Daniel E. "Dan" Monnat

Daniel E. "Dan" Monnat: Highly Experienced Criminal Defense & Appellate Trial Lawyer

For over four decades, Daniel E. "Dan" Monnat has established himself as a leading force in criminal defense and appellate litigation, recognized nationally for his creative strategies and unwavering commitment to his clients’ rights. Whether securing acquittals through strategic courtroom maneuvering or challenging the evidence at the appellate level, Mr. Monnat’s meticulous approach and deep understanding of the law consistently deliver exceptional results. He co-founded Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, a respected criminal defense trial and appellate firm in Wichita, Kansas, in 1985, building a legacy of excellence within the legal community.

Mr. Monnat’s career is distinguished by a relentless pursuit of justice and a profound respect for the due process rights of his clients. His expertise spans a broad range of criminal offenses, including white-collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, and nonviolent crimes, as well as specialized areas like DNA evidence, government investigations, and juvenile criminal defense. He has consistently achieved landmark victories, often dismantling prosecution cases through innovative legal arguments and meticulous preparation.

A graduate of the Creighton University School of Law and a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College, Mr. Monnat's training instilled in him the principles of aggressive, ethical advocacy. He is a two-term past President of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a testament to his leadership and influence within the state’s legal landscape. His service on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and his Fellowship with the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, the American Bar Foundation, and the Kansas Bar Foundation further underscores his national prominence.

In 2007, then-Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius acknowledged Mr. Monnat’s exceptional contributions by appointing him to the Kansas Sentencing Commission, recognizing his lifelong career as a trial and appellate litigator and a respected legal scholar. His continued recognition is evident through numerous accolades, including being listed as one of the “Top 100” lawyers in the Missouri & Kansas edition of Super Lawyers for nearly 20 years – consistently named to Super Lawyers’ “Top 10” list in Missouri & Kansas from 2018 - 2022. He is also a consistent honoree in *Best Lawyers in America®*, having been recognized for 37 consecutive years. This consistent recognition reflects his dedication and commitment to delivering top-tier legal representation.

Mr. Monnat's profound understanding of the legal system, coupled with his extensive litigation experience, makes him an invaluable asset to clients facing serious criminal charges. He possesses a remarkable ability to dissect complex legal issues, identify critical weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop effective defense strategies. His courtroom presence is commanding, and he is a skilled negotiator, tirelessly advocating for the best possible outcome for his clients.

Practice Areas:

Mr. Monnat’s practice encompasses a wide array of criminal defense matters, including:

• Appellate Practice
• Bet-the-Company Litigation
• Criminal Defense: General Practice
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• DNA Analysis
• Drug Offenses
• Federal Crimes
• Fraud Investigations
• Government Investigations
• Juvenile Criminal Defense
• Litigation
• Sex Abuse Cases
• State Criminal Defense
• Violent and Nonviolent Crimes

Education & Credentials:

Mr. Monnat’s distinguished academic and professional credentials include:

• Creighton University School of Law
• Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College
• Two-Term Past President, Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Eight Years on the Board of Directors, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
• Fellow, American Board of Criminal Lawyers
• Licensed to Practice Before the United States Supreme Court, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and All Federal and State Courts in Kansas

Awards & Recognition:

• Lawyer of the Year: Criminal Defense: General Practice, Wichita (2014)
• Lawyer of the Year: Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Wichita (2012)
• Recognized: Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Special Focus: Appellate, Civil and Criminal, Criminal Defense, DNA, Drug Offenses, Federal, Fraud, Government Investigations, Juvenile Criminal Defense, Litigation, Sex Abuse, State, Violent and Nonviolent Crimes
• Top 10 of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers - 2018 - 2022
• Top 100 of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers 2005 - 2014, 2016-2024
• Best Attorney USA – Recognized Since 1989
• Best Lawyers Wichita Lawyer of the Year, Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2014
• Best Lawyers Wichita Lawyer of the Year, Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2012
• Chambers USA Ranked Lawyer in Litigation: White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations – 2011 - 2024
• Who’s Who Legal: Government Investigations (2017-present)
• America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement (2017)
• National Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers Editions 1 - 3
• Martindale-Hubble AV Rating
• Fellow - Litigation Counsel of America, Kansas Bar Foundation, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers
• American Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Lawyers
• Who’s Who Legal: Business Crime Defense (2014-present)
• Panelist - Merit Committee to select Magistrate for United States District Court for the District of Kansas

Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 1989

Contact Information: Wichita, Kansas, United States