Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense Law

701 Building Suite 300, 701 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Bruce Rivers appears regularly in both federal and state courts. He is acquainted with most of the federal judges and magistrates. Aside from work in Hennepin County and the metro area, he has had a significant number of cases and trials in outstate Minnesota. Bruce Rivers has handled over 2,000 criminal cases. His experience includes trials and plea negotiations at both the state and federal levels. Bruce Rivers has achieved acquittals on cases ranging from DWI to first, second and third degree murder. He has also handled white collar and high profile cases requiring unique judgment and experience. He has represented lawyers in tough situations. Lawyers from all different types of firms feel very comfortable referring clients to his firm.

Criminal Defense Law

1005 Pebble Lake Rd, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA

For more than a decade, Chris Cadem has concentrated his practice on litigation matters in both criminal and civil cases in State and Federal Court. His experience includes more than 100 trials and roughly a dozen appeals, including multiple petitions to the Minnesota Supreme Court. He has successfully litigated cases spanning from simple speeding tickets to first degree murder and first degree criminal sexual conduct. His civil docket includes everything from contract disputes to complex multiparty, million-dollar financial matters. Chris has been widely recognized for his experience and professionalism.

Criminal Defense Law

331 Second Avenue South, Suite 705, Minneapolis, MN 55401

John C. Conard is a Minneapolis trial lawyer whose work includes criminal defense and civil litigation. His firm biography identifies him as the founding partner of Conard Law, PLLC, while the firm’s homepage uses the name The Conard Firm. Sand Law also lists him as an of counsel attorney. Conard’s criminal practice focuses on federal and white-collar matters. His biography describes cases involving expert testimony, forensic evidence and complex federal charges, including tax fraud, money laundering, wire fraud and mail fraud. His criminal trial experience also includes murder cases. On the civil side, his reported case history encompasses traumatic brain injury, nursing-home injury, workplace and construction-site injury, surgical malpractice, insurance bad faith and automobile collisions. The firm’s account of his career describes a transition from criminal trials to civil trial work after other litigators began asking him to try their cases. Conard’s professional background also includes teaching and writing about trial practice. He graduated from the Trial Lawyers College, and his firm biography dates his appointment to its national faculty to 2015. He has spoken and trained lawyers on the use of forensic science at trial, and his biography identifies Thomson Reuters as a publisher of his work on that subject. His listed education includes a 1995 bachelor’s degree from Central College in political science, philosophy and economics. The same biography records his initial Minnesota admission in 2006.

Criminal Defense Law

310 S 4th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA

John is a founding partner at Conard Nelson Schaffer and has built a reputation as a trial lawyer that people rely upon in their most serious matters. Recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in the country, attorney John devotes his practice to defending the rights and liberties of those facing white collar crime accusations and other serious criminal charges. John Conard represents clients throughout the Twin Cities region and across the state who need solid, effective defense strategies in order to fight the charges against them and preserve their freedom. Certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a criminal law specialist, John has successfully handled more than 2,000 cases in state and federal courts throughout the country during the course of his 10-year career. From federal crimes and violent offenses to DUI/DWI charges and relatively minor misdemeanors, John has the experience and resources necessary to handle any criminal case regardless of how complex or challenging.

Criminal Defense Law

8101 34th Ave S suite 340, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA

Kristian Kircher is a tenacious attorney with a proven track record of success in high-stakes cases. As the founder of BK Law Group, he has assembled a results-driven team that aggressively defends clients facing charges ranging from DWI and drug offenses to firearms violations, sex crimes, and murder. Kristian has secured dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges in some of the toughest cases across Minnesota. His aggressive defense strategy, combined with sharp legal instincts, has earned him a reputation as a trusted fighter for clients facing serious criminal charges. More than just a skilled advocate, Kristian is a trusted advisor. Clients turn to him not only for legal firepower but also for honest guidance and unwavering support throughout the process.

Criminal Defense Law

701 Xenia Ave S, Suite 425, Golden Valley, MN 55416

Mr. Mankey graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in 1976. He attended St. John's University where he attained a major in government and history with a minor in philosophy in 1980 but deferred graduation for a year to attend the University of Salzburg, in Austria. He earned a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the American University. During his studies at American University he attended the Instituto de Instruccion de Espanol in Cuernavaca, Mexico in 1983. In 1985 Mr. Mankey completed his Master's program which included a published thesis on the Nicaraguan Revolution. Mr. Mankey has worked as a Congressional Staff person and as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. He attended William Mitchell College of Law during which time he worked in the family law clinic and in the criminal division of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office drug prosecution team. He graduated from law school with honors in 1992. After graduating from law school Mr. Mankey practiced exclusively in the area of criminal defense. Mr. Mankey has been admitted to the Minnesota State Bar since 1992 and the Federal Bar since 1993. He was accepted onto the Criminal Justice Panel in 1997 and has been appointed by the federal court to dozens of federal criminal cases since that time. In addition to his private practice he served as a contract public defender in Hennepin County in 2004-05 and in Anoka County in 2012. He was chosen to serve as a conciliation court judge in 1997 and has presided part-time since that time. The location of Mankey Law Office has been in its current location in Golden Valley since 1992.

Criminal Defense Law

196 St Andrews Dr, STE 100, Mankato, MN 56001

Patrick Casey focuses his practice on criminal defense, family law and civil litigation. He provides client-centered representation and is sensitive to his clients’ needs. Patrick worked in St. Paul, Minnesota for two years in the areas of civil litigation and debt collection until he moved to southern Minnesota in 2005, and worked for five years as a Public Defender for the Fifth Judicial District. In 2009, he was named the Patrick F. Moriarty Trial Attorney of the Year. This award is given to a seasoned trial lawyer who tries difficult and high-profile cases, and who has extensive trial experience and client advocacy.

Criminal Defense Law

1380 Corporate Center Curve, Suite 320, Eagan, MN 55121

Attorney Randall A. Kins practices primarily in the areas of criminal defense, DWI defense, Federal workers' compensation, expungements, and estate planning. He received his law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. After graduating from law school, Mr. Kins worked for several years as a defense attorney representing large corporations throughout Minnesota. During that time he realized a passion for providing individuals with legal representation. He enjoys developing relationships with clients and believes that navigating complicated legal issues requires a personal touch, as every client's situation is unique. Mr. Kins wants to hear your story, identify your goals, and provide you the counsel required to achieve your objectives. He is passionate about protecting the interests of his clients, whether it is fighting for constitutional rights in criminal defense cases, helping achieve peace of mind through estate planning services, or representing injured federal workers.

Criminal Defense Law

3 Civic Center Plaza suite 400, Mankato, MN 56001, USA

As a partner at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd., located in Mankato, Minnesota, Thomas Hagen has built an exceptional legal practice focusing on criminal defense. With additional offices in Rochester, MN, Tom serves clients across southern Minnesota, delivering personalized legal representation with unwavering attention to detail. Specializing exclusively in criminal defense, Tom has successfully defended clients facing serious charges, including DWI, DUI, sexual assault, drug crimes, felonies, and even murder. His dedication to protecting his clients’ rights and providing aggressive defense strategies has earned him a reputation as a leading criminal lawyer in Mankato. Over the years, Tom has been recognized for his legal excellence. He was named a Rising Star by Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine for 10 consecutive years (2012-2021), an honor awarded to only 2.5% of lawyers under 40 in Minnesota. In 2023, he was recognized as a Super Lawyer and named among Minnesota Attorneys of the Year. These accolades reflect his commitment to achieving outstanding results in criminal defense. Tom’s involvement in the American Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar, and Minnesota Association for Justice further demonstrates his dedication to staying current on legal trends and maintaining the highest ethical standards in his practice. As a recognized criminal defense lawyer, his legal insights have been sought by major media outlets like The New York Times, USA Today, NBC Dateline, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Tom’s outstanding legal skills are further recognized by his membership in the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, a distinction reserved for the nation’s top trial attorneys. He has earned the highest rating on Avvo.com, reflecting his dedication to client satisfaction. His commitment to delivering the best results for his clients has been acknowledged through the Client Choice Award. In May 2021, Tom was awarded the prestigious National Trial Lawyer of the Year by The National Trial Lawyers Association, cementing his position as a leading criminal defense lawyer in Mankato and across Minnesota. If you are facing criminal charges, including DWI or other serious offenses, contact Thomas Hagen at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd. for an experienced and dedicated defense. With a proven track record and a commitment to protecting your rights, Tom is the Mankato criminal defense lawyer you need by your side.

Criminal Defense Law

59 west 3rd street, Winona, Minnesota 55987

John Paul Plachecki, also identified by his firm as J.P. Plachecki, is a criminal defense lawyer with Price, McCluer & Plachecki in Winona, Minnesota. His individual practice centers on representing people accused of crimes throughout the Midwest. Plachecki grew up in Winona and attended Cotter High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, graduating cum laude, and a law degree from Hamline University Law School. His education also includes an LL.M. from Boston University School of Law. Before returning to Minnesota, he served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. In 1994, he came back to Winona to join Darby, Delano & Price. The firm’s history identifies him alongside Michael J. Price and Richmond H. McCluer Jr. in the formation of Price, McCluer and Plachecki in 2003. His professional recognition includes selection as a Minnesota Superlawyer in each year from 2006 through 2011. Minnesota Law & Politics also included him among Minnesota’s top 40 criminal defense attorneys in 2007 and 2008. Criminal defense is also a focus of the wider firm. Price, McCluer & Plachecki describes its criminal work as covering misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI, drug charges, violent crimes and weapons charges. The firm serves Winona, Houston, Fillmore, Wabasha and Olmsted counties; Plachecki’s own biography describes his criminal representation more broadly across the Midwest.