Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hennepin County, Minnesota

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 500 Criminal Defense lawyers currently practicing in Hennepin County, Minnesota. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota who are ready to help.

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Hennepin County, MN

Shek Law LLC

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hennepin County, MN

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Minneapolis
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Hennepin County, MN Legal Resources
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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Hennepin County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Minneapolis

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. To rank the top Criminal Defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Hennepin County we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished Criminal Defense lawyers currently practicing in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a countywide list of attorneys who are actually “the best" at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–12 out of 250

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Hennepin County, MN Criminal Defense Legal Resources

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Hennepin County Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) - The Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) is the leading statewide association exclusively serving the comprehensive needs of the criminal defense bar. Since its creation, the MACDL has continued to promote excellence in the practice of criminal law and protect the rights of the accused. Members including attorneys in the private sector and public defenders. Members represent individuals accused of crimes in both the state and federal courts throughout the state.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Law - The Minnesota State Bar Association offers board certification in the practice of criminal law for lawyers who pass the requirements. Once lawyers are certified, they may advertise themselves as Criminal Law Specialists. To become certified, the lawyer must demonstrate substantial involvement in the practice of criminal law, pass a written examination, have served as principal counsel for the required number of jury trials, and submit references from other lawyers and judges.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Hennepin County Government and Court Resources

Hennepin County Attorney's Office
Hennepin County Public Defender's Office
Hennepin County Government Website
Hennepin County District Court
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
Federal Courts in Hennepin County, MN

Hennepin County Attorney's Office

Hennepin County Attorney's Office - The Hennepin County Attorney's Office serves Minnesota's largest county, handling the prosecution of felony cases, juvenile offenses, and civil matters involving the county. With a focus on equity and community well-being, the office provides legal counsel to county departments while addressing criminal behavior. Through a combination of aggressive prosecution and community programs, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office works to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and support victims. The office remains committed to building trust, ensuring justice, and fostering a collaborative relationship with local residents.

Hennepin County Attorney's Office
C-2000 Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: 612-348-5550

Hennepin County Public Defender's Office

Hennepin County Public Defender's Office - The Hennepin County Public Defender's Office serves Minnesota's largest county, offering comprehensive legal defense to individuals who cannot afford private representation. The office's dedicated team of attorneys handles a wide array of cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile offenses, and appeals. Its mission is to safeguard the rights of the accused while ensuring a fair and just legal process for all. In addition to courtroom advocacy, the office provides guidance and support to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. By emphasizing equity, professionalism, and justice, the Hennepin County Public Defender's Office works to ensure that no individual faces the legal system alone, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Hennepin County Public Defender's Office
701 4th Avenue South Suite 1400
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-348-7530

Hennepin County Government Website

Hennepin County Government Website - The Hennepin County Government website is an essential platform for residents of Minnesota's largest county, offering resources and services to meet community needs. Visitors can access information on health services, legal resources, transportation updates, and public safety initiatives. The website allows residents to pay property taxes, apply for permits, and engage with local government through meeting schedules and public feedback opportunities. With a focus on accessibility and transparency, the Hennepin County Government website is a vital tool for residents seeking to navigate county services and stay informed about local initiatives.

Hennepin County Government Website
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: 612-348-3000

Hennepin County District Court

Hennepin County District Court - The Hennepin County District Court is the largest trial court in Minnesota, serving the residents of Hennepin County with a comprehensive range of judicial services. Located in downtown Minneapolis, the court handles civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate cases. The court is a vital part of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, ensuring justice is accessible to everyone. With its commitment to innovation, the Hennepin County District Court offers online resources for case searches, fine payments, and court schedules. It also prioritizes community engagement, hosting programs designed to educate the public about the judicial process. Supported by a skilled team of judges and legal professionals, the Hennepin County District Court upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and equity in every case it handles.

Hennepin County District Court
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: 612-348-6000

Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Minnesota Board of Public Defense - The Minnesota Board of Public Defense (MBPD) was established in 1965 to ensure quality legal representation for individuals unable to afford their own attorneys. Its creation addressed the need for equitable access to justice. The duties of MBPD encompass providing legal representation, counsel, and advocacy for indigent individuals facing criminal charges. The board assigns qualified counsel, sets standards for representation quality, and ensures constitutional rights to counsel are upheld.

Federal Courts in Hennepin County, MN

U.S. District Court - District of Minnesota - The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, established in 1858, serves the entire state with four federal courthouses located in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, and Fergus Falls. The court hears a wide range of federal cases including civil rights litigation, Native American law, antitrust matters, environmental disputes, and white-collar crime. Positioned in a state with diverse legal needs, the court plays a prominent role in both regional and national federal litigation.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Hennepin County, MN

Shek Law LLC

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hennepin County, MN

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Minneapolis

Ryan Patrick Garry

Christopher Wesley Keyser

Frederic K Bruno

Joseph Patrick Tamburino

Lynne Torgerson

Brockton Dane Hunter

Barry Hogen

Judith Ann Samson

Omeed Esmil Berenjian

Kirk Matthew Anderson

Matthew Ralston

Andrew C. Wilson