David McKnight is an accomplished trial lawyer who has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts throughout Alabama and the Southeast. David's effective advocacy for his clients has been recognized by his peers as he has been acknowledged as a Super Lawyer, one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association, a Top Attorney for Criminal Defense by Birmingham Magazine, and has maintained an AV Preeminent rating for 15 years with Martindale-Hubbell. He graduated cum laude from Cumberland School of Law in 1986 and has been trying cases for over 25 years.    David understands that the mere accusation of criminal activity can damage a person's reputation and forever impair the quality of their life. Because of this, he brings relentless hands on preparation, a full understanding of the client and the case, aggressive trial skills, and compassion that provides his clients with a unique brand of zealous representation. He is committed to truly understanding the needs of each client and tailoring an investigation and litigation plan to meet these needs. These attributes have allowed David to obtain dismissals, acquittals, and reduced sentences on behalf of his clients while avoiding prosecution altogether for others.    David's practice is dedicated to vigorously defending those targeted by investigations at all levels and helping them to navigate the complexities confronting them. While he specializes in defending complex criminal and civil white collar litigation (both high profile and extremely confidential) for individuals as well as national corporations, he also focuses on representing professionals before their licensing boards.    David has written and lectured on various criminal defense topics. He is a member of the National Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Association for Justice, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers, Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, Greater Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Alabama Criminal Code Committee.    When he is not advocating for his clients, David enjoys spending time with his wife (Michelle) and family – especially attending his sons' sporting events (which include college football and golf). David and Michelle are active at The Church At Brook Hills.    Practice Areas:  Criminal Law  Personal Injury Litigation  Workman's Compensation  Administrative Hearings before State Boards  General Litigation and Appellate Practice    Professional Memberships:  Alabama State Bar  Birmingham Bar Association  American Bar Association  National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers  Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association  Greater Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyers Association  Association of Federal Defense Attorneys  The Association of Trial Lawyers of America  Alabama Trial Lawyers Association    Bar Admissions:  Alabama State Bar, 1986  U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Sixth and Eleventh Circuits  U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama    Reported Cases:  Ex parte Antonucci, 2005 Ala. Lexis 103 (June 24, 2005)  State v. Fitch, 715 So. 2d 87 (Ala. 1997)  Taylor v. State, 636 So. 2d 1246 (Ala. 1993)  Robinson v. Flour-Daniel International Corp. 598 So. 2d (Ala. 1992)