• Nov 08, 2017
  • KSNW
  • -
  • by Craig Andres

Wichita police are using 97 cameras to monitor the Old Town area for safety. Now, some of those cameras are being used for traffic enforcement.

The intersections police are monitoring include 1st and Washington, 2nd and Washington, and 3rd and Mead.

“The idea is to improve traffic safety downtown, to enhance enforcement efforts and raise public awareness,” said Sgt. Kelly O’Brien, Wichita Police Department.

Police said they are working the traffic enforcement with the video two hours at a time. In the last two-hour block of time, officers wrote 52 tickets based on 55 violations.

“It has made a difference in the traffic flow, the amount of violations have decreased as a general observation this morning,” said O’Brien.

And, while officers maintain it’s for safety, some who got a ticket with the video enforcement said they were not expecting to be caught on video.

“Two weeks ago, on my way to work I was turning left on Washington, and I got a ticket for not turning into the nearest lane,” said Madison Bauer, who works in Old Town. “They said they saw it on the camera..”

Madison said her ticket will cost her $105, and she wonders if it’s legal.

Officers running the enforcement said they have run it all through the city legal department.

“It’s not our goal to be big brother watching everyone,” said Sgt. O’Brien. “We want to make Old Town safe. We’ve had an increase in accidents at some of the intersections where we now have cameras.”

Sgt. O’Brien said they have commissioned officers watching the cameras. And, when they see a violation they radio an officer to pull the driver over.

The video is kept in the system for 400 days.

Sgt. O’Brian said they will not go back through old video to look for violations when the camera system is not being staffed. It’s not a 24/7 proposition.

“We’re just trying to do an enforcement to keep the streets safe,” said O’Brien.

See the full video at KSN.com

  • Nov 01, 2017

(WICHITA, Kan.) – Best Law Firms 2018 has awarded Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, three Tier 1 Rankings in the areas of General Practice Criminal Defense, White-Collar Criminal Defense, and Appellate Practice. The Best Law Firms rankings are based on a national assessment of law firms produced jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers.

Complete rankings are online at www.usnews.com/bestlawfirms.

Rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client evaluations, peer review by leading attorneys in their practice areas, and Best Lawyers’ independent analysis of the firms. Clients were asked to address areas such as expertise, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, civility, and whether they would refer another client to the firm.

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 Kathryn Stevenson and Matt Gorney.

  • Oct 10, 2017

WICHITA, Kan. – The Champion, a monthly publication of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – features in its latest issue an article on appellate advocacy co-authored by Dan Monnat, of Wichita’s Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, and Paige A. Nichols, an assistant federal public defender in Lawrence, Kan. The article, “From Cover to Content: Ten 21st Century Tips for Effective Appellate Briefing,” is a fresh look at the most effective way to write and present appellate briefs. A copy of the article can be downloaded here.

“Appellate briefs are about more than sound legal arguments, they are about sound writing, visually attractive presentation, and paying microscopic attention to every detail of the Court’s rules,” says Monnat, who has been a criminal-defense and appellate-defense lawyer for more than 40 years. “We’ve all heard the adage, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ But justices are human and the reality is that a visually attractive and well-packaged document is going to get a better, more thorough read than one that is presented in bad format, font or design.

“The way a brief looks has a subliminal effect on the person reading it, and it is a critically important effect,” says Monnat, who has argued more than 100 appellate cases over the years.

“And remember,” says Monnat, “it’s a brave new world. We practice law now in a world of digital readers and hard-copy readers. We need to accommodate both and take thoughtful advantage of such 21st century enhancements as graphics, images, and embedded sound and video clips.”

Monnat is a past president of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a former board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.

Nichols, a former staff attorney with Monnat & Spurrier, was associated with the firm for more than 20 years, working with its successful appellate and motion practice. Nichols, who helped found the Midwest Innocence Project, religiously reads every brief in every Tenth Circuit criminal appeal. She contributes to the Federal Public Defender’s blog and is the former host of Monnat & Spurrier’s Just In Case podcast, an analysis of criminal law cases just-in from the Kansas Appellate Courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Episodes of the podcast are posted at www.Monnat.com/podcast

Monnat and Nichols have co-authored numerous articles that have appeared in state and national legal journals for more than two decades.

Nichols received her J.D. in 1993 from Northeastern University in Boston and an LL.M. in criminal law in 2002 from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She lectures frequently and has written extensively about legal writing, ethics, appellate practice, and criminal law.

Dan Monnat and legal scholar Stan Spurrier founded Monnat & Spurrier in 1985. The firm has six attorneys and has earned an international reputation for its defense of high-profile clients accused of white-collar and violent crimes.

  • Sep 19, 2017

WICHITA, Kan. – Who’s Who Legal: Business Crime Defense 2017 has named Dan Monnat of Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, one of the world’s leading business crime defense attorneys for both corporations and individuals. The publication is a strategic research partner of the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law.

Monnat has practiced in Kansas for more than 40 years, handling criminal and white-collar criminal cases that have attracted worldwide attention. 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 Litigation Counsel of America.

“It is an honor to be recognized among this exemplary group of attorneys worldwide,” Monnat said. “Many of the cases we handle in America’s heartland resonate globally. Those cases can have a potential impact on white-collar criminal defense strategies worldwide.”

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 Justice’ 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.

  • Sep 13, 2017
  • KSNW TV
  • -
  • by Chris Arnold

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. – A video of a Saline County traffic stop has gone viral.

Since that video was posted, it has been viewed more than seven million times.

It shows the Saline County deputy asking the driver and passenger of the car for their license and identification, which they are heard telling the deputy they don’t need to produce.

The video was shot by Colorado resident Tia Jones, while she and her husband, Jonathan Ayers, are sitting in the car talking with the deputy.

“She’s a traveler too, she doesn’t need any identification,” said Ayers.

The video was shot on Sept. 2, when Jones and Ayers were pulled over on I-70 in Saline County.

“I still need to see your driver’s license,” said the Saline County deputy. “No you don’t,” replied Ayers.

KSN caught up with both Ayers and Jones Wednesday evening in Salina.

“They came to the passenger’s side, instead of the driver’s side, they proceeded to ask us for our licenses. I asked him where the crime was, he didn’t answer my question,” said Ayers.

In the video, you can hear the deputy saying he pulled them over for a lane change violation.

“Like I said, I observed traffic infractions,” said the Saline County deputy.

The deputy continues to ask both Ayers and Jones for identification.

“Does anyone have any form of identification at all?” said the Saline County deputy. “Identification is for a driver, not a traveler,” said Ayers.

It’s a video that Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan has watched.

“We are expecting to approach the vehicle, get an identification from the driver and find out what their situation is and see if they are aware of the infraction,” said Sheriff Soldan.

The more than 20-minute video ends when the police ultimately break out the passenger side window and arrest Jones and Ayers.

So what is the law and your rights as a driver?

KSN took those questions to attorney Dan Monnat.

“The laws of Kansas of course require every person operating a motor vehicle possess a valid driver’s license and display it upon demand by a law enforcement officer,” said Monnat.

Monnat also points to a driver’s rights to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, something that is spelled out in the Kansas and Federal Constitution.

After watching the video, Monnat says one question comes to mind.

“Was the officer’s use of force reasonable or overkill, where the only act being investigated was an unsafe lane change,” said Monnat.

Ayers was arrested for interference with law enforcement and obstruction.

Jones is also facing interference with law enforcement and misdemeanor obstruction charges.

See full story at KSN.com

  • Sep 13, 2017
  • KWCH TV
  • -
  • by Rachel Skytta

WICHITA, Kan. More than a week since the remains of a 3-year-old boy were found inside a concrete structure in a south Wichita home, many questions surround the case.

Wichita police positively identified Evan Brewer’s remains through DNA this week, but have not made any arrests in this case and no charges have been filed.

We know Evan lived with his mother and her boyfriend in the home where police found his remains. The two arrested on charges related to the custody battle for Evan, but when it comes to his death, there’s no indication on when an arrest could be made.

“Likely there’s an autopsy involved here to determine whether or not the child died of natural causes or criminal means,” attorney Dan Monnat says.

Monnat says those results can take awhile and could point investigators in a different direction when determining who put Evan in the concrete structure.

“Generally, there are such crimes as failure to report the death of a child or improperly disposing of a body. But I suspect that in this case, at this time, law enforcement officers are focused on much more serious charges,” Monnat says.

If police make an arrest in Evan’s death, Monnat says there’s no knowing how long it will take investigators to present the case to the Sedgwick County district attorney.

See the full interview at KWCH.com

  • Aug 15, 2017
  • by Monnat & Spurrier

WICHITA, Kan. – The 2018 edition of Best Lawyers in America® has honored three attorneys from Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered:

Dan Monnat – recognized by Best Lawyers in America for the 30th consecutive year – was honored in four distinct legal sectors: Criminal Defense: General Practice; White Collar Criminal Defense; Bet-the-Company Litigation; and Appellate Defense.

A nationally recognized trial lawyer, legal scholar and author, Monnat currently sits on the Kansas Association of Justice’ 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, and the Litigation Counsel of America.

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.

Sal Intagliata was honored for his work in the sectors of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar. His legal career includes 18 years as a private-practice criminal defense attorney and four years as a Sedgwick County Assistant District Attorney, where he prosecuted cases in the Gangs/Violent Crimes Division. His current practice includes litigation and appellate work on criminal, white-collar criminal, and DUI offenses in federal, state, and municipal courts throughout Kansas.

Intagliata serves on the Kansas Judicial Council Criminal Law Subcommittee. He served on the Board of Governors of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 2011-2017. Intagliata also has served as past Vice President of the Wichita Bar Association, past member of its Board of Governors, and as past Chair of its Criminal Practice Committee.

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. He also is a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia.

Trevor Riddle was honored in the Criminal Defense: General Practice sector. Riddle’s practice focuses on the defense of those accused of white collar crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex offenses. Since joining Monnat & Spurrier 10 years ago, Riddle has earned a statewide reputation for cross-examining forensic laboratory technicians, doctors, biomechanical engineers and other expert witnesses in high-profile cases. Riddle was the first attorney in Kansas to argue the admissibility of polygraph evidence under Kansas’ recently amended rules of evidence.

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.

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 24, 2017
  • KAKE TV

WICHITA, Kan. – A criminal case against Wichita Police Officer Marlon Woolcock has been closed. Although accused of rape and arrested, the officer was never charged with the crime. An arrest, “is more than a hunch,” explains KAKE Legal Expert Dan Monnat, “but it’s not much more than a possibility or a suspicion.”

Forensic evidence from the case was tested by the Forensic Science Center, and based upon those results there was no corroborative evidence to prove the charge of rape, so the case has been dismissed according to Sherriff Jeff Easter, whose department handled the investigation.

Monnat says, “When you’ve got that kind of he-said, she-said story, and there is no corroborating evidence, this law enforcement officer has been exonerated. He did not commit a crime.

“It is the duty of the District Attorney, and the media who broadcast that officer’s arrest, to make it clear to the public this individual is innocent, he has been exonerated, he did not commit a crime,” Monnat said.

See full interview at KAKE.com

  • Jun 25, 2017
  • KSN.com
  • -
  • by KSN.com

WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita police said a 28-year-old man was arrested on a terrorism charge Monday. Around 5:10 a.m., Brendon Tyler May was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.

911 dispatchers received multiple calls in reference to a post allegedly made by the suspect on social media.

“Officers began quickly investigating this case. The investigation led them to a business in the 10000 block of East Kellogg. Officers contacted the 28-year-old male at the business. He was taken into custody without incident,” said Officer Charley Davidson, Wichita Police Department.

Wichita Police have confirmed that this post on social media led to the investigation.

Police said there wasn’t a specific targeted area or person.

“It was more of a listed event that he was claiming that was going to occur,” said Davidson.

Police also wanted to thank the public for the calls about the threat.

“This was a great example of if you see something say something,” said Davidson.

“We were able to investigate to make sure this community stays safe.”

KSN took this case to an attorney who says it’s not uncommon to see threats on social media.

Defense attorney Dan Monnat says a terroristic threat is considered a felony, but he says prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the criminal intent necessary to commit the crime.

“Was this the cry for help of an extremely alienated person under the influence of mental disease or defect, alcohol or drugs?”

See full interview at KSN.com

  • Jun 23, 2017
  • by Monnat & Spurrier

WICHITA, Kan. – America’s Top 100 Attorneys® has honored two Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered attorneys for Lifetime Achievement designations:

Firm President Dan Monnat received the designation in the practice areas of Appellate Law, Criminal Defense Litigation and White-Collar Criminal Defense. Firm Shareholder Sal Intagliata received his designation in the area of Criminal Defense Litigation. Less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the U.S. will receive this honor in any single practice area.

Selection to the Top 100 list is not achieved based on a single accomplishment or a single great year of success, but rather on a lifetime career demonstrating professionalism, ethical standards and community enrichment. Candidates for the award are screened for professional experience, lifetime achievements, significant case results, peer reputation, and community impact.

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

Monnat currently sits on the Kansas Trial Lawyers’ Association’s Board of Editors and is the Criminal Law Chair.  He is a Fellow of the Kansas Bar Foundation, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. He is a Life Member and past Board Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, as well as a two-term past president of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Sal Intagliata has practiced for more than 20 years, including 18 years in private practice and 4 years as Sedgwick County Assistant District Attorney prosecuting crimes in the Gangs/Violent Crimes Division. His practice at Monnat & Spurrier focuses on criminal, white-collar criminal, and DUI offenses, in federal, state and municipal courts throughout Kansas, at both the trial and appellate levels.

Intagliata serves on the Kansas Judicial Council Criminal Law Subcommittee. He is a member of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and served on its Board of Governors from 2012 until April 2017. He is a past vice president of the Wichita Bar Association, a past member of its Board of Governors, and past Chair of its Criminal Practice Committee.

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 Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law. He is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College.


For more information go to www.AmericasTop100Attorneys.com