleaners financially speaking. Not that my first attorney did a bad job, far from it, but it was just so expensive. Donny did a great job... for me and he was able to keep the costs under control. My ex is one of these guys who never learned how to simply get along with others. My ex created one problem after another for me and my children. It did not matter that the divorce was over and that the Court had ordered him to do certain things, he was not going to follow any Orders. Not only that, but he kept bringing the case back to court. By the time I hired Donny there had already been over 300 docket entries in my case (which is a ton). That is the thing about court, it is susceptible to being abused by people like my ex who have have regard for the truth. Donny was able to quickly ascertain what my ex was doing and he devised a strategy to defuse the case. And when the judge made an incorrect ruling on one of the key issues in the case, Donny refused to let it go. He argue with the judge and when it became clear that the judge was not going to change his mind, Donny did what he needed to do in order to get a speedy appeal on the issue. I really got to see Donny's full range of legal skills. I not only saw him prepare and execute a trial, but then I also saw him prepare a professional legal memorandum for the appeal. He was excellent. His work is polished and persuasive, which is why we won the appeal! When my ex brought the case back again after that, Donny once again did a very effective job bringing things to a quick end. Donny knows how the system works and he knows pretty much everybody in the courthouse. He knows how to get results. My ex has not brought be back to court since being beat by Donny. And to think that he did it all at a price that I could afford, I really wish that I had known to go talk to him during my original divorce case. If you are reading this review then it probably means that you need a lawyer. There are so many lawyers out there and you should find one who suits your needs, but by all means make sure that Donny Knepper is one of the lawyers you talk to before making any final decision.

Posted by Danielle | August 20, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Appeals

In it to Win it!

I would recommend Donny to anybody in need of a lawyer. I hired him to handle what would have been my second DUI. I told him that I was being wrongly accused. From the very beginning of the case Donny did everything he could to make sure that I was found not-guilty. He visited the scene of my... arrest. He took pictures of the area and got them blown up in HD quality color photos. I knew that a lot of people had witnessed my arrest and Donny talked to every one of them. I could tell that winning was important to him. I've had to hire a lawyer before. I know how it is. You sort of wonder whether you are giving your money away. You wonder if the lawyer will really do anything for you. Let me tell you, Donny works. There was a legal issue that popped up in my case and Donny was all over it. He wrote this whole long motion. Even when we lost in District Court, he just took it to Circuit Court and kept at it. It was like no matter what happened he would find a way to win. I cannot tell you how happy I was the day that Donny called me to tell me that the prosecutor had finally had enough and was dismissing my case. Justice prevailed, but I know that it would not have happened if I did not have Donny Knepper on my side. If you are looking for a lawyer, do yourself a favor and call him.

Posted by Betsy | February 11, 2015 | Appeals

Compassionate, Caring, Honest and Hard working

I hired Donny to represent me for a Modification of Custody and Child Support and for a Contempt trial that my ex had filed. He was the third attorney that I have used for the multiple times I have had to go to court for motions filed regarding custody/child support and contempt. Donny was by far th...e best attorney that I have used in that he was extremely compassionate and understanding of not only my mental stress but of my financial stress because of the multiple times I have had to appear in court defending myself against motions filed by my ex. He took the time to listen and learn about my entire case( all 350+ docket entries) and he worked with me regarding a payment plan in order to be able to afford his services. When the final verdict came that the motions for custody and contempt were denied, but the child support modification was granted, Donny immediately spoke to me about filing for an En Banc review (appeal) because he felt that the judge had not followed the criteria for determining whether someone is voluntarily impoverished or not and if he had, the child support could NOT have been modified. Donny explained all of the possible outcomes for the En Banc review but exuded a confidence about winning that convinced me to move forward with it. Donny spent a great deal of time preparing his brief and for the appeal and even contacted his mentor, an extremely successful and long time family law attorney, to help with reviewing the brief and his presentation to be sure it was the best it could be. Needless to say, the result of the En Banc Review was the best it could have been in that the judges previous order was vacated and my ex was ordered to pay the full amount of child support due based on the original order. Donny is an excellent family law attorney because he not only knows family law, but he has the experience in handling criminal appeals which gives him the experience to handle En Banc reviews for family law cases. He is a compassionate, caring, honest and extremely hardworking. I would recommend Donny Knepper enthusiastically and without reservation!

Posted by Charles | September 15, 2014 | Appeals

A truly exceptional attorney

After meeting with several prominent attorneys i chose Mr Knepper, who made me feel very comfortable and was very positive about handling my case. I was facing a up hill battle which included seven charges, Mr. Kneeper got me a not guilty on five of the seven. Most people including other attorneys to...ld me i should be happy with the decision and just accept the verdict i got. I am so happy i took Mr. Kneeper's advice instead which was to appeal the other two which included a DWI. We had our appeal and after Mr. Kneeper cross examination of the police officer the judge excused the jury and dismissed my charges. I am extremely happy with the performance of Mr. Knepper and the legal services he provided. I have hired other attorneys in the past and this guy is by far the best attorney i had the privilege to represent me and an exceptional human being. I will refer him to all my friends and family and will use his services if ever needed in the future. Thanks again for all your help.

See All Client Reviews

Donald Matthew Knepper's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Family lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent family law attorney who is dedicated to client success."

Miguel Romao Palmeiro headshot
Miguel Palmeiro

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to witness Mr. Knepper in court and am impressed by his professionalism and ability to win for his clients."

Michael Golburgh headshot
Michael Golburgh

Family lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Donny Knepper without condition. Donny is an exceptionally talented attorney, who knows the court system well and has strong mastery of civil procedure and litigation tactics. If Donny is the opposing counsel, you had better prepare well for any court event, as he is a forceful advocate for his clients and appears to take every opportunity to advance his clients' interests. It is easy to see why he has made a strong name for himself in the Maryland legal community. Also, as a former (always) U.S. Marine, he brings that diligence, ethics and controlled aggressiveness that is so important for a successful trial attorney. The Maryland Judges and Magistrates seem to recognize this, and give him the respect that is rightly due."

Christina Marie Hughes headshot
Christina Hughes

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Knepper for years and have had the opportunity to try multiple cases with him. He is a formidable opponent. He is knowledgeable on the law and is an effective litigator, which can be a rare combination. I would not hesitate to recommend his services."

Joshua Samuel Berman headshot
Joshua Berman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Knepper is an exceptionally zealous advocate for his clients. I am always impressed how much he will go the extra mile to effectively represent his client."

Benjamin Francis Bruins headshot
Benjamin Bruins

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Knepper is one of the most experienced attorneys in the State of Maryland. He is extremely knowledgeable and effective in court. Mr. Knepper is known for getting fantastic results and is consistently aggressive in his representation."

Joseph William Fay headshot
Joseph Fay

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donny is a good lawyer who takes pride in good preparation and good results."

Robinson Sean Rowe headshot
Robinson Rowe

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Knepper is an aggressive litigator who always brings his passion for winning and client dedication into the court room. He is highly respected by his colleagues, and most importantly, by the prosecutors and Judges. His clients receive the best in legal representation and Mr. Knepper has won numerous difficult and complex cases in trial. Any prospective client would do extremely well to seek counsel from Mr. Knepper."

Jeffrey David Katz headshot
Jeffrey Katz

Trusts lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Donny brings a high minded work ethic, can-do attitude, and creative problem solving approach to each of his clients. He is an out of the box thinker who consistently delivers the goods. We've been impressed in his over the top delivery of legal services. Don't let his cool demeanor fool you-- Donny under promises and over delivers."

Jeremy D Rachlin headshot
Jeremy Rachlin

Trusts lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"It is my pleasure working with Donny to administer a trust. Donny is incredibly responsive to the client and to all other parties who are involved in managing this complex trust. He is guided by a high degree of professionalism, civility, and integrity."

Shawn A Gritz headshot
Shawn Gritz

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Donny for a long time. It is always a pleasure seeing him in court representing his clients. He is a zealous advocate who will give a client every bit of attention they deserve."

View All Endorsements
Jennifer Bassett Page headshot
Jennifer Page

Unknown lawyer

Michael Golburgh headshot
Michael Golburgh

Family lawyer

Christina Marie Hughes headshot
Christina Hughes

Family lawyer

Joshua Samuel Berman headshot
Joshua Berman

Personal injury lawyer

Brian David Sadur headshot
Brian Sadur

Family lawyer

Prudence Avery Upton headshot
Prudence Upton

Unknown lawyer

Benjamin Francis Bruins headshot
Benjamin Bruins

Unknown lawyer

Joseph William Fay headshot
Joseph Fay

Criminal defense lawyer

Robinson Sean Rowe headshot
Robinson Rowe

Litigation lawyer

Jeremy D Rachlin headshot
Jeremy Rachlin

Business lawyer

Jeffrey David Katz headshot
Jeffrey Katz

Estate planning lawyer

Shawn A Gritz headshot
Shawn Gritz

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2006

Cum Laude, University of Richmond

2000

Yankee White Top Secret Clearance, United States Marine Corps

2000

Presidential Service Badge, United States Marine Corps

2000

Good Conduct Medal, United States Marine Corps

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Principal, The Law Offices of Donny Knepper

2006 - 2013

Associate, The Law Offices of Dan Gaskill

1998 - 2002

Presidential Helicopter Squadron, United States Marine Corps

Associations

2015 - Present

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association

Member

2006 - Present

Montgomery County Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

2014 - 2014

American Inns of Court

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State vs. Lewis

Not Guilty

State vs. Addison

Nolle Prosequi

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

University of Richmond, The T. C. Williams School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2002

Pennsylvania State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution