About Peter L. Knecht
Born in 1936 in Vienna to Dr. Rudolph and Elizabeth Knecht, Peter Leo Knecht was an infant when he fled with his family to the U.S. during World War II, eventually landing in Los Angeles. He attended the University of Southern California and Southwestern College of Law, and later taught “Search and Seizure” at the L.A. Sheriff’s Academy.
Knecht served as the District Attorney for Beverly Hills and Malibu before going into private practice in 1966, when he opened the Law Offices of Peter L. Knecht on the Sunset Strip. During his time in private practice, Peter Knecht became a renowned Criminal Defense Attorney who represented many Hollywood celebrities, including Sly Stone, David Crosby, Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Ike Turner, Ryan and Tatum O'Neal, Robert Blake, Charles Bronson, Robert Downey Jr., Andy Garcia, John Barrymore Jr., Jason Priestly, Rob Lowe, and Heidi Fleiss, among others.
Knecht appeared as a TV analyst on criminal justice for major media outlets, such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Celebrity Justice. He also appeared as a legal expert on numerous national and international television networks, including CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and local L.A. stations KCAL-Channel 9 and KCOP Channel 13.
He is credited with forever changing California’s search and seizure laws by taking adverse rulings to the Appellate and Supreme Courts of California.
In 1998, Knecht survived a murder attempt at his home. In 2014, he received a 50-year plaque from the California Bar Association. In addition to his wife, Dr. Ava Cadell, Peter Knecht’s survivors include his son Chance, daughter Courtney, and grandchildren Aaron and Claire.
Peter Knecht Memorial © 2014
Life Lessons
Blood & Justice on the Sunset Strip © Kudos, Inc. 2024
CHAPTER 1: The Murder Book
LIFE LESSON - The Unpredictability of Life
Life Can Change in an Instant: "Life's unpredictable turns can place you in unexpected situations, reminding us to be grateful for every moment."
The Price of Success: "True success often comes with a cost, and the sacrifices may be greater than we anticipate."
Family and Love as Strength: "In life’s darkest moments, love and family are the most powerful forces that keep us going."
CHAPTER 2: From Holocaust to Hollywood
LIFE LESSON - Courage and Survival
Trust Your Instincts: "Following your gut can be the difference between survival and disaster in life’s challenging moments."
Courage in the Face of Fear: "Fear is inevitable, but courage is moving forward despite it."
Resilience is Key: "No matter how many times life knocks you down, the strength to rise again defines true success."
CHAPTER 3: Romancing the Court
LIFE LESSON - Paths to Success
Opportunities in Disguise: "What we initially fear, or resist can become our greatest opportunities for growth."
Carving Your Own Path: "Success isn’t about following the traditional route but creating a journey that aligns with your personal values."
Power and Responsibility: "With great power comes the responsibility of deciding how to wield it for the greater good."
CHAPTER 4: Defending the Innocent & the Guilty
LIFE LESSON - Defending the Guilty and Innocent
Empathy for All: "Seeing defendants as human beings, regardless of their actions, reinforces the importance of compassion and understanding."
Setting Ethical Boundaries: "Maintaining integrity and knowing where to draw ethical lines, even in difficult situations, is crucial."
Balancing Justice and Humanity: "Navigating the complexities of justice requires both empathy and resilience."
CHAPTER 5: Drugs in the Courtroom
LIFE LESSON - Navigating the Grey Areas of Justice
Empathy Through Experience: "To understand others deeply, sometimes personal insight into their struggles is necessary."
The System Isn’t Always Just: "Legal systems, though designed to maintain order, may sometimes lag behind cultural shifts or moral understanding."
The Power of Knowledge in Overcoming Challenges: "Understanding a problem, such as addiction, gives us the power to combat it."
CHAPTER 6: Wise Guys, Madams & Kings
LIFE LESSON - Loyalty, Power, and Morality
The Thin Line Between Success and Self-Destruction: "Even the most successful can fall without careful self-awareness and accountability."
Fame and the Law: "While fame can provide privileges, it also places one under intense scrutiny and responsibility."
The Power of Loyalty and Relationships: "Trust and loyalty can form deep connections, even in morally ambiguous circumstances."
CHAPTER 7: Love and Sunrise
LIFE LESSON - Love, Resilience, and Transformation
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: "Life’s greatest challenges test our resilience and our ability to rise stronger."
Love as a Lifesaver: "True love and connection can help heal even the deepest wounds."
Perspective After Trauma: "Life-altering experiences help us focus on what truly matters: love, family, and health."
CHAPTER 8: Friends, Foes & Families
LIFE LESSON - Loyalty and Moral Complexities
Loyalty and Friendship: "True loyalty stands firm through both triumphs and trials."
The Moral Complexities of Justice: "Even those who have committed crimes deserve fair representation, highlighting the importance of justice and empathy."
The Consequences of Ignoring Advice: "Ignoring wise counsel often leads to tragic outcomes, demonstrating the importance of listening to those who care."
EPILOGUE: Giving Back & Paying Forward
LIFE LESSON - Life’s Purpose and Legacy
Living with Gratitude: "After a brush with death, every day becomes a gift to live with compassion and purpose."
The Power of Giving Back: "Success isn’t complete without paying it forward and helping others along the way."
Leaving a Legacy: "True fulfillment comes from the love, values, and wisdom we pass on to future generations."
Peter Knecht with his mother © Kudos, Inc.
Peter Knecht with wife Ava © Kudos, Inc.
Peter Knecht with wife Ava, son Chance, and cat Charlie © Kudos, Inc.