Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
Michael George McKneely
About Michael
Biography
No case is too big or too small for Mike. He readily accepts challenges, working with defendants facing a multitude of charges, including sex crimes, drug crimes, federal offenses, fraud, theft, assault, felonies, property crimes, juvenile offenses, traffic offenses, and weapons crimes. He helps clients dealing with substance abuse, mental health problems, and other complicated issues navigate the criminal justice system and works to minimize the future consequences of having been charged with crime.
Mike has valuable experience defending cases on behalf of clients throughout California and in federal courts across the United States. He is particularly passionate about working with the wrongly accused and those who are seeking to change their lives for the better.
He received a bachelor’s degree in political science at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, and studied law in Sacramento at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. After a few years in civil litigation and property law, Mike became a Deputy District Attorney in Fresno, where he saw the effects of prosecutorial abuse on people who were trying to recover in the face of serious charges. He switched sides to defend clients who need a second chance.
His passion for fighting for those who need support led him to begin his own practice in 2007.
He is a public speaking champion, traveling as far as Cape Town, South Africa to compete in collegiate speech and debate. This experience, as well as the time he served as a juror the week after he took the bar exam, was key to his becoming a trial lawyer. He enjoys a challenge and strives to achieve the best results possible for clients in any situation.
Mike grew up in Fresno in a family of airline and commercial pilots. He continues to enjoy flying as a hobby today. He spends time with his wife Karen, his family, and their four rescue dogs and a cat. He enjoys world traveling, reading, and in his spare time he roots for the Miami Dolphins.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
49%
24 years
DUI and DWI
17%
24 years
Federal Crime
17%
24 years
Sex Crime
17%
24 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 24 years
State: California
Acquired: 2001
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2009
Location
Michael McKneely, Attorney at Law
2300 Tulare Street, Ste 115, Fresno, CA, 93721
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Michael George McKneely's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
2 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (2)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Compassion
Posted by anonymous | May 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Mike Is Great!
Mike fought for me and did an amazing job, achieving an outcome that I thought was impossible from the beginning of my case. The District Attorney would not budge from a minimum offer of two years in prison. Mike got several charges against me dismissed so that only one remained. He was ultimately ab...
Michael George McKneely's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a caring, professional and hardworking attorney."
"Mike is a fantastic criminal lawyer. I have watched him in court on many occasions. No one has a better rapport with his clients. He genuinely cares. He really knows what he is doing."
"I have known and worked with Mike for many years. He is a dedicated and zealous advocate."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. McKneely. I know for a fact that Mike loves trial, and is damn good at it. Every time I speak with him, which is quite regularly, he always impresses me with his quick mind and knowledge of his subject area. Though he certainly is top notch with Juries, he’s also keen to see the best solution for his clients who face the gravest of risk giving them the best chance for a good outcome. I have no reluctance at all referring clients to him. I know they are in good hands. To say that I endorse Mike would be an understatement."
"I've known Mike for awhile now -- since shortly after he started practicing criminal defense, I think -- I have no question about Mike's ability as a criminal defense attorney. If you're reading this on Avvo, then you saw a notice that Mike was disciplined by the Bar. I came to know Mike after that, and I can say that today I would have no worries about Mike's integrity. His devotion to his clients is evident. His willingness to fight hard for them and -- like a lot of us (like me!) -- he is willing to consult with others to run new ideas past them. If I were in trouble, I would have no problems asking Mike for help. Having worked beside him in numerous courtrooms, I know that he is conscientious and devoted to doing the best job possible. You really can't ask for more than that in an attorney now, can you?"
"Mike handles tough cases and has a reputation of a real fighter. He is well respected by his peers and feared by opponents. Great lawyer."
"Mike is an excellent trial lawyer and well respected in the legal community. His experience allows him to handle the most serious of cases. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike is an excellent attorney. He advocates diligently for his clients, is always prepared and is not afraid to see cases through trial. He is professional, but dogmatic when necessary. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked on several cases with Mike, He is always well prepared and aggressive in his defense of clients. Also, Mike seems to show alot of caring in his aggressive defense of clients. Would definitely feel comfortable recommending him."
"Mike is a great attorney and an aggressive advocate. Couldn't recommend him more."
"Mike is an exceptional attorney. He truly cares about his clients and their cases. He is always fighting for his client's rights and he is an experienced criminal law attorney. As a former DA he often handled high profile cases in the media. You couldn't ask for a better attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known MIke for several years. I opposed him when he was a deputy district attorney, and supervised him when we worked together on several serious cases. He has overcome personal and professional challenges to become a skilled, conscientious, and dedicated attorney with experience on both sides of the aisle."
"I endorse this lawyer, Mr. Mckneely is a hardworking lawyer who fights for his clients."
"An excellent professional criminal defense attorney whose prior experience as a district attorney makes him invaluable to those charged with criminal offenses. I highly recommend Mike."
Najda Kazarian
Criminal defense lawyer
Samuel Luton
Criminal defense lawyer
David Milligan
Personal injury lawyer
Mark Coleman
Criminal defense lawyer
Sergio Benavides
Criminal defense lawyer
Rick Horowitz
Criminal defense lawyer
Yan Shrayberman
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Aed
Criminal defense lawyer
Alexander Martin
Criminal defense lawyer
Amy Guerra
Criminal defense lawyer
Gerald Schwab
Unknown lawyer
Caryn Warren
Criminal defense lawyer
Jerry Lowe
Unknown lawyer
Michael Mitchell
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Broughton
Criminal defense lawyer
Roger Wilson
Criminal defense lawyer
Daniel Martin
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Siegel
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2009.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2009
updated on 10/28/2022This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Interim suspension after conviction issued in CA, 2008
updated on 08/19/2020This means the attorney temporarily lost his or her license to practice law while the State investigates whether the attorney should be disciplined. The suspension typically expires when the investigation is resolved.
Michael’s comment:
“I have recovered since these events and am happy to have concluded this discipline favorably, I am open to discussing any of this with my clients. Having this experience has made me a better, and more compassionate, attorney.”
Honors
2000
Verne Adrian & Annabel McGeorge Scholarship, University of the Pacific-McGeorge
1999
Verne Adrian & Annabel McGeorge Scholarship, University of the Pacific-McGeorge
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, Michael McKneely, Attorney at Law
2009 - 2014
Attorney, Ciummo & Associates Alternate Defense Office
2007 - 2009
Attorney, Ciummo & Associates
2003 - 2007
Deputy District Attorney, Fresno District Attorney
2001 - 2003
Associate, Trainor Fairbrook (Previously Trainor Robertson)
Associations
2015 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2001 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Education
2001
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
Colgate University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers