Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested or investigated for a crime can turn your world upside down. Whether it’s your first offense or you’ve been through the system before, the fear, uncertainty, and risk to your future are real. 

At times like this, you need more than just legal help. You need someone who truly understands what’s at stake and knows how to fight for you.

At Meshbesher & Spence, our Minnesota criminal defense lawyers are here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process. With over six decades of experience both inside and outside the courtroom, we work hard to build the strongest possible defense and protect you, whether that means reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal.

We also understand that criminal charges often come with personal struggles. Getting help early can not only improve your well-being, but it may also play a key role in your defense.

Don’t face this alone. Call Meshbesher & Spence today at (612) 339-9121 or fill out our online form for a confidential consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start protecting your future.

“Meshbesher & Spence are excellent attorneys. They fight hard for you. Excellent communication with me, they make sure everyone is on the same page going through litigation. If you have a problem along the way don’t hesitate to call them. I highly recommend Meshbesher & Spence.”

– Sam R. | Client

Why You Need a Trusted Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side

If you are facing the Minnesota justice system, you are up against experienced police officers and dedicated prosecutors who have one job: to get a conviction. 

Trying to navigate this complex legal world by yourself is extremely risky. In fact, 67% of the people currently sitting in Minnesota jails have not been convicted of a crime; they are simply waiting for their cases to be resolved. This statistic shows just how quickly the system can hold people before they even get their day in court.

A dedicated Minnesota criminal defense attorney does more than just stand next to you at trial. Our work starts right away to protect your future:

• Protecting Your Rights from the Start: We make sure law enforcement respects your constitutional rights. This includes challenging illegal searches, seizures, or questioning. If evidence was gathered improperly, we fight to have it thrown out of court.
• Thorough Investigation and Evidence Analysis: We don’t just accept what the prosecution says. We conduct our own investigation, interview key witnesses, and work with experts like forensic specialists or private investigators to find evidence that helps your case. We look for inconsistencies or holes in the state’s argument that can lead to a dismissal.
• Negotiating With Prosecutors: Often, the best result is achieved through skillful negotiation. We use our detailed knowledge of Minnesota sentencing guidelines and local court procedures to discuss plea bargains that could reduce your charges, minimize fines, or avoid jail time altogether. In 2022 alone, over 16,000 people were arrested for DUI in Minnesota; negotiating on these common charges requires specific local knowledge.
• Preparing for Trial: If a fair deal cannot be reached, we prepare a strong defense for court. This includes selecting the jury, cross-examining prosecution witnesses, and presenting a compelling case to prove your innocence or raise reasonable doubt.
• Sentencing and Post-Conviction Advocacy: If there is a conviction, our job isn’t over. We fight at the sentencing stage to argue for alternatives to prison, such as probation or diversion programs. This is especially important in Minnesota, where we have the separate, serious category of a gross misdemeanor, which can still result in a full year in jail.

Going it alone means you risk not just paying a fine, but losing your freedom, your job, and access to housing. Our entire goal is to prevent a single mistake from defining the rest of your life.

Trusted Locally and Nationally

Our criminal defense lawyers are experienced trial lawyers who have successfully represented clients in state and federal courts for many years.

They have earned national reputations for their knowledge and preparedness at both the trial and appellate levels. They are respected by their peers, judges, and prosecutors alike. But, most importantly, they genuinely care about their clients.

The Minnesota Criminal System Constantly Changes, And It’s Not Always in Your Favor

From 2018 to 2022, Minnesota experienced a significant increase in violent crime, marked by a nearly 22% surge in 2021 following a nearly 17% surge in 2020, prompting prosecutors and judges to take an increasingly aggressive stance. Even lower-level offenses are now being pursued with greater intensity, and the penalties can be severe.

But it’s not just about the crime rate. Minnesota’s justice system is full of harsh realities:

• Despite only making up 1% of the state’s population, Native Americans account for 10% of people in Minnesota prisons.
• Black and American Native populations in Minnesota are more likely to be arrested, denied bail, and receive harsher punishments than their white counterparts — even when crime rates are similar.
• And each year, over 69,000 people are booked into local jails across the state.
• Despite reducing its prison population at the beginning of the pandemic, Minnesota’s prison population increased 9% between 2021 and 2023.
• The number of women in Minnesota’s prisons has increased more than ninefold, from 76 in 1978 to 734 in 2017.

Whether you’re facing a drug charge, a violent offense, or even a probation violation, you need more than just hope. You need a defense team that understands this complex and shifting landscape, and knows how to fight back.

At Meshbesher & Spence, we’re not just watching these trends. We stay up to date on every legislative change, every policy shift, and every new charging practice used by local prosecutors. If you’re facing criminal charges in Minnesota, don’t wait. Call us today at (612) 339-9121 or fill out our quick online form.

Types of Criminal Charges Our Minnesota Criminal Defense Law Firm Handles

The criminal defense law firm of Meshbesher & Spence has your back when you’re facing serious charges.

Our criminal defense attorneys are highly skilled in defending individuals charged with all felonies, including, but not limited to:

• Murder: We challenge the prosecution’s evidence and investigative procedures to ensure your rights were protected and seek the truth in the most serious cases.
• Drug Offenses: We investigate the legality of the search and seizure and work to get charges reduced or diverted toward treatment programs.
• Physical and Sexual Assault: We meticulously review witness testimony and forensic evidence to expose any inconsistencies and defend against wrongful accusations.
• Theft: We seek alternatives to criminal penalties, such as restitution or diversion programs, to keep a conviction off your record.
• Embezzlement & Forgery: We analyze complex financial documents and work with financial experts to challenge these cases.
• Obstructing Legal Process: We examine the context of the confrontation to determine if police procedure was properly followed and if your actions were justified.
• Fleeing a Police Officer: We look for procedural errors by law enforcement and argue for reduced charges.
• Arson and Damage to Property: We question the evidence used to determine intent and causation, which is key to defeating these property-based charges.
• Firearms Offenses: We ensure your Second Amendment rights were respected, reviewing permits and the circumstances of possession or use to seek case dismissal.

We also have extensive experience representing individuals charged with Gross Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor offenses, including:

• DUI/DWI: In 2021, 24,324 DWI arrests were made in Minnesota. We challenge the chemical test results and the legality of the initial traffic stop to protect your license and freedom.
• Traffic: We fight tickets and infractions that can lead to license suspension and higher insurance costs, ensuring your driving record stays clean.
• Domestic Assault: We work swiftly to have protection orders challenged or dropped and ensure a full review of the facts before a conviction can impact your family life.

Leave Your Past Behind As You Move Forward

Suppose you’ve been previously convicted of a criminal offense and are concerned about future employment or housing. In that case, you may be eligible for expungement or “sealing” of your court and executive branch records.

Understanding Record Expungement in Minnesota

Many people don’t realize that an old charge can haunt you long after your sentence is served. An expungement is a powerful tool in Minnesota that allows you to seal your records so that they are not visible to the public, including future employers, landlords, and educational institutions. This process can give you a true fresh start.

The Minnesota Legislature has recently focused on making expungement easier with the “Clean Slate Act.” This new law means that some low-level records, such as certain cannabis-related petty misdemeanors and misdemeanor records, are now being automatically sealed. However, most charges still require you to petition the court.

A Minnesota criminal defense lawyer handles the entire expungement process for you, which involves:

• Determining Eligibility: We review your specific conviction, the time since the offense, and the completion of your sentence (including probation and fines) to see if you qualify.
• Filing the Petition: We prepare and submit all the necessary legal documents to the appropriate Minnesota District Court.
• Representing You at the Hearing: We advocate for you in front of the judge, arguing why sealing your record is in the best interest of justice and your personal rehabilitation.

Don’t let a past mistake hold you back from a better future. The process can be confusing, but our lawyers know exactly how to navigate the system to help you move forward.

At Meshbesher & Spence, Our Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyers Have Your Back

When your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line, you need more than a lawyer. You need a team with the experience, resources, and heart to fight back. At Meshbesher & Spence, we’ve spent over 60 years standing up for Minnesotans in their most difficult moments. That legacy of justice isn’t just part of our history; it’s alive in every case we take on today.

Our criminal defense attorneys bring deep knowledge of Minnesota’s courts, strong community relationships, and a relentless drive to protect our clients. 

Call Meshbesher & Spence at (612) 339-9121 or contact us online for a confidential consultation today. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your defense can be. Let us fight for your future, starting now.

Proudly Representing Minnesota Residents