Don Knapp
MI · Presiding Judge, Criminal Division, Wayne County Third Circuit Court
Don Knapp is presiding judge of the criminal division in Wayne County, appointed to the bench in 2018. He previously spent nine years as Livonia's city attorney, served on the Livonia City Council, and practiced municipal, commercial, and probate law.
Where Don Knapp stands, based on their records
Supports
Civil Rights (1 record)
Campaign finance information not available
Track record
Track record — Civil Rights
Civil Rights · 1 support
Donald Knapp vacated Ramon Ward's murder convictions and sentences, dismissed all related charges, and ordered Ward released after the parties agreed newly discovered evidence warranted relief.
February 20, 2020Supports Civil Rights
Source: voiceofdetroit.net · researched July 13, 2026
Track record — Impartiality
Impartiality · 2 favorable
Donald Knapp vacated Antonio Manzo-Diaz's criminal-sexual-conduct conviction on the basis of newly discovered evidence.
January 10, 2025Favorable on Impartiality
Source: exonerationregistry.org · researched July 13, 2026
Donald Knapp vacated Ramon Ward's murder convictions and sentences, dismissed all related charges, and ordered Ward released after the parties agreed newly discovered evidence warranted relief.
February 20, 2020Favorable on Impartiality
Source: voiceofdetroit.net · researched July 13, 2026
Track record — Legal Competence
Legal Competence · 2 favorable
Donald Knapp vacated Antonio Manzo-Diaz's criminal-sexual-conduct conviction on the basis of newly discovered evidence.
January 10, 2025Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: exonerationregistry.org · researched July 13, 2026
Donald Knapp vacated Ramon Ward's murder convictions and sentences, dismissed all related charges, and ordered Ward released after the parties agreed newly discovered evidence warranted relief.
February 20, 2020Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: voiceofdetroit.net · researched July 13, 2026
Race Don Knapp is in:
- 3rd Circuit Judge of Circuit Court - Incumbent - 6 Year Terms · November 3, 2026 · Wayne County, Michigan · incumbent
Profile last researched August 7, 2026.