Ely Criminal Lawyers

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’s clients include an Academy Award nominated actor, family members of court staff, a judge, and thousands of other Minnesotans.

Chris has...

Minneapolis defense attorney Andrew C. Wilson won his first jury trial before graduating from law school. After his first year of practice, his name was cemented in Minnesota Supreme Court case law, and within five he’d been to the Eighth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, won jury trials, won bench trials, won appeals, and had significant victories throughout Minnesota at the district courts. Wilson has dedicated his career to practicing criminal defense law and representing individuals accused to have committed crimes.

Experienced trial attorney and criminal litigator;

Frequent guest lecturer on criminal matters at colleges, universities, and law schools throughout...

My office is located in Anoka, Minnesota. I am currently concentrating my law practice in the area of criminal defense. I represent clients charged with all levels of felonies and misdemeanors. I also handle DWI's and all traffic related matters.
My experience as a former prosecutor gives me a unique perspective and enables me to effectively represent my clients. Experience does matter, so contact me today to assist you with your case.

Joseph Gangi is a Mankato-area trial and appellate lawyer. Give Joseph a call today: 507-625-2525.

A Proud Minneapolis Background:
Thomas “Tommy” Leavitt was born and raised on the South Side of Minneapolis and is proud to continue to call that community home. He attended high school at Minneapolis Washburn, where he played both basketball and football. On the gridiron is where he truly shined, earning a scholarship to play for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Leavitt was known for being both a smart and aggressive player, two traits he proudly carries into the courtroom.

A Prestigious Education:
Tommy Leavitt earned his Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. U.S. News and World Reports...

Attorney Allen L. Al-Zouhayli is a founding partner at RAM Law PLLC, located in Roseville, Minnesota. Allen practices criminal defense, firearms rights, family law, and defends licensed medical professionals against board investigations and discipline proceedings in the state of Minnesota. As a litigator, Allen has a trial history of not guilty verdicts from misdemeanors to aggravated felonies, by implementing creative strategies and tactics. Allen is a natural in the courtroom and has mastered the power of persuasion. Allen accredits his results due to his care for his clients and their outcomes. As the owner of a Christmas tree farm, Allen...

AMBER EXCLUSIVELY PRACTICES CRIMINAL DEFENSE. Amber is an aggressive advocate for her clients and passionate about what she does. She has defended hundreds of clients at all levels of offenses, from serious felonies to misdemeanors. She believes that good legal representation requires not only vigorous advocacy and up-to date knowledge of the law, but also providing her clients with the information necessary to make informed decisions every step of the case. Amber understands that this is your life and your future, and that is why she is dedicated to making sure her clients understand what is happening and...

Criminal defense attorney Matthew Martin received his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Saint Thomas. Martin is a National and Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers member, is admitted to the practice of law in Minnesota, and is a member of the Minnesota, Hennepin County and Ramsey County Bar Associations.

I graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, honored Magna Cum Laude. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in Duluth, honored Cum Laude. I specialize in DWI Defense and Criminal Defense, and have experience with these types of cases. I gained experience both in the Public Defender's offices and with a private law firm before opening my own solo practice.
I specialize in Criminal Defense and DWI. My guiding principles as an attorney include the following:
1) A client's interests come before my own convenience. It's your life and liberty on the line, and when you trust me...

As a recognized trial attorney in the Twin Cities and across the State of Minnesota, Mr. Cotter achieves results for his clients. Focusing on criminal law and injury law, Mr. Cotter does whatever it takes to win these life-changing cases for his clients. As a former prosecuting attorney for the cities of Eagan, Burnsville and Mendota Heights, Mr. Cotter litigated hundreds of cases. Mr. Cotters peers have consistently nominated him as a "Rising Star" and "Super Lawyer" attorney, an honor bestowed on only 2.5% of attorneys. Mr. Cotter is certified as a specialist in criminal law...

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 is an award winning trial attorney. He was Minnesota Attorney of the Year in 2019. Most recently the Mankato Free Press named Patrick the Best Attorney for 2023.

Ms. Caban-Ramirez received her juris doctorate degree from Hamline University School of Law. Prior to achieving admission to law school, Ms. Caban-Ramirez confirmed her passion in advocacy of legal and social justice through her work at diverse Twin Cities law firms. She assisted and supported lawyers in client care, civil litigation, factual investigation necessary to accurate assessment of legal claims and remedies, and day-to-day case and law office management. Today's ever accelerating social and cultural diversification in virtually every community highlight the unique and effective skills Ms. Caban-Ramirez possesses through her fluency in the Spanish language...

Aggressive and Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney with more than 20 years of Criminal/DWI/Courtroom experience. Excellent track record of having felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor charges dismissed or reduced. Strong emphasis in the areas of criminal law, DWI, Shoplifting/Theft Cases, Domestic Assault, Felony Cases, Drug Possession and Sale Cases, Felony and Misdemeanor Domestic Assault Cases.

I graduated from law school in 1977 and was a prosecutor for the next five years. Since 1982, I have practiced exclusively in the area of criminal and DWI defense. I was the 1998-99 President of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice. I am a member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers and have been elected to the National College for DWI Defense. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I am the 2013-14 President of the MACDL and I also serve as the chairman of the MACDL...

Jim attended William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell | Hamline) from August, 2012 until graduation in January, 2015. Jim focused on courses that teach practical skills of an attorney, including trial skills, negotiation, and mediation. While in law school, he tried three mock jury trials, numerous mock bench trials, and a juvenile certification trial. In his first year of law school, Jim received the Kirwin Award for Legal Professionalism. This award is given once per section each year to the student who most exemplifies what it means to be an attorney. Upon graduation, Jim received the prestigious Student...

From low-income families, to high net-worth individuals and small/medium sized businesses, Attorney Franklin prides himself in providing the same high-quality representation to all clients. Having practiced at both AM100 law firms, boutique law firms and working at various states Attorney's Offices, Mr. Franklin confidently addresses the complex aspects of all legal affairs. Additionally, Attorney Franklin deeply understands the relation between client’s corporate, investment, and entrepreneurial interests when assisting clients with legal strategy. As a leader and educator, regularly contributes to industry discussions, participates in regulatory initiatives, and advocates for favorable legal frameworks that promote fairness and justice. Individuals, business...

Richmond H. McCluer, Jr. is a trial lawyer. Richmond is certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Criminal Law Specialist. He is a Winona native and attended Winona Senior High School, Winona State University and the University of Minnesota Law School. He practiced with a national law firm in Minneapolis for several years before returning to Winona in 1988 and joining the law firm of Darby, Delano and Price. While with the firm, he tried a number of major felony cases, including robbery, narcotics, burglary, assault and criminal sexual conduct. In addition, he successfully represented many injured persons...

Attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth, Katherine was immediately drawn to the field of criminal justice. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, Katherine set her mind on becoming an attorney. Wasting no time, Katherine obtained her law degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. While in law school, Katherine became intrigued with the various aspects of criminal law and the shortcomings of the criminal justice system. She gained valuable knowledge and experience as a certified student attorney at the Anoka Public Defender's Office where she represented clients with misdemeanor and gross...

Attorney John Arechigo has a passion for criminal defense. He devotes nearly 100% of his practice to defending individuals charged with a crime. The other small portion of his practice is reserved for helping clients with collateral issues, perhaps unrelated to being charged with a crime. John is well-connected within the Minnesota criminal defense community. He has a number of valuable resources readily available to his clients, including expert investigators, chemical and mental health experts, sentencing experts, and other legal professionals. John is also easily approachable and accessible to his clients. He strives to...

Anna graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Law and Society. She then went on to pursue her degree in Paralegal Studies and began working as a litigation secretary. After working in the legal field for 2 years, she went on to pursue her law degree. Anna obtained her law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. During law school, Anna clerked as a certified student attorney for the Washington County Public Defender's Office where she represented clients in bail hearings. After she left Washington County, Anna spent her final year of law school as a law clerk at...

Kelly J. Keegan has been lead defense counsel on hundreds of cases of all types and levels, ranging from serious felonies to minor traffic offenses. Additionally, Kelly handles post-conviction matters such as expungement, probation violations, Department of Human Services background study disqualifications, reinstatement of the right to possess firearms, and sentence modification motions. She has represented clients under investigation prior to being formally charged, as well as clients facing grand jury indictment. Kelly is admitted to practice in Minnesota State Court as well as Federal United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. She enjoys working in the courtroom...

I truly enjoy the relationship I have with my valued clients. I have had the privilege over the last 10+ years of representing clients with a variety of legal matters. I enjoy advising a client with a complex transactional matter but also represent the same client in an argument before the court. My experience includes handling hundreds of real estate transactions, forming many business entities, assisting clients with the purchase and sale of businesses (M&A), drafting hundreds of estate plans, guiding fiduciaries through about a hundred probates and trust administrations, defending hundreds of clients charged with crimes from...

Meagan M. Guptill grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and attended Duluth East High School, where she competed in Student Congress, Speech and Debate, and performed in local theater. Meagan received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, along with her paralegal certificate. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas Law School in 2019. While in law school, Meagan worked at the Kanabec County Attorney’s office, the Isanti County Attorney’s office and the Isanti City Attorney’s Office. While working for three different prosecuting authorities, she gained valuable experience appearing in the courtroom handling bail hearings, restitution...

With over three decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of his clients, attorney Paul Applebaum provides exceptional expertise in the areas of Criminal Defense and Civil Rights Law.

Beau received his undergraduate degree at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, and his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a member of the Minnesota State and the Winona County Bar Associations.

Beau represents clients in criminal defense, DUI/DWI cases, family law, landlord/tenant disputes, debt collection, and real estate matters.

Beau is married and has four wonderful children. He enjoys playing and watching sports and is very active in the community. Beau has served as Vice President on the Board of Directors at Ready Set School and has served as President...

I grew up throughout the Southeastern United States. I attended college at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina and I graduated with a B.A. in political science and philosophy. I moved to Minnesota in 1999 to attend the University of Minnesota law school and I decided stay after I graduated. Following graduation, I clerked for a Hennepin County Judge and then took a job with the Stearns County Public Defender's Office. I have been in private practice since 2016.

My practice involves representing people charged with crimes as well as individuals dealing with issues surrounding...

Attorney John Akwuba has been practicing immigration law in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area for over 25 years. He received his Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell Law School and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families navigate the often complex and confusing immigration system in the United States. John has a passion for immigration law and has a reputation for being knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to fighting for the rights of his clients. He has represented clients in a wide range of immigration matters, including family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, deportation defense, and asylum cases. In addition to his work as...

I devote my practice to the aggressive, thorough representation of clients charged with DWI and other crimes in Minnesota. Minnesota's DWI laws have become increasingly complex. The interplay between criminal and civil penalties (loss of driving privileges, license plate impoundment, and vehicle forfeiture) often require an experienced advocate to protect one's interests. I offer all prospective clients a free, in-depth consultation. If you've been charged with DWI or other offense, you're welcome to call me anytime to discuss whether you need, and can benefit from, a private attorney. I charge fixed, reasonable fees that...

Nick practices exclusively criminal defense with a focus in DUI / DWI, assault, and drug charges. Nick is a dedicated and passionate attorney that wants to fight for the best results possible in any criminal case. He understands that no one-size-fits-all approach will work for everyone. His representation is tailored to the individual needs and goals of each client. If the state has charged you with a crime, a good Minnesota criminal defense lawyer is essential. The state has an extraordinary amount of resources at their disposal. Simply put, you cannot fight them alone. In addition to practicing criminal...

Christa Groshek has excellent experience litigating cases to both judges and juries. She has an exceptional trial record, even getting some cases dismissed on constitutional grounds before trial. She has developed a solid reputation as a Minnesota trial attorney for successfully defending clients against a wide range of charges in criminal court. Christa Groshek graduated Cum Laude from William Mitchell College of Law. During law school, Christa was a law clerk for the Washington County Public Defender's Office where she received her first criminal defense experience. Christa later took a position as the law clerk for the Honorable Thomas Armstrong, Washington County...

Susanne Gad is a renowned advocate for vulnerable and marginalized groups. After a successful, decade-long career as an attorney for the United Nations, Susanne's sister decided to join forces with her sister Sarah and crusade for justice. Susanne is among the most sought-after immigration advocates in the country due to her exceptional track record of success when it comes to asylum status, identifying paths to citizenship, and appealing cases lost by other immigration and human rights attorneys. In fact, a large number of Susanne's immigration clients turned to her in order to fix mistakes caused by their previous immigration...

Kurt J. Knuesel is a Winona, Minnesota native who has been practicing law in Southeast Minnesota for over twenty years. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School whose practice is focused on criminal defense, including all levels of offenses, from DWI to homicide. Knuesel Law Firm has represented thousands of clients, including several in high profile cases, with excellent results. The Firm strives to provide aggressive representation to achieve the best possible results for our clients. Serving clients in the counties of Winona, Houston, Wabasha, Fillmore, Olmsted, and throughout Minnesota, Kurt J. Knuesel has the experience...

I practiced criminal law in California for 16 years and continue to practice criminal law in both the State and Federal Courts in Minnesota. I was honored as an attorney of the year from the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association in 2002. I have handled and tried cases to juries in everything from petty theft, DWI, and minor drug cases to very serious robberies, burglaries and homicides. I have won numerous cases and most recently won a felony sexual assault appeal and then won the jury retrial in the case in Washington County Minnesota in 2010. I...

Melvin R. Welch was born and raised in a small farm town in Minnesota. Following graduation, Melvin attended college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, before joining the United States Navy in 1996. As a sailor, Melvin learned Russian and served aboard submarines. During his time in service, Melvin finished college and then worked as a translator in the NATO peacekeeping mission to Kosovo, translating for the United States Army and the Russian 13th Tactical Group in Kamenica, Kosovo.

Melvin R. Welch attended the University of Minnesota Law School and graduated in 2007. Melvin's first employ was with...

John retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant after serving twenty-two years in various infantry, artillery and administrative capacities in numerous locations within the United States and around the world. John chaired the initiative to start Veterans Courts in Minnesota and has traveled the country assisting in setting them up. Additionally, John travels the country teaching law enforcement how to deal with veterans in crisis. John was a 2010 Attorney of the Year recipient.

A trial attorney for more than 30 years, Paul Otten practices in the areas of Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. He represents individuals and families who have suffered a personal injury or the loss of a loved one; including those involved in automobile collisions, medical malpractice claims, slip and fall cases, and dog attacks. Otten has achieved awards for his personal injury clients, both through negotiated settlements and jury trials. Since the establishment of the Otten firm, Criminal Defense was added to the foundation in Personal Injury.

A native of northern Minnesota, Otten received his Doctor of...

My 15 years experience as a prosecutor sets me apart from other defense attorneys - knowing the State's position "inside-and-out" allows me to negotiate the best deal possible for your case. When you hire me, I will listen to your side of the case and learn what your goals are for the outcome. I will do my best to not only satisfy your individual goals, but to go above and beyond so that you will refer me to your friends and family, should they need legal representation. I give you informed legal advice but also the personal...