1. The Law Office of Lauren Campoli, PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense exclusively, felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic assault, violent crimes, juvenile defense, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug crimes, criminal sexual conduct, domestic assault, assault, theft, burglary, robbery, weapons charges, juvenile offenses, federal crimes, white collar crimes, fraud
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, appeals, sentencing advocacy, pretrial motions, investigation defense
Background: Attorney Lauren Campoli is a Criminal Law Specialist certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association. Fewer than 3% of all registered attorneys in Minnesota hold this certification. Nationally recognized trial lawyer with over 50 jury trials personally tried. Handles both adult and juvenile criminal cases in Minnesota state and federal courts. Provides zealous representation throughout all stages of criminal proceedings.
Location: 8400 Normandale Lake Boulevard, Suite 920, Minneapolis, MN 55437 (also Edina office)
Contact: (612) 979-2100 | https://campolidefense.com
Consultation: Consultation available, custom payment plans offered
2. Lundgren & Johnson, PSC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, drug crimes, violent crimes, search and seizure issues, Fourth Amendment defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, weapons offenses, theft, assault, domestic assault
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, jury trials, appeals, U.S. Supreme Court advocacy, pretrial motions, suppression motions
Background: The firm was selected by Expertise.com among DUI lawyers in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Attorney David R. Lundgren is partner. Selected by TrustAnalytica as “Top 10 Criminal Lawyers & Attorneys in Minneapolis.” The firm’s attorneys have argued before the United States Supreme Court in partnership with Meshbesher & Associates. Published extensively in Minnesota Bench & Bar on topics including hearsay, the Fifth Amendment, and smartphone privacy. Known for expertise in search and seizure law and Fourth Amendment issues.
Location: Minneapolis, MN (serving Twin Cities metro and statewide)
Contact: (612) 424-5677 | https://lundgrenjohnson.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Tamburino Law Group
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, drug crimes, sex offenses, violent crimes, Title IX defense, domestic assault
Case Types Handled: Felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, criminal sexual conduct, domestic assault, assault, theft, Title IX violations, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, appeals, Title IX hearing defense, pretrial motions, sentencing advocacy
Background: The firm brings over 100 years of combined legal experience. Has been practicing in state and federal courts across Minnesota since 1983. Selected to The National Trial Lawyer: Top 100. Martindale-Hubbell rated. Super Lawyers selection. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for client emergencies. Multiple attorneys on staff providing depth of experience across criminal defense matters.
Location: 225 South 6th Street, Suite 3500, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Contact: (612) 444-5020 | https://www.tamburinolawgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
4. Wilson & Clas
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, appellate practice, Title IX defense, sex crimes, DWI, domestic assault, harassment restraining orders, expungement
Case Types Handled: Felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, criminal appeals, DWI/DUI, criminal sexual conduct, domestic assault, harassment restraining orders, probation violations, drug crimes, theft, expungement petitions, Title IX misconduct
Legal Services: Trial defense, criminal appeals, expungement, motion practice, plea negotiations, jury trials, Title IX hearing defense, harassment restraining order defense
Background: Wilson & Clas is a boutique defense firm based in Northeast Minneapolis specializing in criminal, appellate, harassment restraining order, and Title IX misconduct cases. Practices in courts and on campuses throughout Minnesota. Known for responsive client communication, with all clients receiving attorney’s personal cell phone and email. Offers text and social media communication options. Results-oriented representation with creative defense strategies.
Location: Minneapolis, MN (Northeast Minneapolis office)
Contact: (612) 246-8477 | https://www.wilsoncd.com
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Kelley, Wolter & Scott, P.A.
Practice Focus: White collar criminal defense, professional license defense, regulatory defense, complex civil litigation
Case Types Handled: White collar crimes, federal crimes, professional licensing matters, regulatory violations, fraud, tax crimes, healthcare crimes, state board investigations, disciplinary proceedings
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, professional license defense, administrative hearings, regulatory defense, state board representation, investigation defense, grand jury representation
Background: The firm has decades of experience in white collar criminal defense and complex civil litigation. Known for defending professionals facing state board inquiries and disciplinary actions. Reputation leads to referrals from other accomplished attorneys. Represents professionals before the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and other licensing agencies. Handles cases investigated by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Offers early intervention counsel to protect professional licenses and careers.
Location: 431 South 7th Street, Suite 2530, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Contact: (612) 200-2866 | https://www.kelleywolter.com
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Minnesota
Minnesota requires attorneys to be admitted to the Minnesota State Bar to practice law. Admission requires graduation from an ABA-accredited law school, passing the Minnesota bar examination (or qualifying under UBE transfer provisions), and satisfying character and fitness requirements. The Minnesota Lawyer Registration Office maintains records of all licensed attorneys and their status.
Minnesota operates a statewide public defender system through the Board of Public Defense, established as the fourth branch of government. District public defender offices provide representation to indigent defendants in each judicial district. Eligibility is determined based on income guidelines, typically at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. Defendants charged with offenses carrying potential imprisonment have the right to appointed counsel.
The Minnesota State Bar Association offers Certified Legal Specialist designation in Criminal Law through the Minnesota Board of Legal Certification. Certification requires substantial experience, peer review, and examination. Fewer than 3% of all registered attorneys in Minnesota are certified specialists.
Attorney advertising in Minnesota is governed by Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 7.1 through 7.5. All communications must be truthful and not misleading. Specialization claims require certification by the Minnesota Board of Legal Certification or an ABA-accredited organization.
Attorney-client privilege in Minnesota is governed by Minnesota Statute Section 595.02 and common law, protecting confidential communications between attorneys and clients made for the purpose of obtaining legal services.
Minnesota requires attorneys to complete 45 hours of continuing legal education every three years, including three hours of ethics and two hours addressing elimination of bias in the legal profession.
Minnesota classifies felonies without letter grades, instead setting penalties by specific offense in the criminal code. Murder in the first degree carries life imprisonment. Other felonies carry varying maximums based on the specific offense. The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines establish presumptive sentences based on offense severity level (1-11) and criminal history score. Gross misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine. Misdemeanors carry up to 90 days and $1,000 fine. Petty misdemeanors carry fine only (no jail).
Minnesota abolished the death penalty in 1911 and does not have capital punishment.
Minnesota has comprehensive expungement provisions under Minnesota Statute Section 609A. Expungement (sealing of records) is available for certain convictions after waiting periods based on offense severity: petty misdemeanors and misdemeanors (two years after discharge from sentence), gross misdemeanors (four years), and felonies (five years). Some offenses are ineligible, including murder, criminal sexual conduct, and certain violent crimes. Expungement is also available for cases resolved in favor of the petitioner (dismissal, acquittal, stay of adjudication). In 2015, Minnesota expanded expungement eligibility to include certain low-level felonies. The court considers factors including the nature of the crime, steps taken toward rehabilitation, and the impact on the petitioner’s employment, housing, and education.
Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines establish presumptive sentences in a grid format based on offense severity level (1-11) and criminal history score (0-6+). Judges may depart from guidelines with stated reasons. Mandatory minimum sentences exist for certain offenses, including repeat DWI offenders, certain firearms offenses, and sex offenses.
Bail in Minnesota is governed by Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 6. A defendant must be brought before a judge within 36 hours of arrest (48 hours if arrested on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Courts may release defendants on personal recognizance, conditional release, or bail. Minnesota uses a bail schedule for many offenses, allowing release before first appearance. Courts consider the nature of the offense, defendant’s ties to the community, employment, financial resources, criminal history, and probability of appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens at a first appearance in Hennepin County?
A: At first appearance in Hennepin County District Court (Fourth Judicial District), the judge informs you of the charges, advises you of your constitutional rights, and addresses bail or conditions of release. For felonies, the judge determines probable cause if not already established by complaint or grand jury indictment. You do not enter a plea at first appearance for felonies. For misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, first appearance may be combined with arraignment, where you enter a plea. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may apply for a public defender at first appearance. The court sets conditions of release, which may include bail, pretrial supervision, no-contact orders, or other conditions. First appearance must occur within 36 hours of arrest (48 hours for weekend arrests).
Q: How does bail work at the Hennepin County Jail?
A: At the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center (downtown Minneapolis), bail is set according to the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Hennepin County bail schedule. For many offenses, standard bail amounts allow release before first appearance. Cash bail can be posted at the jail. Bail bondsmen in Minnesota typically charge 10% of the bail amount as a non-refundable premium. Defendants may also request release on recognizance (without monetary bail) or conditional release. If unable to afford bail, you may request a bail reduction hearing. Minnesota emphasizes release on the least restrictive conditions necessary. The court may impose conditions such as GPS monitoring, pretrial supervision, no-contact orders, or abstaining from alcohol/drugs. Processing after bail is posted typically takes several hours.
Q: What are the penalties for a first-offense DWI in Minnesota?
A: A first-offense DWI in Minnesota (BAC 0.08% or higher, or impaired by alcohol or drugs) is a fourth-degree DWI misdemeanor, carrying: up to 90 days in jail, fine up to $1,000, driver’s license revocation for 90 days (30 days for BAC under 0.16% with no test refusal), chemical use assessment, possible treatment, and victim impact panel. For aggravating factors (BAC 0.16% or higher, child under 16 in vehicle, or prior impaired driving incident within 10 years), the charge becomes a gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI with up to 1 year in jail and $3,000 fine. Administrative license revocation begins at arrest through the Department of Public Safety, separate from criminal proceedings. You have 60 days to challenge the administrative revocation. Ignition interlock device may be required for license reinstatement.
Q: Does Hennepin County have diversion or specialty court programs?
A: Yes. Hennepin County offers several alternatives to traditional prosecution. Diversion Program through the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is available for certain first-time non-violent offenders, with charge dismissal upon completion. Drug Court provides intensive supervision and treatment for eligible defendants with substance abuse issues. Mental Health Court serves defendants with serious mental illness. Veterans Treatment Court is available for eligible veterans. DWI Court addresses repeat DWI offenders with treatment-focused supervision. Restorative Justice programs may be available for certain offenses. Juvenile Diversion offers alternatives for youth. Eligibility depends on the nature of charges, criminal history, and prosecutor approval. Successful completion typically results in charge dismissal or reduced sentencing.
Q: Can I get my criminal record expunged in Minnesota?
A: Yes. Minnesota has comprehensive expungement provisions under Minnesota Statute Section 609A, expanded significantly in 2015. For cases resolved in your favor (dismissal, acquittal, stay of adjudication), you may petition immediately or after one year depending on the type of resolution. For convictions, waiting periods apply after discharge from sentence: two years for petty misdemeanors and misdemeanors, four years for gross misdemeanors, and five years for most felonies. Certain offenses are ineligible, including murder, criminal sexual conduct, certain violent crimes, and crimes requiring sex offender registration. The petition is filed in the court where the conviction occurred. Factors the court considers include: the nature and severity of the crime, risk posed to individuals or society, completion of sentence and rehabilitation efforts, time elapsed since the offense, aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and consequences of denial on the petitioner’s housing, employment, or education. Expungement seals records from public view but records may still be accessible to law enforcement and in certain circumstances. Expungement does not restore firearms rights for felony convictions.