• Nov 01, 2019
  • Monnat & Spurrier
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  • by Dan Monnat

WICHITA – A joint survey by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers has awarded Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, five “Best Law Firms” 2020 Rankings for the Wichita area in the sectors of General Practice Criminal Defense, White-Collar Criminal Defense, Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, and DUI/DWI Defense.

“We are always gratified by the comments and rankings attributed to us by these client and peer surveys,” said Dan Monnat. “Protecting the rights and liberties of our clients is our highest priority, and for us it’s the most crucial rank of all.”

“Best Law Firms” Rankings are based on a rigorous process that includes evaluations by clients who are asked to rank firms for their expertise, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, civility, and whether they would refer others to the firm. Additionally, Best Lawyers conducts an independent analysis of each firm and surveys attorneys in similar practice areas to compile its final list of rankings.

Defense attorney Dan Monnat and legal scholar Stan Spurrier founded Monnat & Spurrier in 1985. The firm has gained an international reputation for its defense of such high-profile clients as late-term abortion provider Dr. George Tiller; the unfortunate innocent person whose home was mistakenly raided by police as being that of serial killer BTK; and most recently, the Western Kansas man wrongly accused of murdering a four-year-old child by cruelly beating or shaking her.

In addition to Monnat and Spurrier, the firm includes shareholders Trevor Riddle and Sal Intagliata, and associates Matt Gorney, Eli O’Brien and Sarah Ellen Johnson.

  • Aug 15, 2019

WICHITA, Kan. – Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered’s Dan Monnat, Trevor Riddle and Sal Intagliata have each been listed in the Best Lawyers in America® 2020 Edition.

Dan Monnat, who has been honored by the publication for 32 consecutive years, was named to the Best Lawyers list in four distinct practice areas: Criminal Defense-General Practice; Criminal Defense-White Collar; Bet-the-Company Litigation; and Appellate Practice.

A nationally recognized trial lawyer, lecturer and author, Monnat currently sits on the Kansas Trial Lawyers’ Association’s Board of Editors and is the Criminal Law Chair. He has been designated a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, the American Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Association.

Monnat has practiced in Wichita for more than 40 years. A graduate of California State University, Monnat holds a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law and is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College.

Trevor Riddle earned his third consecutive listing in Best Lawyers in the area of Criminal Defense: General Practice. A shareholder at Monnat & Spurrier who has practiced for nearly 15 years, Riddle has earned a statewide reputation for handling scientific witnesses such as forensic laboratory technicians, doctors, biomechanical engineers and other experts. He was the first attorney in Kansas to argue the admissibility of polygraph evidence under Kansas’ amended rules of evidence. Riddle’s practice focuses on the defense of those accused of white collar crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex offenses.

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Riddle earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, with an emphasis in the philosophy of science. He earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law. While in law school, Riddle clerked for the Douglas County Kansas District Attorney and, after law school, prosecuted and tried cases as an Assistant Butler County Attorney.

Riddle is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and is a graduate of the NACDL White Collar Criminal Defense College sponsored by Stetson University College of Law. He also is a member of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Bar Association, the Kansas Bar Association, the Wesley E. Brown Inn of Court and the Wichita Bar Association.

Sal Intagliata earned his fifth consecutive listing in Best Lawyers in three individual practice areas: Criminal Defense: General Practice; Criminal Defense: White-Collar; and DUI/DWI Defense. His career includes 18 years as a distinguished criminal defense attorney in private practice, as well as four years as a Sedgwick County Assistant District Attorney, where he prosecuted cases in the Gangs/Violent Crimes Division. A shareholder in Monnat & Spurrier, Intagliata’s practice focuses on criminal, white-collar criminal, and appeals in federal and state courts throughout Kansas.

Intagliata currently serves on the Kansas Judicial Council Criminal Law Subcommittee. Intagliata also accepted an invitation by Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court to be on the Ad Hoc Pretrial Justice Task Force, created by the Kansas Supreme Court. He previously served as Vice President of the Wichita Bar Association and as a member of its Board of Governors, and on two separate occasions has served as Chair of the Association’s Criminal Practice Committee. Intagliata also served two terms on the Board of Governors of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Intagliata earned his bachelor’s degree, with distinction, from the University of Kansas, graduating with dual majors in political science and Spanish. He earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in May 1995. Intagliata is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College.

Inclusion on the Best Lawyers list is based on a confidential, nationwide peer survey that rates attorneys on professional competency, legal scholarship, pro bono service, and achievement.

  • Jul 09, 2019

WICHITA, Kan. – Who’s Who Legal: Business Crime Defense 2019 has named Dan Monnat, of Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, one of the world’s leading business crime defense attorneys. Earlier this year, Monnat also was named as a leading attorney on the Who’s Who Legal: Government Investigations list. The London-based Who’s Who Legal publishes 34 different guides listing top-rated lawyers and courtroom experts in various sectors of corporate, commercial law, and government investigations.

“Who’s Who is unlike any of the other peer-group listings because it is truly international,” Monnat said. “Nominees have been selected based upon comprehensive, independent surveys of both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only those who have met independent international research criteria are listed, and I’m truly honored to be included.”

Monnat has practiced in Kansas for more than 40 years, handling criminal and white-collar criminal cases that have attracted international attention, including the defense of late-term abortion provider Dr. George Tiller.

Monnat is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, the American Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Association.

A graduate of California State University, Monnat received his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law and is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College.

A frequent national lecturer and editorial contributor on criminal defense topics, Monnat is the author of “Sentencing, Probation, and Collateral Consequences,” a chapter of the Kansas Bar Association’s Kansas Criminal Law Handbook, 5th edition. From 2007 – 2011, Monnat served on the Kansas Sentencing Commission as a Governor’s appointee. He currently sits on the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Editors.

Monnat served as a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors from 1996 – 2004, and is a two-term past president of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Jun 18, 2019
  • KAKE TV
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  • by Lily Wu

WICHITA — Wichita police say they have found a 2-year-old girl safe and arrested her mother in connection with the case.

Officers arrested 34-year-old Ronetta Clement in the 2400 block of South St. Clair Monday evening and booked her for felony interference with law enforcement (false information concerning death or disappearance of a child).

“Her arrest follows an extensive investigation into her allegations that her child’s father had placed their 2-year-old daughter in danger,” Capt. Brent Allred said.

Police asked for the community’s help Sunday night after officers responded to a report of a suicidal person in the 2300 block of North Woodlawn. Clement told officers that the father refused to return custody of the girl and that he made some homicidal and suicidal statements, according to Capt. Allred.

“Based on this information, an ‘attempt to locate’ was issued on the 2-year-old and her father so that their welfare could be checked and so that officers could investigate what actually occurred.”

Investigators received information Monday afternoon that contradicted what Clements told officers.

Authorities made contact with the toddler Monday evening at her grandmother’s home and “everything appeared to be fine,” Allred said. The girl’s father has active warrants and did not want to be contacted.

“Our main concern is the welfare of the child,” said Allred. “We still want to talk to him about it, and I’m sure at some point in time he’ll want to talk to us about it.”

Clement was held without bond Tuesday morning. The case will be presented to the district attorney’s office.

See full interview at KAKE.com

  • Apr 30, 2019
  • by Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered

WICHITA, Kan. – Chambers USA 2019 has ranked Dan Monnat, of Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, in the top tier of Kansas litigators practicing in the White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations sector. Based on its annual survey of law firm clients and peer lawyers, Chambers USA quotes one survey source who described Monnat as “an outstanding practitioner” who does “outstanding work”. Monnat handles a wide range of litigation matters, with a particular depth of experience in white-collar and government investigations.

“I’m both humbled and gratified by this year’s Chambers USA review,” Monnat said. “Our commitment is to approach every case with outstanding thought, action, courage and care. Being recognized for that work ethic is a genuine honor.”

Monnat has practiced criminal law, white-collar criminal law and appellate law in Wichita for nearly 45 years, and was named by Super Lawyers® 2019 as one of the Top 10 Lawyers in Missouri and Kansas. A graduate of California State University, Monnat received his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law. He also is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College.

A frequent editorial contributor on criminal defense topics, Monnat is co-author of “Sentencing, Probation, and Collateral Consequences,” a chapter of the Kansas Bar Association’s Kansas Criminal Law Handbook, 5th edition. He also lectures at NACDL conferences and at other legal seminars around the country.

Monnat has earned distinction as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, the American Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Foundation. He currently sits on the Kansas Association of Trial Lawyers’ Board of Editors.

Monnat is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Mar 21, 2019
  • KAKE TV
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  • by Austin Breasette

WICHITA – The NCAA tournament started Thursday around the country and people are placing bets on their brackets to win money.

Watch parties and being with friends and family are one part of the NCAA tournament. One person in Wichita said he drove from Minnesota to watch with his friends.

“I’ve known them over a couple years,” said Wayne Nelson. “But yeah, just come down here to watch some games, get together with these guys and have some fun,” said Wayne Nelson.

Some people fill out brackets and pick teams to win all the way to picking the national champion in April.

“I think just the trash talking about the brackets, see who goes furthest and most wins,” said Matt Mies, a local resident who watches the tournament. “It’s just about bragging rights.”

Bets are also placed on these brackets between friends and on websites such as ESPN, CBS Sports, or Yahoo Sports.

“I definitely like to gamble a little bit,” said Bryndon Moussavi, another local resident who watches the tournament.

According to the American Gaming Association, 47 million Americans will bet near $8.5 billion on this year’s NCAA Tournament. Moussavi said, it’s all for fun.

“It’s just fun, win, lose, typically you’re out by the first day but you know if you make it into day two, three, it’s pretty cool,” he said.

However, most people don’t know gambling like this is illegal in the state of Kansas. Regardless of if it’s on a previously mentioned website in a state where it’s legal, or between friends, Dan Monnat, a local lawyer, said it is still illegal.

“If they do it in Kansas, it’s illegal, and if somebody participates in it from Kansas, it’s illegal,” he said.

He said it is legally considered a bet because there are things the person can’t control. He mentioned the referees, injury and illness as factors that make it a bet by chance.

The Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for federal law to prohibit states from legalizing sports gambling, but Kansas has not legalized it yet. Monnat said it’s just a matter of if prosecutors want to take the case.

“We have seen federal prosecutors in Kansas go after sports betting within the last four or five years,” he said.

Some states have legalized sports gambling, according to Monnat. Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware are a few named by Legalsportsreport.com. He said something could be in the waiting to legalize it, but he said he did not know if anything was.

See full story at KAKE.com

  • Feb 26, 2019

WICHITA – For the third consecutive year, Who’s Who Legal has named Dan Monnat one of the world’s leading practitioners in the Investigations sector. Who’s Who Legal collaborates annually with Global Investigations Review to identify the world’s leading lawyers, forensic accountants and digital forensics experts who assist companies and individuals under investigation by regulatory or law enforcement agencies.

“This peer group consists of renowned experts around the globe who focus on bet-the-company defense work. It’s an honor to be listed among these esteemed colleagues,” said Monnat. “Our duty is to ensure that clients’ Constitutional rights are protected from overzealous regulatory and law enforcement personnel. It’s our privilege to stand up for these clients during some of the darkest chapters of their professional lives.”

Monnat has practiced in Wichita for more than 40 years, handling criminal and white-collar criminal cases that have attracted worldwide attention. Last fall he was named one of Super Lawyers’ Top 10 attorneys in Missouri and Kansas. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and the American Bar Association.

A graduate of California State University, Monnat received his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law and is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College.

A frequent national lecturer and editorial contributor on criminal defense topics, Monnat is the author of “Sentencing, Probation, and Collateral Consequences,” a chapter of the Kansas Bar Association’s Kansas Criminal Law Handbook, 5th edition.  From 2007 – 2011, Monnat served on the Kansas Sentencing Commission as a Governor’s appointee. He currently sits on the Kansas Association of Trial Lawyers’ Board of Editors.

Monnat served as a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors from 1996 – 2004, and is a two-term past president of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Feb 15, 2019
  • KSNW TV
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  • by Carly Willis

WICHITA, Kan. – Multiple salons in Wichita have filed police reports about a man they say has been behaving inappropriately.

Police say they are looking into the matter, but a Wichita defense attorney said the man is not doing anything illegal.

“He’s kind of indiscriminate but he’s going places where I’m sure…he’ll get the attention of women,” said Becky Smith, Mary Kate and Co.

Five salons claim a man has walked into their business, asked for a product and then drew attention to his pants area. The man would then leave the business without making a purchase.

“I figured he kind of knew what he was talking about,” said Hannah Bates, Eric Fisher West. “But when he came in he was fully aroused.”

The man’s actions are making stylists and customers uncomfortable.

Wichita police say they are working to identify the man in order to speak with him and determine if he’s doing anything illegal.

Criminal defense attorney Dan Monnat says the man’s behavior is not illegal.

“What one person imagines is underneath another person’s clothing is, by legal definition, not a public exposure,” said Monnat. “Therefore, this accused behavior cannot be prosecuted as a violation of the lewd and lascivious behavior law.”

The man usually wears a green jacket with khaki pants. If you know who he is, call CrimeStoppers at 316-267-2111.

See full story at KSN.com

  • Jan 08, 2019
  • KSNW TV
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  • by Krystle Sherrell

WICHITA – Questions still remain about the charges filed against a man accused of kicking a toddler and yelling racial slurs while in a Dillon’s store in December.

The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office said the case will not be investigated as a hate crime because the state of Kansas doesn’t have a hate crime statute.

On the surface, it may seem like a hate crime, but criminal defense lawyer Dan Monnat, with Monnat & Spurrier Chartered, said it’s not that cut and dried.

“The first question to ask about a proposed hate crime is: were such factors as race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation really the motivation for the crime,” said Monnat. “Or, was the crime just motivated by such extraneous things as alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness — the usual motives for crime?”

While the statute may not exist in Kansas, there is a federal law on the books.

“If a hate crime escapes state prosecution, the person may also be prosecuted federally,” Monnat said.

The local branch of the NAACP has stated publicly that it wants the case investigated as racially motivated.

“There were the reports of racial epithets being spoken by this guy,” said Larry Burks, president of the Wichita branch of the NAACP. “He had self-proclaimed to be a white supremacist. On the surface, that seemed like an incident that was fully uncalled for.”

Burks said that even though Riff has been charged with attempted aggravated battery, disorderly conduct and interference with law enforcement, the NAACP is keeping tabs on the case.

“We’re going to be supporting the family and stay in close touch with the DA’s office and our police department to make sure things work the way they’re supposed to work,” said Burks.

Riff will be back in court on January 24.

Monnat said in cases like these, if the federal government seeks its own hate crime charges, it will investigate independently but will consult with the state regarding jurisdiction.

See full story at KSN.com

  • Dec 29, 2018
  • KSNW TV
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  • by Jasmine Haynes

WICHITA – Wichita police say a 16-year-old robbery suspect died after being shot by an armed citizen during a robbery at a south Wichita convenience store on Friday.

It happened around 2:45 p.m. the B&H Fast Trip on south Seneca.

Police say four males walked into the store and demanded money at gunpoint. A customer in the store was also robbed before pulling out his own firearm and shooting toward the suspects, killing the teen.

The other suspects fled the scene and police are still looking for them.

Employees at a nearby business that was open when the robbery took place said the situation was scary so close to home. Employees at the Fantastic Sams hair salon located right next door to the convenience store said all the commotion made for some frightening moments.

“First I was like what’s going on, then I heard lock the door, lock the door so I ran back there and I locked the door,” said Charlotte Ann, Fantastic Sams employee.

Charlotte Ann was busy working at the hair salon Friday when the B&H Fast Trip next door got robbed by four armed suspects.

“It was kinda scary though at first seeing all those cop cars kind of piling in,” said Ann. “Didn’t know what was going on just kind of worried about the people’s safety next door too. ”

A convenience store Ann says she and her coworkers visit often.

“We didn’t know them personally, but we know them as business partners kinda like we go get snacks over there like what if one of us was over there that’s just kind of terrifying,” said Ann.

Police say an armed 42-year-old male customer fired several shots at the four suspects hitting the teen. The 16-year-old suspect later died.

Under Kansas law a person is justified in standing their ground if the person believes deadly force is needed to prevent death or harm to themselves or someone else.

“If a person is justified in using force in that fashion the person under Kansas law is immune from prosecution,” said attorney Dan Monnat.

“That’s just kind of something scary, you don’t picture something like that actually happening until you actually see it happen,” said Ann.

The investigation is still ongoing. If you have information, you are asked to call crime stoppers at 267-2111.

See full interview at KSN.com