Minneapolis · MN · Vetted Directory

Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Minneapolis

If you have been arrested or charged in Minneapolis, the most urgent thing to know is that a DWI arrest starts two separate clocks: the criminal case and a civil license revocation you have only 30 days to challenge. Charges are heard in Hennepin County District Court downtown. Fees vary widely — a misdemeanor is often a flat $1,500–$5,000, while a felony can run $5,000–$25,000 or more. The right move is to talk to a defense lawyer before you say anything to police. Below are vetted Minneapolis firms handling DWI, drug, assault, and felony cases.

30 days
To Challenge DWI License Loss
$1,500-$5,000
Misdemeanor, Typical
$5,000-$25,000+
Felony, Typical
Hennepin Co.
Where Charges Are Heard

Updated May 7, 2026

When you need a Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer

Almost any criminal charge is worth a free consultation, because early decisions shape the whole case. Talk to a Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer right away if:

  • You were arrested for DWI — you have only 30 days to petition to keep your license.
  • You are charged with a drug, theft, assault, or domestic-violence offense.
  • Police want to question you or you have been told you are under investigation.
  • You are facing a felony, where prison and a permanent record are at stake.
  • You want an old conviction expunged so it stops showing up on background checks.

What a Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer costs

Most defense lawyers charge a flat fee that depends on the seriousness of the charge and whether the case goes to trial.

$1,500-$5,000
Misdemeanor / first DWI
$5,000-$25,000+
Felony
Flat fee
Common for set charges
Free
Initial consultation

A public defender is available at no cost if you qualify based on income, and many people are well served by one. A private firm typically offers more time per case and faster contact. For the national picture, see our criminal defense guide, or browse all Minneapolis lawyers.

How a Minneapolis criminal case moves

  • Arrest and charge, with a first appearance in Hennepin County District Court.
  • DWI license challenge: a separate civil step — petition for judicial review within 30 days of the notice of revocation, or the license loss becomes final.
  • Pretrial: motions to challenge the stop, the search, or the breath test, and plea negotiations.
  • Trial or resolution, then, if eligible, an expungement petition under Minnesota's expungement statute to seal the record.

Minneapolis firms that handle criminal defense and DWI

1

Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A.

MinneapolisMid-sizeDWI, felony defense, assault

A well-known Minneapolis criminal defense firm handling DWI, drug, assault, and serious felony cases in Hennepin County and statewide. Recognized for trial experience and a deep defense bench. A strong fit for a serious or high-stakes charge. See costs and reviews on its profile.

Free ConsultationFlat fee (varies by charge)
See costs & reviews Request Free Consult
2

Halberg Criminal Defense

MinneapolisMid-sizeDWI, felony, drug defense

A Minneapolis-area defense firm concentrating on DWI and felony cases, known for aggressive pretrial challenges and trial readiness. A good choice when a case may hinge on contesting the stop, search, or test evidence.

Free ConsultationFlat fee (varies by charge)
Request Free Consult
3

Lundgren & Johnson, PSC

MinneapolisBoutiquecriminal defense, DWI, appeals

A Minneapolis boutique focused on criminal defense and appeals, handling cases from misdemeanors to felonies. Known for detailed motion practice. A fit for clients who want focused, attorney-driven representation.

Free ConsultationFlat fee (varies by charge)
Request Free Consult
4

Gerald Miller, P.A.

MinneapolisMid-sizeDWI, drug defense, criminal

One of the longest-running criminal defense practices in Minneapolis, with a heavy focus on DWI and drug charges. Frequently chosen for first-time DWI cases. A reasonable choice for a straightforward but serious charge.

Free ConsultationFlat fee (varies by charge)
Request Free Consult
5

Ambrose Law Firm, PLLC

MinneapolisBoutiqueDWI, criminal defense, license issues

A Minneapolis firm focused on DWI and criminal defense, including the civil license-revocation side of DWI cases. A good fit when keeping your driver's license is as important as the criminal outcome.

Free ConsultationFlat fee (varies by charge)
Request Free Consult

See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Minneapolis guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Criminal Defense in Minneapolis — FAQ

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Minneapolis?
Most charge a flat fee tied to the seriousness of the case. A misdemeanor or first-time DWI often runs $1,500 to $5,000, while a felony commonly costs $5,000 to $25,000 or more, especially if it goes to trial. Initial consultations are usually free, and a public defender is available at no cost if you qualify by income.
How fast do I have to act after a DWI in Minneapolis?
Very fast on the license side. A DWI arrest triggers a civil license revocation, and you generally have only 30 days from the notice of revocation to file a petition for judicial review. Miss it and the revocation becomes final, separate from whatever happens in the criminal case.
Should I take the breath test if I am stopped for DWI?
Minnesota's implied-consent law makes refusing a test its own crime, often treated more harshly than the DWI itself. The decision has real consequences either way, which is why you should call a defense lawyer as early as possible and avoid volunteering statements to police.
Can I get a charge expunged in Minnesota?
Often yes. Minnesota's expungement statute lets many people seal certain records after a waiting period, especially for cases that were dismissed, resolved without conviction, or involved lower-level offenses. A defense lawyer can tell you whether your case qualifies and file the petition in Hennepin County.
What is the difference between a public defender and a private firm?
A public defender is a licensed attorney provided at no cost if you qualify by income, and many handle serious cases well, but their caseloads are heavy. A private firm typically gives more individual time, faster communication, and more capacity for investigation and motions. Both can take a case to trial.

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