Excelsior Criminal Lawyers

Kate is an associate attorney at Keegan Law Office. Kate discovered her passion for criminal defense through personal experiences and finds fulfillment in assisting clients navigate the criminal process. Prior to joining Keegan Law Office, Kate worked as an associate attorney at a Twin Cities law firm. There, she worked with clients facing a variety of state and federal criminal charges, including criminal sexual conduct, assault, murder, and drug offenses. Kate has prepared and helped conduct jury trials, which have resulted in an acquittal of Domestic Assault by Strangulation and a hung jury in a First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct...

Kirk M. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Law Firm, PLLC, and focuses his practice primarily in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, and appeals. Mr. Anderson has successfully defended criminal charges ranging from petty misdemeanors to felony level offenses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and United States District Court. He has litigated hundreds of civil disputes, and participated in more than 50 appeals.

Prior to his legal career, Mr. Anderson was a television reporter at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, MN, and Sports Director of KVSC-FM in St. Cloud, MN, where he was also the play-by-play announcer for the St. Cloud State University...

Melvin R. Welch was born and raised in a small farm town in Minnesota. Following graduation, Melvin attended college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, before joining the United States Navy in 1996. As a sailor, Melvin learned Russian and served aboard submarines. During his time in service, Melvin finished college and then worked as a translator in the NATO peacekeeping mission to Kosovo, translating for the United States Army and the Russian 13th Tactical Group in Kamenica, Kosovo.

Melvin R. Welch attended the University of Minnesota Law School and graduated in 2007. Melvin's first employ was with...

I graduated from law school in 1977 and was a prosecutor for the next five years. Since 1982, I have practiced exclusively in the area of criminal and DWI defense. I was the 1998-99 President of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice. I am a member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers and have been elected to the National College for DWI Defense. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I am the 2013-14 President of the MACDL and I also serve as the chairman of the MACDL...

Kelly J. Keegan has been lead defense counsel on hundreds of cases of all types and levels, ranging from serious felonies to minor traffic offenses. Additionally, Kelly handles post-conviction matters such as expungement, probation violations, Department of Human Services background study disqualifications, reinstatement of the right to possess firearms, and sentence modification motions. She has represented clients under investigation prior to being formally charged, as well as clients facing grand jury indictment. Kelly is admitted to practice in Minnesota State Court as well as Federal United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. She enjoys working in the courtroom...

Kristian founded BK Law Group with the goal of assembling a team of aggressive defense attorneys committed to achieving the best possible results for their clients. At the firm, Kristian and his team represent clients in a wide array of cases ranging from: DWI, Gun Crimes, Drug Crimes, Sex Offenses, and Murder. Kristian and his team work relentlessly to achieve the best possible results in every matter they are involved in. Clients work with Kristian not just because of his legal knowledge, but for his guidance. Kristian strives not only to be your “go-to” attorney, but also an individual you can...

DAVID REYES voted 2012 and 2011 "BEST LAWYER" in Edina, Eden Prairie, and Minnetonka, Minnesota by the Reader's Choice Awards!! HAVE A FORMER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR and FBI AGENT ON YOUR SIDE! I am a criminal defense attorney with over twenty-eight years of criminal law experience. As a former FBI Agent and Federal and State prosecutor, my clients get strong representation from an experienced trial attorney. My background is truly unique. After graduating from law school, I became a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I worked in several states conducting a variety of criminal investigations. After my career as an...

A Proud Minneapolis Background:
Thomas “Tommy” Leavitt was born and raised on the South Side of Minneapolis and is proud to continue to call that community home. He attended high school at Minneapolis Washburn, where he played both basketball and football. On the gridiron is where he truly shined, earning a scholarship to play for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Leavitt was known for being both a smart and aggressive player, two traits he proudly carries into the courtroom.

A Prestigious Education:
Tommy Leavitt earned his Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. U.S. News and World Reports...

I am an attorney in private practice since 1973. I have experience in Minnesota State and Federal courts, as well as Minnesota appellate practice. I charge reasonable fees. I have represented hundreds of clients and I have handled a wide variety of client matters since 1973.

Attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth, Katherine was immediately drawn to the field of criminal justice. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, Katherine set her mind on becoming an attorney. Wasting no time, Katherine obtained her law degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. While in law school, Katherine became intrigued with the various aspects of criminal law and the shortcomings of the criminal justice system. She gained valuable knowledge and experience as a certified student attorney at the Anoka Public Defender's Office where she represented clients with misdemeanor and gross...

Omeed Berenjian is the co-founder of BK Law Group as well as a dedicated attorney for the firm. With more than twelve years of experience, Omeed helps clients with their legal needs by understanding every aspect of a case. He has helped hundreds of clients with an array of legal matters. He believes that every client should have pride, confidence, and trust in the lawyer helping them through their legal battle. According to Omeed, “by understanding clients and their unique legal situation, I believe I can be a better advisor and help them make the most of their case.” Omeed has continuously...

Gerard W. Mannion is a criminal defense attorney who cares deeply about the well-being of his clients. With every case he works, Gerard fights tirelessly to ensure that his clients achieve the best outcome possible while establishing lasting connections with everyone involved. Originally from Billings, Montana, Gerard has legal experience spanning across three states that includes judicial clerkship, federal criminal defense, and civil litigation. Gerard also spent multiple years in the banking and restaurant industries before moving to Minnesota to join the Kans Law Firm. Gerard earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Montana State University – Billings before...

Avery Appelman is a criminal defense attorney and founder of Appelman Law Firm. While his practice is primarily recognized for its work with DWI and related offenses, he has 15 years of experience working with clients facing drug, assault, theft, criminal sexual conduct, traffic, and prostitution charges. Avery's greatest strength is his ability to counsel in a way that assists clients in all aspects of their lives. His team works in partnership with clients to streamline the judicial process, thereby enabling individuals to assist in their own defense. He also recognizes the impact of criminal proceedings on those surrounding the accused,...

Charles Clas gained considerable experience in criminal law before he even graduated from law school. He participated in the Misdemeanor Prosecution Clinic at the University of Minnesota School of Law, and served as an instructor and member of the Civil Rights National Moot Court team. Charles also worked as a law clerk at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. before joining the firm as a full time attorney in 2014. Charles has successfully tried many criminal cases for the firm, such as marijuana possession, DWI, felony expungement, and 3rd degree assault. If you need experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense you...

ETHAN P. MEANEY has been practicing in the area of DWI defense since 2001. Prior to that he prosecuted hundreds of DWIs in Hennepin and Goodhue Counties. Meaney has represented thousands of DWI cases and his recent victories in the Minnesota Court of Appeals cases State of Minnesota v. Paul Scott Demars and Tracey Ernest Wiberg v. Commissioner of Public Safety are just examples of his commitment to quality DWI representation. Meaney graduated magna cum laude from Northern State University in 1996 and graduated in 1999 from the University of South Dakota School of Law in the top quarter...

Criminal Defense Attorney Carolyn Agin Schmidt has over 20 years experience effectively and vigorously defending criminal cases. Combining this experience with a compassion for the client and a passion for justice, she has earned a reputation for being one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the state.

As one of Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm’s associate attorneys, Lis Carlson practices in the area of criminal defense. She previously spent time as a trial attorney at the Law Office of the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender, where she provided representation to thousands of clients. Ms. Carlson began her legal career as a law clerk for the Public Defender’s office in Anoka County. Attorney Carlson is a proud graduate of William Mitchell College of Law. Please contact her firm today to get more information.

I take deep care to get to know my clients, their background and story, and their values so that when moments to negotiate, settle, or go to trial arise, I am properly informed to use the tools of law and advocacy to bring about the best outcome for my client. I provide the most efficient and effective representation possible for my clients. I am adaptable, learn on my feet, and have extensive knowledge in family, divorce, and criminal matters. I incorporate my knowledge of the law with the deep knowledge I come to have of my clients to provide top...

My name is Max Shek, and I am a DWI, criminal defense, and appeals attorney and am the founder of Shek Law LLC. I completed my undergraduate from Michigan State University, where I graduated with honors. I then earned my Juris Doctor’s degree from The University of Minnesota Law School and received a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business. These particular JD and MBA programs are each nationally ranked and are the highest-ranked programs in Minnesota. From there, I entered the world of banking regulation, where I worked for one of the largest...

Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Hillary Parsons practices as an associate attorney at the Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm. Attorney Parsons has been with the firm for nearly half a decade. Prior to joining the firm, she was an associate at another firm. Her responsibilities at Caplan & Tamburino include conducting the firm’s research and writing. Ms. Parsons is a graduate of George Washington University and the University of Minnesota Law School. For a free case evaluation, contact her firm today.

I practiced criminal law in California for 16 years and continue to practice criminal law in both the State and Federal Courts in Minnesota. I was honored as an attorney of the year from the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association in 2002. I have handled and tried cases to juries in everything from petty theft, DWI, and minor drug cases to very serious robberies, burglaries and homicides. I have won numerous cases and most recently won a felony sexual assault appeal and then won the jury retrial in the case in Washington County Minnesota in 2010. I...

Minnesota State and Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Minnesota Attorney, Jennifer Speas is a graduate of Drake Law School, where she focused her studies on State and Federal criminal defense. Ms. Speas has been nominated Super Lawyer by Law & Politics Magazine, and has been featured in Who's Who in Criminal Defense. She is a member of the Amdahl Inn of Court and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. For 15 years, Jennifer Speas has committed herself to defending individuals being charged with crimes. Her intelligence in the courtroom and her dedication to her clients and her practice has earned her respect from...

Maria Trafton is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota. Maria received her Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota where she graduated Cum Laude. She received her undergraduate degree in Global Studies from the University of Minnesota. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Maria moved to the Twin Cities to attend college. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time working on do-it-yourself projects, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Maria has held numerous legal positions in both immigration and family law. While attending law school, Maria participated...

Mr. Joseph J. Dudley, Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. in 1945 and has practiced law in the state of Minnesota since 1978. Mr. Dudley served in the U.S Air Force (Vietnam) and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1972. He received his law degree in 1977 from Hamline University, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Dudley is a member of the Ramsey County Bar, Minnesota State Bar, Federal Bar and American Bar Associations. Mr. Dudley’s main areas of practice include Corporate, Commercial Litigation, Franchising, Transportation and Environmental Law. Dudley and Smith, P.A. is a Minnesota law firm practicing in most...

Albert Usumanu is a 1989 graduate of the University of Minnesota and a 1994 graduate of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He is admitted to practice in the following Courts: Minnesota Supreme Court. October 1994 Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Minnesota Federal District Court

Zorislav Leyderman moved the U.S. from Ukraine (former Soviet Union) when he was 11 and grew up in St. Paul. He obtained his B.A. degree at the University of Minnesota, where he studied politics and the American criminal justice system. After college, Zorislav continued his education at the William Mitchell College of Law, where he obtained his J.D. and graduated with honors. While in law school, Zorislav Leyderman worked for the Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP) Clinic and the William Mitchell Law Clinic, representing low-income people and Minnesota prisoners in both criminal and civil cases. Zorislav also worked for...

Luke J Blahnik is the founder of Law Firm of Luke J Blahnik. Mr. Blahnik was born in the city of Rochester, Minnesota and graduated from Caledonia High School, in Caledonia, Minnesota. In 1998 he received his Bachelor of Science in History from Winona State University, in Winona, Minnesota. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law in 2001 and was admitted to practice law in the State of Minnesota in 2002. From 2001 through 2004 Mr. Blahnik was a Judicial Law Clerk for the Koochiching County Courthouse, where he...

At the law office of Judith A. Samson, I strive to provide a compassionate and welcoming atmosphere for clients while aggressively pursuing their defense, acquittal, and freedom. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, I recognize the need to provide clients with thorough understanding of their options and realistic outcomes while also vigorously defending against the charges. I have been serving clients as a Minnesota defense attorney for more than 15 years and provide comprehensive defense services ranging from drug charges and DUI to assault, theft, and juvenile crimes. Being investigated or charged with a crime can be a frightening and life-changing...

O'Brien Law Firm is dedicated to serving you, offering an extensive range of services for both personal and business legal needs. Contact me today to set up a free consultation. I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.

A trial attorney for more than 30 years, Paul Otten practices in the areas of Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. He represents individuals and families who have suffered a personal injury or the loss of a loved one; including those involved in automobile collisions, medical malpractice claims, slip and fall cases, and dog attacks. Otten has achieved awards for his personal injury clients, both through negotiated settlements and jury trials. Since the establishment of the Otten firm, Criminal Defense was added to the foundation in Personal Injury.

A native of northern Minnesota, Otten received his Doctor of...

He has worked as an investigator, public prosecutor and private counsel. Mr. Neff has served on the Hennepin County Public Defender's Conflicts Panel, the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Panel, and various bar association committees. He handles complex litigation including multi-district litigation, wrongful death, large employment cases and qui tam cases.

Justin Duffy is a skilled criminal defense attorney and trial lawyer with The Law Office of John J. Leunig who represents clients in both state and federal court in Minnesota. Mr. Duffy's zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients has resulted in victory at trial, complete dismissals prior to trial, and victory on appeal. He defends clients charged with all levels and types of crimes, including, but not limited to, DWI, assault, theft, drug possession, criminal sexual conduct, prostitution, criminal vehicular homicide, murder, and white collar crimes. For more information on The Law Office of John J. Leunig and Mr....