Defending Public Servants

Dennis Knizley, who has trial experience in drug, white collar, capital murder and conspiracy charges, will likely be pulling from all that experience as he moves through the various charges against his client. He's been president of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and has been a past recipient of the Roderick Beddow Award, which is the highest honor an attorney can receive in Alabama.

With more than one thousand cases from drug conspiracies to shoplifting to murder, Knizley was the ideal choice for Nodine. His success rate is impressive, too. Along with the current cases (a total of five, though Knizley won't be defending Nodine in the federal weapons charge) against the former county commissioner, he's also involved in U.S. v. Roto-Rooter, which alleges environmental pollution and fraud; U.S. v. Allied Pharmacy, which alleges a ''nationwide conspiracy to distribute steroids to athletes'' and several other cases where police officers and other public servants have been charged. One of those cases includes a former law enforcement agency who's been accused of murder.


Impeachment proceedings took place earlier this year for Nodine. At a minimum, he lacked any degree of ethics in his capacity. He was accused of using his county issued vehicle for spending junkets in New Orleans and other areas in the southeast, many times with Downs in tow.

Located close to Mobile Bay, Knizley has remained in the Mobile area since passing the state bar in 1979.

As both sides prepare for the upcoming murder trial for Angel Downs, the battle lines have already been drawn as the December 2010 court date looms. There are accusations by the defense of withholding evidence as well as experts for both sides who have completely different theories. The people insist Downs was murdered; however, Nodine and Knizley insist the police had it right the first time and that Downs suicide.

As impressive as Knizley's track record is, he too has had his own brushes with the law, including a 2009 arrest for a suspected DUI. He pled not guilty and several judges recused themselves before they heard the case.

For more information on Dennis J. Knizley, visit his website at DJKnizleyAtLaw. For more information on the breaking news with the Steve Nodine cases, be sure to check out his blog.