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Criminal Law Board Certification by the MSBA

The practice of Criminal Law involves representing clients in legal matters related to criminal charges, including defense and prosecution. This area of law covers all aspects of the criminal justice process, from pre-trial proceedings to courtroom advocacy and appeals.

The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) offers board certification in Criminal Law to attorneys who have met rigorous criteria, demonstrating their expertise and experience in this specialized field. To achieve this certification, attorneys must have substantial practice experience in criminal law, pass a comprehensive written examination, and receive favorable peer evaluations. These requirements ensure that certified attorneys meet the high standards set by the MSBA, showcasing their proficiency and commitment to excellence in criminal law practice.

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About Criminal Law Board Certification in Minnesota

When searching for a criminal law attorney in Minnesota, it is important to consider whether the attorney is board certified in this specialty by the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA).

The MSBA's Certification Board is responsible for certifying attorneys as specialists in various practice areas. This certification process is regulated under specific rules and guidelines established by the MSBA to ensure that only qualified attorneys achieve this distinction.

The Criminal Law Board Certification offered by the MSBA recognizes attorneys who possess advanced expertise in handling criminal cases, including defense and prosecution. This certification ensures that certified lawyers have demonstrated substantial experience and knowledge, adhering to the high standards set by the MSBA.

There are several benefits to obtaining board certification in criminal law. Certification signals high expertise in this area of law, assuring clients of the attorney's skills and experience. Furthermore, certified specialists stand out in a competitive legal market, enhancing their reputation and credibility.

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Minnesota's Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists on Lawyer Legion

Bruce Norman Ringstrom Jr
Ringstrom Law
Moorhead, MN
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Christopher Wesley Keyser
Keyser Law, P.A.
Minneapolis, MN
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Ryan Patrick Garry
Ryan Garry LLC, Criminal Defense Attorneys
Minneapolis, MN
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Jack Rice
Jack Rice
St. Paul, MN
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Joseph Patrick Tamburino
Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A.
Minneapolis, MN
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Directory of Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists in Minnesota

Lawyer Legion maintains a directory of board certified criminal law specialists in Minnesota. This directory provides the public with a valuable resource that allows them to narrow their search to local attorneys who have earned board certification in criminal law by the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Lawyer Legion is the only commercial lawyer directory to properly acknowledge all ABA-accredited specialization programs and provide a dynamic directory of virtually every lawyer who has earned each certification, including board certification in criminal law by the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Use this directory to connect with lawyers who are board certified specialists in criminal law by the Minnesota State Bar Association. Start by choosing your county from the list below.


Criminal Defense Lawyers by County

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Overview of Criminal Law Board Certification in Minnesota

Requirements for Board Certification in Criminal Law

The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) has established stringent standards and requirements for lawyers seeking certification as Criminal Law Specialists. Below is a detailed outline of these requirements:

1. General Requirements

  • Active License: The applicant must be licensed as an attorney and on active status in Minnesota.
  • Certification Duration: Certification, once granted, is valid for six years, after which recertification is required.

2. Substantial Involvement in Criminal Law Practice

  • Practice Requirement: The applicant must have practiced law continuously for at least five years immediately preceding the application. During these five years, at least 25% of the applicant's full-time practice must have been in active participation in criminal law.
  • Trial Experience:
    • Jury Trials: The applicant must have served as principal counsel in a minimum of three jury trials in state or federal court, totaling at least eight days of testimony within the last five years.
    • Alternative Criteria: As an alternative to the above, the applicant could qualify by having served as principal counsel in ten jury trials totaling at least thirty days of trial or in five jury trials each lasting at least ten trial days.
    • Transcript Submission: A transcript of a witness testimony, including both direct and cross-examination conducted by the applicant, must be submitted to demonstrate competence in handling trials.

3. Knowledge and Examination

  • Written Examination: The applicant must pass a written examination that assesses knowledge, proficiency, and ethical considerations in criminal law. This exam is uniformly applied to all applicants.

4. Reputation and References

  • Peer Recognition: The applicant must demonstrate a reputation for competence in criminal law among peers. This includes:
    • Two Letters of Recommendation: One from a judge who has observed the applicant in a criminal trial and one from opposing counsel in a criminal matter.
    • Additional References: The applicant must provide the names and addresses of five individuals familiar with their criminal law practice, including at least two trial court judges and two opposing counsel.
  • Confidentiality: References are kept confidential by the Certification Board, and the applicant must acknowledge this confidentiality.

5. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

  • Education Requirement: The applicant must complete at least 30 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in criminal law or trial skills within the three years immediately preceding the application.

6. Legal Writing Competence

  • Submission of Court Memoranda: The applicant must submit between one and three court memoranda or briefs that they have substantially prepared and filed in state or federal court. These documents must demonstrate the applicant’s competence in legal writing related to criminal law.

7. Ethical Standards and Disclosure

  • Conduct Disclosure: The applicant must disclose any convictions, findings of ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, or formal admonishments. The Certification Board will evaluate these disclosures to ensure the applicant meets ethical and professional standards.
  • Ongoing Obligation: The applicant has a continuing duty to disclose any relevant matters within 30 days of their occurrence.

8. Certification Board Review

  • Application Review: The Certification Board evaluates the application, including all documentation, references, CLE credits, and the applicant's trial experience.
  • Decision Notification: Applicants will be notified of the Certification Board's decision regarding their certification status. If certification is denied, there is a right to petition for reconsideration according to the MSBA's procedures.

This summary outlines the rigorous process and requirements for obtaining board certification as a Criminal Law Specialist, ensuring that only highly qualified and experienced attorneys receive this designation.


Application Process for Board Certification in Criminal Law

The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) has outlined a comprehensive application process for lawyers seeking certification as Criminal Law Specialists. Below is a step-by-step guide to this process:

1. Eligibility Verification

  • Active Status: Ensure that you are licensed to practice law and are on active status in Minnesota.
  • Experience Requirement: Confirm that you have practiced law continuously for at least five years, with at least 25% of your full-time practice dedicated to criminal law during this period.

2. Preparation of Application Materials

  • Trial Experience Documentation:
    • Jury Trials: Document your involvement as principal counsel in at least three jury trials over the past five years, including at least eight days of testimony.
    • Alternative Experience: If applicable, you may document ten jury trials totaling at least thirty days or five jury trials each lasting at least ten days.
    • Transcript Submission: Prepare and submit a transcript of a lay witness testimony, including both direct and cross-examination that you conducted. This is required to demonstrate your familiarity with trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
  • Case Details: Provide detailed information for each trial, including the case title, year, judge, court, opposing counsel, nature of the case, and the number of days of testimony.

3. References and Peer Review

  • Letters of Recommendation:
    • Judge’s Reference: Obtain a letter of recommendation from a judge who has observed your trial work in a criminal case.
    • Opposing Counsel Reference: Obtain a letter from opposing counsel in a contested criminal law matter.
  • Additional References: Submit the names and contact information for five additional individuals who can attest to your competence in criminal law. These references should include:
    • At least two trial court judges before whom you have appeared.
    • At least two attorneys with whom or against whom you have tried a criminal matter.
  • Confidentiality Acknowledgment: Acknowledge that all references will be kept confidential by the Certification Board.

4. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Verification

  • CLE Credits: Ensure that you have completed at least 30 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in criminal law or trial skills within the three years immediately preceding your application.
  • Documentation: Prepare a list of CLE courses attended, including course titles, dates, and credit hours.

5. Legal Writing Submission

  • Court Memoranda: Submit one to three court memoranda or briefs that you have substantially prepared and filed. These documents should demonstrate your competence in legal writing related to criminal law.

6. Written Examination

  • Examination Requirement: Prepare to take the written examination administered by the Certification Board. This exam assesses your knowledge, proficiency, and ethics in criminal law.
  • Scheduling: Coordinate with the MSBA to schedule your examination at an approved time and location.

7. Disclosure of Conduct

  • Ethical Disclosure: Complete the required disclosure forms, detailing any past convictions, findings of ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, or formal admonishments.
  • Ongoing Obligation: Disclose any new relevant conduct within 30 days of its occurrence throughout the application process.

8. Submission of Application

  • Application Form: Complete the official application form provided by the MSBA, ensuring that all required sections are fully and accurately completed.
  • Attachments: Attach all required documents, including trial experience lists, transcripts, letters of recommendation, additional references, CLE documentation, and legal writing samples.
  • Application Fee: Submit the required application fee along with your completed application.

9. Certification Board Review

  • Evaluation Process: The Certification Board will review your application, including all documentation, references, CLE credits, and examination results.
  • Additional Information: Be prepared to provide any additional information or clarification that the Board may request during their review.

10. Notification of Decision

  • Outcome: You will be notified of the Certification Board’s decision regarding your application. If your application is approved, you will receive certification as a Criminal Law Specialist, valid for six years.
  • Right to Appeal: If certification is denied, you have the right to petition the Certification Board for reconsideration in accordance with MSBA procedures.

This structured overview provides a clear guide to the application process for becoming a certified Criminal Law Specialist, ensuring that all necessary criteria are met and the application is completed successfully.


Annual Duties, Recertification, and Decertification

The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) has established specific requirements and processes related to maintaining certification as a Criminal Law Specialist. These include annual duties, recertification, and the conditions under which a lawyer may be decertified. Below is a detailed overview of these aspects:

1. Annual Duties

  • Continuing Legal Education (CLE):

    • Certified Criminal Law Specialists are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) focused on criminal law or trial skills every three years.
    • These CLE credits must be reported during the three-year reporting period for attorney licensure and documented on program forms during the reporting year.
  • Ethical Conduct Disclosure:

    • Specialists must disclose any convictions, findings of ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, formal court admonishments, or public disciplinary sanctions to the Certification Board.
    • This disclosure must occur within 30 days of the final imposition or disposition of any such matters. Failure to disclose relevant conduct may result in decertification.

2. Recertification Process

  • Eligibility Period:

    • Certification is valid for six years, and specialists must apply for recertification before the end of this period to maintain their status.
  • Substantial Involvement in Criminal Law:

    • To qualify for recertification, the applicant must demonstrate that they have spent at least 25% of their full-time practice actively participating in criminal law during the five years immediately preceding the recertification application.
  • Experience Requirements:

    • The applicant must have primary responsibility for at least one jury trial lasting a minimum of three days and 25 contested criminal law matters during the five years before the recertification application.
    • If the trial requirement is not met, the applicant may demonstrate substantially equivalent criminal trial experience, which must be outlined in a narrative provided by the Certification Board.
  • Professional Reputation:

    • The applicant must submit the names and addresses of two references who can attest to their competence in criminal law. These references should include:
      • One Judge: A trial court judge before whom the applicant has appeared.
      • One Attorney: Opposing counsel in a contested criminal law matter.
  • Narrative Submission:

    • The applicant must provide a narrative outlining their criminal law practice, any changes in their practice, and relevant achievements or advanced education that support their recertification.
  • Certification Board Review:

    • The Certification Board will review all submitted materials, including references and narratives, to assess whether the applicant meets the recertification standards.
  • Decision Notification:

    • Specialists will be informed of the Certification Board's decision regarding their recertification. If recertification is denied, the applicant may petition the Certification Board for reconsideration.

3. Decertification

  • Automatic Decertification:

    • Certification will be automatically revoked or denied under the following circumstances:
      • Failure to complete 30 CLE credits in criminal law every three years.
      • Suspension or disbarment from the practice of law in any jurisdiction.
      • Nonpayment of license fees or failure to maintain mandatory CLE credits.
      • Failure to satisfactorily complete the recertification process.
      • Failure to pay required fees.
      • Failure to meet the ongoing qualifications for certification.
      • Voluntary relinquishment of certification through written notice.
  • Discretionary Decertification:

    • The Certification Board may deny, suspend, or revoke certification if:
      • The lawyer falsely announces their certification status.
      • The lawyer fails to cooperate with the Certification Board or submits false information during the certification or recertification process.
      • Certification was granted contrary to the rules of the Certification Board or the Minnesota Board of Legal Certification (MBLC).
      • Five members of the Certification Board determine that the lawyer fails to meet the minimum standards for certification.
  • Reapplication After Decertification:

    • Specialists who have been decertified or who voluntarily relinquished their certification may reapply under specific conditions set by the Certification Board.
    • If certification has lapsed for three years or less, the specialist may complete a recertification application and pay the required fees.
    • If the lapse exceeds three years, the specialist must also pass a written examination on criminal law to be recertified.

This summary provides an overview of the ongoing responsibilities, recertification requirements, and conditions for decertification for Criminal Law Specialists, ensuring that certified professionals maintain high standards of practice and ethics throughout their careers.


Other Specialty Areas by the Minnesota State Bar Association

Other Criminal Law Certification Programs in the U.S.

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