1. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience, former Assistant Attorney General, and Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, assault, professional licensure defense
Background: With more than 25 years of experience providing legal defense to the people of Minnesota, Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has what it takes to help you navigate the criminal justice system and defend your good name. The firm focuses 100% on criminal law and defending the accused. When you hire the criminal defense lawyers at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, you won’t get run-of-the-mill legal defense. You’ll have a former Assistant Attorney General and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist in your corner. In 1997-98, attorneys worked for 3 judges at the Court of Appeals researching and drafting opinions. From 1998 to 2003, they served as DWI implied consent prosecutors in the Attorney General’s Office. The firm uses defenses other law firms have never even heard of.
Location: 570 N Asbury St #205, Hamline Park Plaza Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55104
Contact: (952) 913-1421 | https://kellerlawoffices.com/
Consultation: Available 24/7
2. Jack Rice Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Federal agent background and focus on serious felony cases
Practice Areas: DWI, domestic assault, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, expungement
Background: Jack Rice, ESQ is an award-winning criminal defense attorney and former Federal agent located in St. Paul, MN. He handles serious misdemeanor and felony cases. A criminal defense lawyer’s role includes protecting their client’s rights and building a defense against criminal allegations. An attorney also explains the justice system to their client so the client knows what to expect after being charged with a crime. The firm advises clients to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as they learn that they have become a person of interest to the police. This is true even before they have been charged and certainly before they talk to the police. Clients should never allow law enforcement to question them without an attorney present.
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Contact: Available at website | https://www.jackricelaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Arechigo & Stokka
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of experience and offices in St. Paul and Fargo
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes
Background: At Arechigo & Stokka, the criminal defense lawyers have helped individuals facing criminal charges throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota criminal defense lawyers protect the rights of clients, aggressively challenge the charges, and give the guidance clients need to get the most positive results. The firm has decades of criminal defense experience representing clients throughout Minnesota, including complex felony cases. The firm prioritizes personal, accessible representation by offering direct contact with your attorney, even outside office hours. Every case includes a tailored, aggressive defense strategy designed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. The attorneys guide clients through every step of the case, from arrest to trial, while keeping them informed and empowered to make key decisions.
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota (additional office in Fargo)
Contact: (651) 222-6603 | https://arechigo-stokka.com/
Consultation: Available 24/7
4. The Law Office of Alex DeMarco
Focus Area: Criminal defense with focus on adult felony cases, particularly assault and drug cases
Practice Areas: DWI, assault, drug crimes, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, child protection, termination of parental rights
Background: Alex De Marco is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has represented clients charged with everything from traffic offenses to murder. Adult felony cases are his specialty, particularly assault and drug cases, and he handles them for affordable fees. He has experience in Child Protection and termination of parental rights cases. He has also handled hundreds of juvenile delinquency cases. He remains active in local politics and public advocacy. A devoted athlete, he has competed nationally in Strongman. Alex is a big personality who balances professionalism with a down to earth edginess. When charged with a crime, immediate emotions of anxiety, fear, shame, and hopelessness ensue. The firm is here to bring clarity to the situation and provide unmatched advocacy.
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota (serves Twin Cities and surrounding areas)
Contact: (651) 705-8829 | https://www.mnlegaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free 30-minute consultation available
5. Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 70+ years of practice in South St. Paul and 50+ years combined experience
Practice Areas: Murder, assault, robbery, sex crimes, traffic violations, DWI
Background: The law firm of Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, has proudly practiced law in South St. Paul for over 70 years. The firm has immense experience in all aspects of criminal and civil law throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through a commitment to each client, the firm provides comprehensive criminal defense and personal injury representation. As criminal defense attorneys, they ensure there are no stones unturned. The firm has made many connections throughout the years, giving access to a vast number of resources that can be used to help seek favorable conclusions. The St. Paul criminal defense attorneys know how the courts work and have been involved in the Minnesota and Wisconsin court systems for so long that they are well-versed in their rules and operations.
Location: South St. Paul, Minnesota (serves Minnesota and Wisconsin)
Contact: (651) 413-9004 | https://www.rogo-law.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Minnesota
Felony Classifications
Minnesota classifies felonies by maximum sentence rather than traditional classes:
First-Degree Murder: Life imprisonment without the possibility of release.
Second-Degree Murder: Up to 40 years imprisonment.
Other Felonies: Sentences determined by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the severity of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Presumptive sentences range from probation to decades in prison depending on the offense level (1-11) and criminal history score (0-6+).
Enhanced Penalties: Career offenders and dangerous offenders may receive enhanced sentences beyond the guidelines.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Petty Misdemeanor: Not considered a crime in Minnesota. Maximum fine of $300, no jail time. Examples include minor traffic violations and possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Misdemeanor: Maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include DWI (first offense without aggravating factors), disorderly conduct, and theft under $500.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine. Examples include DWI with aggravating factors, fifth-degree assault, and theft $500-$1,000.
Expungement
Minnesota allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Statutory Expungement: Available for dismissed cases, acquittals, certain juvenile offenses, and certain adult offenses after waiting periods. Waiting periods range from 1 year (petty misdemeanors) to 5 years (most felonies).
Inherent Authority Expungement: Courts may expunge records under inherent authority when statutory expungement is not available, but this only affects court records, not law enforcement or prosecution records.
Effect of Expungement: Expunged records are sealed from public view, and the person can legally state that no record exists for most purposes.
Ineligible Offenses: Certain violent and sexual offenses cannot be expunged.
DWI Laws
Minnesota DWI applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial). First offense (no aggravating factors) is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine, and 90-day license revocation. Aggravating factors (BAC .16% or higher, child in vehicle, prior offense) increase penalties. Second offense within 10 years is a gross misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Third offense within 10 years is also a gross misdemeanor but with mandatory minimum sentences. Fourth offense within 10 years is a felony with up to 7 years prison. Minnesota has implied consent; refusal is a crime (gross misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances).
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in St. Paul?
Criminal cases in St. Paul are heard in the Ramsey County District Court, which is part of Minnesota’s Second Judicial District. The main courthouse is located at 15 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown St. Paul. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases are typically heard by district court judges or referees. Felony cases proceed through preliminary hearings and then to trial in district court. The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office prosecutes most criminal cases in St. Paul, while the St. Paul City Attorney’s Office may prosecute certain misdemeanors. A St. Paul criminal defense attorney familiar with these courts, judges, and prosecutors can better navigate your case.
What is a Stay of Adjudication in Minnesota?
A Stay of Adjudication is a sentencing option in Minnesota where the court accepts a guilty plea but does not enter a conviction. Instead, the defendant is placed on probation with conditions. If the defendant successfully completes probation, the case is dismissed without a conviction on record. If the defendant violates probation, the court can enter the conviction and impose the underlying sentence. A Stay of Adjudication is similar to “deferred adjudication” in other states and is often preferable because it avoids a conviction. A St. Paul criminal defense attorney can negotiate for a Stay of Adjudication as part of a plea agreement.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Minnesota?
A felony conviction in Minnesota carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Minnesota law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release from incarceration, even if on probation or supervised release). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Minnesota does allow expungement of certain felonies after the waiting period, but some serious felonies cannot be expunged. A St. Paul criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue expungement where eligible.
What is the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines and how does it affect my case?
Minnesota uses Sentencing Guidelines to determine presumptive sentences for felonies. The guidelines create a grid based on the severity level of the offense (1-11) and the defendant’s criminal history score (0-6+). For each cell on the grid, there is a presumptive sentence that is either “commit” (prison) or “stay” (probation). Judges can depart from the guidelines if there are substantial and compelling reasons. Aggravating factors can increase the sentence, while mitigating factors can decrease it. A St. Paul criminal defense attorney can analyze your case under the guidelines and argue for the most favorable sentence.
Can I get my Minnesota criminal record expunged?
Minnesota allows expungement of certain criminal records after waiting periods. For petty misdemeanors, the waiting period is 1 year; for misdemeanors, 2 years; for gross misdemeanors, 4 years; and for most felonies, 5 years. Dismissed cases and acquittals can be expunged immediately. However, certain offenses cannot be expunged, including some violent and sexual offenses. The petition must be filed in the court where the case was heard. If granted, the records are sealed from public view, and you can legally state that no record exists for most purposes. Law enforcement and certain agencies can still access sealed records. A St. Paul criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to expunge your record.