Judge Mary Jane Knisely - Professional Background & Legal Expertise

Biography

The Hon. Mary Jane Knisely is a judge for the 13th Judicial District Court of Montana in Yellowstone County. She was elected to the bench in 2010.

Knisely has presided over the Yellowstone County Impaired Driving Court and the Yellowstone County Veteran’s Treatment Court and served as Chief Presiding Judge of the District in 2014. She began her judicial career as a judge for the Billings Municipal Court in 1997.

Before joining the bench, Knisely worked for seven years as a deputy city attorney for the City of Billings (1990 to 1997), where she was tasked with prosecuting cases involving traffic, juvenile, domestic violence, drugs, and DUIs. She began her legal career as a law clerk for the Hon. Russell K. Fillner with the 13th Judicial District Court.

Knisely received a B.S. in psychology from Texas Christian University. She then completed a J.D. at the University of Montana, Alexander Blewett III School of Law.

Knisely has been involved as a crisis counselor for the Tumbleweed Runaway Program and was selected as the Region 10 Judicial Outreach Liaison as part of the partnership between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Bar Association Judicial Division. She was also appointed to the Montana Governor’s Juvenile Advisory Council and served as chair of the Montana Supreme Court Commission on Courts of Limited Jurisdiction.

In addition, Knisely served on the Executive Committee for the American Bar Association’s National Conference of Specialized Court Judges and has been an active member of the Montana Supreme Court Equal Justice Task Force.

She received the Distinguished Service Award from the State Bar of Montana (2012), the Yellowstone County DUI Task Force Award of Merit (2014), the Life Savers Public Service Recognition Honor from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2019), and the All Rise 2019 DWI Court Leadership Award from the NADCP.

Knisely is a native of Montana.

Recent Cases by Hon. Mary Jane Knisely

Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. vs. Molly Hemler et al.

On March 12, 2024 a debt case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Mar 12, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Debt

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

May 03, 2024

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Deborah Herrington

On March 8, 2024 a debt case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Mar 08, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Debt

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

May 03, 2024

Cach, LLC vs. Carol S Thornton

On March 7, 2024 a debt case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Mar 07, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Debt

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

May 03, 2024

Portfolio Recovery Associates,LLC vs. John Cairns

On March 5, 2024 a debt case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Mar 05, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Debt

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

May 03, 2024

Discover Bank vs. Brian Remmick

On March 4, 2024 a debt case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Mar 04, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Debt

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 30, 2024

In RE the Name Change of Caleb McColley Knudsen

On March 1, 2024 a name change case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Mar 01, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Name Change

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 29, 2024

Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC vs. Unknown Parties in possession of or with an interest in the real property et al.

On February 28, 2024 a foreclosure case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 28, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Foreclosure

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Foreclosure

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 29, 2024

Discover Bank vs. Davina Attar

On February 16, 2024 a debt case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 16, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Debt

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 27, 2024

Casey Jean Crawford Parish vs. Richard Lawrence Hoffman

On February 15, 2024 a breach of contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 15, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Breach of Contract

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 26, 2024

In RE the Name Change of Lonnie Lee Daniels

On February 12, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 12, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 25, 2024

Sunlight Property Management, LLC vs. Nickolette Devous et al.

On February 12, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 12, 2024

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 25, 2024

Jock Clause et al. vs. Bradley James Montoya

On February 9, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

District

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 25, 2024

Bloedorn Lumber Company - Billings vs. Brittney Whitaker et al.

On February 5, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 05, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2024

Credit Service Co., Inc vs. Leah Kay Loomis

On February 2, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 03, 2024

Tractor and Equipment Co. vs. Northstar Building Group LLC.

On February 1, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Feb 01, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 02, 2024

Amy Johnson vs. Portier, LLC et al.

On January 31, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 31, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 01, 2024

Christopher John Sturdevant vs. State of Montana

On January 30, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 30, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 31, 2024

Scott Matthew Grasse vs. State of Montana

On January 30, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 30, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 31, 2024

Thomas Knight vs. State Of Montana

On January 29, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 29, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 30, 2024

Micah Jones vs. State of Montana

On January 29, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 29, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 30, 2024

CB1, Inc. vs. Lindsey Reilly

On January 24, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 24, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 25, 2024

Portfolio Recovery Associates,LLC vs. GARRICK M SPEED

On January 24, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 24, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 25, 2024

Discover Bank vs. TAMMY SMITH

On January 24, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 24, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 25, 2024

Kara Rose Hirschi vs. no defendant

On January 23, 2024 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Yellowstone County. Judge Knisely, Mary Jane presiding.

Filed

Jan 23, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Knisely, Mary Jane 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Knisely, Mary Jane

Court

Yellowstone County

County

Yellowstone County, MT

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 24, 2024

About

Mary Jane Knisely
Current Appointment 13th Judicial District Court of Montana, Department 6	13th Judicial District Court of Montana, Department 6
Election/Appointment 2010 - 13th Judicial District Court of Montana; 2016 - Re-elected	2010 - 13th Judicial District Court of Montana; 2016 - Re-elected
Education B.S., Texas Christian University J.D., University of Montana, Alexander Blewett III School of Law	B.S., Texas Christian University J.D., University of Montana, Alexander Blewett III School of Law

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	MT - 13th Judicial District Court of Montana
Clerk phone:	+1 (406) 867-2500

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judge	13th Judicial District Court of Montana	Yellowstone County, Montana
Municipal Judge	City of Billings Municipal Court	Yellowstone County, Montana
Deputy City Attorney	City of Billings Attorney's Office	Yellowstone County, Montana
Law Clerk	13th Judicial District Court of Montana with the Hon. Russell K. Fillner	Yellowstone County, Montana