1. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience and former prosecutor on staff
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, domestic assault, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, theft
Background: The criminal defense law firm has more than 25 years of experience defending the rights of the people of Minnesota. Clients work directly with Minnesota criminal lawyer Max A. Keller or defense attorney Barry S. Edwards throughout their case. The attorneys are members of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, a distinction reserved for the top 50 criminal defense lawyers in Minnesota. The firm has developed a reputation for taking on some of the most difficult cases in Minnesota and winning. Attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington, Minnesota
Contact: (952) 913-1421 | https://kellerlawoffices.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation case evaluation
2. Tamburino Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 90+ years collective experience and multiple awards
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, sex offenses, Title IX violations, assault, theft, federal crimes
Background: The criminal defense lawyers at Tamburino Law Group have over a century of collective experience and have been practicing in state and federal courts across Minnesota since 1983. The firm has been recognized by prestigious organizations like The National Trial Lawyer: Top 100, Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers for continued success. The firm’s team of criminal defense lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused. The legal team has a long history of securing favorable results for clients, including many dismissals and not-guilty verdicts. Tamburino Law Group is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Contact: Contact through website | https://www.tamburinolawgroup.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Brockton D. Hunter P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with veteran’s defense specialty and 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating
Practice Areas: Misdemeanors, felonies, DWI, drug crimes, assault, sex crimes, federal crimes, veteran’s defense
Background: The firm is led by a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney with a perfect 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating who has been included in Minnesota’s Super Lawyers every year since 2011. Attorneys Brock Hunter and Ryan Else are military veterans themselves and literally wrote the book on veteran’s criminal defense in Minnesota. Brock also drafted the Veterans Sentencing Mitigation law for Minnesota, making it only the second state to recommend treatment over incarceration for veterans whose criminal offense involved service-related psychological injury. The firm has secured many charge reductions, case dismissals, and not guilty verdicts.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Contact: (612) 979-1112 | https://www.brockhunterlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Meshbesher & Student
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of combined experience and trial expertise
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: Meshbesher & Student represents Minnesota residents charged with a wide range of crimes, from minor misdemeanors to life-altering felonies. The firm has decades of combined legal experience in criminal defense and a long history of winning cases including many dismissals and not-guilty verdicts. Attorney Steven Meshbesher leads the experienced team. The attorneys are deeply familiar with local court systems including Hennepin County and understand state laws and local legal processes. The firm offers free initial consultations and is available any time, day or night, for help with criminal charges.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota (serves Hennepin County and throughout Minnesota)
Contact: (612) 200-1526 | https://www.meshbesherandstudent.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
5. Appelman Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience in Twin Cities
Practice Areas: DWI, prostitution, traffic offenses, drug crimes, juvenile offenses
Background: For more than 20 years, the Twin Cities defense attorneys at Appelman Law Firm have been successfully providing criminal defense for clients throughout Minnesota. Core to the firm is the belief that there is a reasonable solution to every problem that clients face. The attorneys work to ensure that fundamental constitutional rights are honored throughout every step of the legal process. Attorney Avery Appelman has gained a reputation in the legal community for being an aggressive advocate for all clients. The lawyers meet regularly with clients and usually respond the same day to calls. One of the criminal defense lawyers is available 24/7 to assist with any situation.
Location: 8700 W 36th Street, Suite 125, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Contact: (952) 224-2277 | https://aacriminallaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Minnesota
Felony Classifications
Minnesota classifies felonies based on maximum sentence rather than letter/number classes:
Life Felonies: First-degree murder carries mandatory life imprisonment without parole. Second-degree murder carries a maximum of 40 years.
25-Year Maximum Felonies: Include criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, assault in the first degree, and certain drug trafficking offenses.
15-Year Maximum Felonies: Include criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, robbery in the first degree, and burglary in the first degree.
10-Year Maximum Felonies: Include assault in the second degree, burglary in the second degree, and theft of property over $35,000.
5-Year Maximum Felonies: Include criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree, assault in the third degree, and theft over $5,000.
Minnesota uses sentencing guidelines that consider both offense severity level (1-11) and criminal history score to determine presumptive sentences.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Gross Misdemeanor: Carries up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine. Examples include DWI (certain circumstances), theft between $500-$1,000, and fifth-degree assault (repeat).
Misdemeanor: Carries up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include fifth-degree assault (first offense), disorderly conduct, and theft under $500.
Petty Misdemeanor: Not a crime. Carries a fine only (up to $300). Examples include minor traffic violations and possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Expungement Laws
Minnesota has expanded expungement eligibility:
Eligible Offenses: Petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and certain felonies may be expunged. Most non-violent offenses are eligible after waiting periods.
Waiting Periods: 1 year for petty misdemeanors, 2 years for misdemeanors, 4 years for gross misdemeanors and certain felonies, and 5 years for most other felonies.
Automatic Expungement: Certain arrests and charges that do not result in conviction may be automatically expunged.
Complete vs. Partial Expungement: Courts can order complete expungement (sealing from all agencies) or partial expungement (sealing from some but not all agencies).
DWI Laws
Minnesota DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial). First offense (no aggravating factors) is a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days jail and $1,000 fine. Aggravating factors (prior DWI within 10 years, BAC .16+, child in vehicle) increase penalties. Fourth offense within 10 years is a felony. Minnesota has implied consent; refusal is a separate crime (gross misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances) and results in license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hennepin County District Court and Minneapolis Municipal Court?
In Minnesota, the court system has been unified, so there is no separate municipal court in Minneapolis. All criminal cases in Minneapolis are heard in Hennepin County District Court. The Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, houses the criminal courts. Misdemeanor cases are typically heard in the misdemeanor division, while felony cases proceed through the felony division. Having a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney familiar with the specific judges and prosecutors in Hennepin County is valuable because they understand local practices, tendencies, and the best approaches for different courtrooms. The attorney can navigate the system efficiently and know what arguments tend to be effective with particular judges.
What is Minnesota’s “stay of adjudication” and how does it differ from a conviction?
A stay of adjudication in Minnesota means that even though you pleaded guilty or were found guilty, the court does not formally adjudicate (enter) the conviction. Instead, you are placed on probation. If you successfully complete probation, the case is dismissed without a conviction ever being entered. This differs from a stay of imposition, where a conviction is entered but no sentence is pronounced, and a stay of execution, where both conviction and sentence are entered but the sentence is not served. A stay of adjudication is the most favorable outcome short of dismissal because it means no conviction appears on your record if you complete probation. Not all offenses are eligible, and the prosecutor or judge may not agree to it. A Minneapolis criminal defense attorney can negotiate for a stay of adjudication where appropriate.
What are the penalties for DWI with aggravating factors in Minnesota?
Minnesota enhances DWI penalties based on the number of “aggravating factors” present. Aggravating factors include: prior DWI or license revocation within 10 years, BAC of .16 or higher, and having a child under 16 in the vehicle. With zero aggravating factors, first-offense DWI is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days jail). With one or more aggravating factors, it becomes a gross misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail). A second DWI within 10 years is automatically a gross misdemeanor. A third DWI within 10 years is a gross misdemeanor with mandatory minimum jail time. A fourth DWI within 10 years is a felony (up to 7 years prison). Vehicle forfeiture is possible with multiple aggravating factors or repeat offenses. A Minneapolis DWI attorney can evaluate the aggravating factors in your case and develop strategies to minimize their impact.
What is the process for expunging a criminal record in Minnesota?
To expunge a criminal record in Minnesota, you must file a petition in the district court where the case was heard. The petition must include specific information about the case and demonstrate that you meet eligibility requirements (proper waiting period, completion of sentence, rehabilitation). You must serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney and all agencies that hold records of the case. The prosecutor can object, and if they do, a hearing is held. The court considers factors including the nature of the offense, time elapsed, rehabilitation efforts, and reasons for seeking expungement. If granted, the court orders records sealed. Even after expungement, certain entities (law enforcement, courts, some licensing boards) may still access sealed records. A Minneapolis criminal defense attorney can prepare and file the petition and represent you at the hearing.
What should I do if I am under investigation but not yet charged in Minnesota?
If you learn that you are under investigation for a crime in Minnesota, it is critical to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, before charges are filed. At this stage, an attorney can advise you on your rights, communicate with investigators on your behalf, prevent you from inadvertently making incriminating statements, begin gathering evidence favorable to your defense, and potentially convince prosecutors not to file charges at all. You have the right to remain silent and should exercise that right. Do not speak with investigators without an attorney present, even if you believe you are innocent. Many cases are won or lost before charges are ever filed based on what the defendant says during the investigation phase. A Minneapolis criminal defense attorney can protect your interests during this critical period.