Saint James Criminal Lawyers

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...

Gerard W. Mannion is a criminal defense attorney who cares deeply about the well-being of his clients. With every case he works, Gerard fights tirelessly to ensure that his clients achieve the best outcome possible while establishing lasting connections with everyone involved. Originally from Billings, Montana, Gerard has legal experience spanning across three states that includes judicial clerkship, federal criminal defense, and civil litigation. Gerard also spent multiple years in the banking and restaurant industries before moving to Minnesota to join the Kans Law Firm. Gerard earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Montana State University – Billings before...

Coley Grostyan is a criminal defense attorney committed to providing high quality, cost effective, and result oriented representation to his clients. Mr. Grostyan prides himself on working passionately and tirelessly for his clients to ensure the best possible outcome is attained. Coley Grostyan practices in the area of criminal defense and represents clients facing a variety of criminal charges such as DWI or DUI, serious felonies, drug charges, theft, assault, appeals, homicide, and more. Coley Grostyan's assertive and passionate approach to the practice of law has successfully resolved a variety of criminal cases for his clients. In addition to vigorously defending...

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...

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...

Kristian founded BK Law Group with the goal of assembling a team of aggressive defense attorneys committed to achieving the best possible results for their clients. At the firm, Kristian and his team represent clients in a wide array of cases ranging from: DWI, Gun Crimes, Drug Crimes, Sex Offenses, and Murder. Kristian and his team work relentlessly to achieve the best possible results in every matter they are involved in. Clients work with Kristian not just because of his legal knowledge, but for his guidance. Kristian strives not only to be your “go-to” attorney, but also an individual you can...

James Blumberg is a dedicated and skilled criminal defense attorney who has practiced law for more than a decade. Although his legal career began as a prosecutor, James now serves as an advocate for men, women and juveniles facing criminal charges. James has handled a variety of cases in Apple Valley and the surrounding areas in Minnesota. As a former prosecutor, James is able view his client's case with a different perspective. He understands how the prosecution works and what the other side will do to secure a conviction. This experience on both sides of the law allows him to...

Attorney Matthew J. Mankey consistently produces positive outcomes through diligent preparation, open communication and a thorough knowledge of the law. Our team understands the nuances and key points that can turn cases around. We will use expert investigators and independent laboratories to conduct our own tests, collect our own evidence and take a number of other important steps to bolster your defense.

We push the government to prove every aspect of its case. We demand complete disclosure, and we receive the utmost respect from prosecutors and investigators because of the strong reputation we have earned over the years. When we do...

Eric J. Olson has dedicated his career exclusively to criminal law, with a focus on DWI defense. For the past 20 years he has been defending people charged with all types of crimes. A trial lawyer with considerable courtroom experience in state and federal courts, Mr. Olson has received acquittals in many serious felony trials including first-degree murder, drug crimes, DWI, criminal sexual conduct and assault cases.

Licensed in the State of Minnesota, Attorney Olson is experienced in both prosecution and defense. He previously served as the assistant county attorney for the Olmsted County Attorney's Office where he handled criminal...

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...

Kirk M. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Law Firm, PLLC, and focuses his practice primarily in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, and appeals. Mr. Anderson has successfully defended criminal charges ranging from petty misdemeanors to felony level offenses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and United States District Court. He has litigated hundreds of civil disputes, and participated in more than 50 appeals.

Prior to his legal career, Mr. Anderson was a television reporter at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, MN, and Sports Director of KVSC-FM in St. Cloud, MN, where he was also the play-by-play announcer for the St. Cloud State University...

After 15 years of experience working as a prosecutor, I've made the switch to criminal defense because I want to use my skills to help people. I've handled tens of thousands of criminal cases of every kind, and I truly believe I have the skills to help people and make a difference. My goal is to craft a unique and personalized approach to defending every case. Every case and every client are different, with different circumstances, and they should be treated that way.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Criminal and DWI Defense; Car Accidents and Serious Bodily Injury 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...

Omeed Berenjian is the co-founder of BK Law Group as well as a dedicated attorney for the firm. With more than twelve years of experience, Omeed helps clients with their legal needs by understanding every aspect of a case. He has helped hundreds of clients with an array of legal matters. He believes that every client should have pride, confidence, and trust in the lawyer helping them through their legal battle. According to Omeed, “by understanding clients and their unique legal situation, I believe I can be a better advisor and help them make the most of their case.” Omeed has continuously...

Kate is an associate attorney at Keegan Law Office. Kate discovered her passion for criminal defense through personal experiences and finds fulfillment in assisting clients navigate the criminal process. Prior to joining Keegan Law Office, Kate worked as an associate attorney at a Twin Cities law firm. There, she worked with clients facing a variety of state and federal criminal charges, including criminal sexual conduct, assault, murder, and drug offenses. Kate has prepared and helped conduct jury trials, which have resulted in an acquittal of Domestic Assault by Strangulation and a hung jury in a First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct...

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...

Charles Clas gained considerable experience in criminal law before he even graduated from law school. He participated in the Misdemeanor Prosecution Clinic at the University of Minnesota School of Law, and served as an instructor and member of the Civil Rights National Moot Court team. Charles also worked as a law clerk at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. before joining the firm as a full time attorney in 2014. Charles has successfully tried many criminal cases for the firm, such as marijuana possession, DWI, felony expungement, and 3rd degree assault. If you need experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense you...

Zorislav Leyderman moved the U.S. from Ukraine (former Soviet Union) when he was 11 and grew up in St. Paul. He obtained his B.A. degree at the University of Minnesota, where he studied politics and the American criminal justice system. After college, Zorislav continued his education at the William Mitchell College of Law, where he obtained his J.D. and graduated with honors. While in law school, Zorislav Leyderman worked for the Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP) Clinic and the William Mitchell Law Clinic, representing low-income people and Minnesota prisoners in both criminal and civil cases. Zorislav also worked for...

Criminal Defense Attorney Carolyn Agin Schmidt has over 20 years experience effectively and vigorously defending criminal cases. Combining this experience with a compassion for the client and a passion for justice, she has earned a reputation for being one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the state.

TINA SABBY graduated from William Mitchell College of Law cum laude. She attended the University of Arizona Law School. Ms. Sabby participated in the Trial Advocacy Course at the University of Arizona Law School. She worked for the Child Advocacy Law Clinic and was a law clerk for a Superior Court Judge. Tina Sabby worked for the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. In 2001, she joined Sabby & Reyes Law Offices as a managing attorney and advocate. Her knowledge and professional demeanor make her an asset to the legal team. Sabby & Reyes Law Firm is AV Peer...

He has worked as an investigator, public prosecutor and private counsel. Mr. Neff has served on the Hennepin County Public Defender's Conflicts Panel, the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Panel, and various bar association committees. He handles complex litigation including multi-district litigation, wrongful death, large employment cases and qui tam cases.

Experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney Tory Langemo is an experienced criminal defense trial lawyer providing aggressive, experienced, and affordable legal representation to Minnesota residents facing criminal charges. Mr. Langemo is the principal attorney of the law firm Langemo Law, P.A., representing citizens of the State of Minnesota accused of criminal offenses. Prior to beginning his own law firm in 2007, he served four years on active duty in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). During his time in the military, Mr. Langemo served both as a prosecutor and defense attorney litigating numerous...

For over 20 years I have been defending people charged with criminal offenses. I defend cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. I also practice family law, mainly divorce cases. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and my Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul MN. In 2014 I was selected for Membership in the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers for Criminal Defense. In 2000 and 2003 was selected for inclusion in MN Super Lawyers Editions. I have had many trials during my career....

Luke J Blahnik is the founder of Law Firm of Luke J Blahnik. Mr. Blahnik was born in the city of Rochester, Minnesota and graduated from Caledonia High School, in Caledonia, Minnesota. In 1998 he received his Bachelor of Science in History from Winona State University, in Winona, Minnesota. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law in 2001 and was admitted to practice law in the State of Minnesota in 2002. From 2001 through 2004 Mr. Blahnik was a Judicial Law Clerk for the Koochiching County Courthouse, where he...

Avery Appelman is a criminal defense attorney and founder of Appelman Law Firm. While his practice is primarily recognized for its work with DWI and related offenses, he has 15 years of experience working with clients facing drug, assault, theft, criminal sexual conduct, traffic, and prostitution charges. Avery's greatest strength is his ability to counsel in a way that assists clients in all aspects of their lives. His team works in partnership with clients to streamline the judicial process, thereby enabling individuals to assist in their own defense. He also recognizes the impact of criminal proceedings on those surrounding the accused,...

As one of Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm’s associate attorneys, Lis Carlson practices in the area of criminal defense. She previously spent time as a trial attorney at the Law Office of the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender, where she provided representation to thousands of clients. Ms. Carlson began her legal career as a law clerk for the Public Defender’s office in Anoka County. Attorney Carlson is a proud graduate of William Mitchell College of Law. Please contact her firm today to get more information.

ETHAN P. MEANEY has been practicing in the area of DWI defense since 2001. Prior to that he prosecuted hundreds of DWIs in Hennepin and Goodhue Counties. Meaney has represented thousands of DWI cases and his recent victories in the Minnesota Court of Appeals cases State of Minnesota v. Paul Scott Demars and Tracey Ernest Wiberg v. Commissioner of Public Safety are just examples of his commitment to quality DWI representation. Meaney graduated magna cum laude from Northern State University in 1996 and graduated in 1999 from the University of South Dakota School of Law in the top quarter...