By: John Glover (MBA)
“Blood & Justice on the Sunset Strip: The Life, Loves & Lies of Hollywood Criminal Defense Attorney Peter Knecht – A Memoir,” has just been released. Authored by the legendary Hollywood attorney Peter Knecht, who passed away in 2014, the new book was brought to life exactly 10 years after his death by his wife, Dr. Ava Cadell, who served as the book’s editor and co-publisher. The book is a riveting account of an iconic Hollywood Criminal Defense Attorney and his legal battles on behalf of dozens of high-profile celebrities.
We sat down with Dr. Ava Cadell to discuss “Blood and Justice” and some key points in Peter Knecht’s life that are explored in his memoir.
“Blood & Justice on the Sunset Strip” recounts some extraordinary and intense moments from Peter Knecht’s life, including a near-death experience Knecht experienced. The impact of this harrowing event,on his approach to his legal career and his personal life after he recovered?
“Peter’s near-death experience was truly a turning point in his life. After that moment, his perspective on life, justice, and human relationships deepened significantly. In his legal career, this event instilled in him an even greater sense of empathy for his clients, particularly those whose lives were on the line. He understood how precious life was and became even more determined to fight for those who needed a second chance, whether they were battling the legal system or their own personal demons,” shares Cadell.
The impact of this harrowing event had a profound impact on his approach to his legal career and his personal life after he recovered?
“On a personal level, our intimacy deepened in ways I hadn’t imagined. We cherished more quiet, meaningful moments together, like our long walks on the beach, where every step felt like a reminder of how precious our time was with each other. We also decided to throw a Celebration of Life party for 500 people that included family, friends, clients, colleagues and all the people who saved Peter’s life. He said, “I figured in a way I was now living on borrowed time, and this was the least that I could do.” This became an annual event where we turned our near-death experience into a happy occasion, a joyous celebration rather than a depressing remembrance of tragedy.”
In addition to the near-death experience, many other unique challenges Peter faced when defending famous, high-stakes clients, and how did his legal strategies differ from those of other attorneys in Hollywood?
“Peter faced the constant pressure of handling high-profile cases where the public and media scrutiny could be overwhelming. One of the unique challenges was protecting his clients’ privacy while simultaneously managing the public narrative. He had to navigate not only the courtroom but also the court of public opinion. His legal strategies were built around a blend of aggressive defense and maintaining his clients’ dignity. Peter was known for his meticulous preparation, but also for his ability to humanize his clients, even when they were vilified by the media. Unlike some Hollywood attorneys who leaned into the spotlight, Peter’s focus was always on the legal fight, not the fame. He believed in defending his clients with integrity and did not seek the attention that many others in his field thrived on,” she shares.
The memoir also features key moments in Knecht’s career, including Peter Knecht’s significant role in amending California’s search and seizure laws. Some specific cases in his career led him to advocate for these changes, and his contributions have influenced current legal practices.
Cadell continues, “Peter’s advocacy for amending California’s search and seizure laws was driven by a series of cases where he witnessed firsthand how invasive and unconstitutional searches could ruin lives, especially for those who were already vulnerable. One pivotal case involved a client whose home had been searched without proper cause, leading to the discovery of evidence that Peter believed was unjustly obtained. He argued fervently that such practices eroded trust in the legal system and disproportionately harmed individuals who were not given a fair chance to defend themselves. His relentless pursuit of justice in this area influenced both the courts and legislation, and his contributions have set a higher standard for law enforcement practices today. His work has helped safeguard the rights of countless individuals in California, ensuring that the principles of fairness and due process are upheld.”
This case brought to light a key issue in the law, and his efforts were driven by the need to ensure everyone receives a fair trial.
“Judge and juries can be star struck, though sometimes with celebrities, judges will lean the other way on them. In his Culver City case, David Crosby was charged only with a misdemeanor, but the judge set bail at $100,000. That was totally excessive given the charge, but David was nonetheless able to pay immediately. It was still judicial abuse of the bail process. We did well for David in LA County, but when he later went to Texas on a concert tour, they nailed him and then convicted him. He went to prison for nine months. He admitted that experience in jail actually saved his life. After he came out of prison, that case was reversed on appeal, for illegal search and seizure of his dressing room,” says Cadell.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
