Linda McNiel

I received my legal education from John F. Kennedy University, School of Law, in Walnut Creek, California, graduating in 1978 with a Doctorate in Law. I sat for the California State Bar and passed it the first time. While in law school I was honored to serve a year’s term as President of the JFKU Student Association.

Although I have practiced law from 1978 until the present, I made a decision in 1992 to dedicate my practice to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Defense and other criminal matters. Since 1992 I have successfully represented hundreds of clients charged with DUI and other criminal matters in both the criminal courts and before the DMV. I’ve also represented people whose licenses were suspended or revoked by the DMV for accumulating too many points, medical problems, or alleged lack of skill. I have never lost a case defending a commercial driver categorized as a negligent operator or a DMV medical case.

Each year I attend at least two DUI seminars and general criminal classes to stay current on the new laws pertaining to DUI prosecution and the latest techniques in defense. Many of these seminars feature scientists discussing the effects of alcohol on the human body and studies specifically related to DUI defense. I am a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and achieved Specialist Status with that organization in 1996.

I also belong to two e-mail groups composed of DUI attorneys from all over the country and the world who share ideas, information and opinions. A third e-mail group is composed of criminal defense attorneys. This communication comprises several hours a week but keeps me up-to-date and in contact with others in my field.

I received my undergraduate degree from the State University of New York in Foreign Languages and Education in 1967 and remained in Education from then until 1974, at which time I enrolled in Law School, determined to pursue my childhood dream of becoming an attorney. I believe that my years in education help me to better communicate with my clients.

After practicing in Solano County and Santa Cruz County California for 2 years I relocated to Bozeman, Montana and sat for the Montana Bar (and passed it the first time) in 1980. I practiced there for 11 years primarily in family law with some DUI work.  I served as the President and Co-founder of the Montana Housing Coalition & as Secretary of the Montana Women’s Lobby. I was honored with the Montana Bar Pro Bono Service Award in 1989.

I live in a rural area outside of Willits with my family, friends and our pets. I enjoy such pursuits as bird watching, gardening, alternative energy, reading, and writing, in contrast to the high voltage nature of my practice.

My education, legal experience, and life experiences give me the ability to aggressively defend persons who have been charged with Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs and other driving-related criminal matters.