Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 33547 Available

I've been a criminal defense lawyer in the most prestigious criminal defense firms in the Twin Cities area for the last 33 years. I was a founding partner of Halberg Criminal Defense where I now enjoy the status of Senior Partner.. The best part of this career for me is the opportunity it provides to get troubled, stressed-out, confused, anxious and depressed people the best result I can --- and, oftentimes, the best shot possible at a new and better chapter in their lives. I'm a kind of "rough-and-tumble Christian". By that I mean I'm compassionate and "try to try" my best --- but also am blunt enough and human enough to use a curse word now and again. I place a great deal of value on the sanctity of life and the promise and obligation that we all have to make the world a better place, --- no matter what we may --- or may not --- have done, and no matter what we may --- or may not --- have messed up for ourselves and/or others thus far. I believe that God has called me to help people, absolutely.. I have a lot of energy and persistence. I'm a hard worker. I know that every client I have is an individual with a unique fact situation and set of circumstances. Over the years I've obtained innumerable dismissals, "not guilty" verdicts and great results for thousands of people charged with every offense from speeding tickets to murder. I don't seek the public spotlight and I do not like to ask people to promote my accomplishments. Of course, I am very grateful to know that my efforts are appreciated and that my clients' lives are going well. Many previous clients keep in regular touch with me --- even ones from as many as 30 years ago. Great results in court and a client that winds up happy will always motivate me to continue my efforts. I have come to respect, admire, and develop a genuine affection for so many people that I have represented over the years.. As for the rest of my life, I'm a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend and neighbor to many wonderful and different kinds of people. My dog Bianca and I are a certified pet therapy team that cheer people up in memory-care and assisted living facilities. They love the dog and I love leading the residents in all sorts of songs even though I can't really sing very well and certainly have had no training in that regard. We also tutor reading to little children that struggle with the written word but enjoy the prospect of reading to a dog. I enjoy the outdoors immensely --- I'm a "nature-girl" that loves to spend time at our lake place. You won't find me fishing, but I love to be on a boat or jet-ski. I do hunt deer and grouse and also can be found foraging for mushrooms and collecting wild flowers and leaves.. I guess that's about it, except to say that if you'd like to work with me, I promise that you're in good hands and I'm confident that you'll obtain the best possible outcome, whatever the case may be.

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 trust and confide in.

Zach is a dedicated and tenacious criminal defense attorney, zealously representing clients accused of serious felonies down to petty misdemeanors and everything in between. Zach prides himself on being available to and straightforward with his clients. He also represents clients with expungements of criminal cases as well as students and university employees of misconduct through universities' internal investigation and discpline processes.. In addition to his personal credentials, Zach is part of the largest team of criminal defense attorneys in the state--Halberg Criminal Defense. The firm employs a team approach to all their clients, ensuring every client receives the benefit of the collective experience and intelligence the firm has to offer.. Zach lives in Eden Prairie with his wife and son. When not in the courtroom Zach enjoys playing and watching sports, officiating ice hockey, fishing and hunting.

I believe that extraordinary case results come from extraordinary efforts.  I bring to the table the experience, wisdom, and know-how of over 50 jury trials for the defense with a winning record of over 89%. I am a Minnesota State Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a designation attained by only 3% of attorneys statewide and less than 1% of criminal lawyers in Minnesota.  I assess each case for the best legal issues and defenses, and I actively fight the case by filing motions and challenging the State's evidence.  I know which cases should be tried, and how to win them.  Whether your case needs a passionate negotiator, a know-how litigator, or a successful trial attorney, I welcome the opportunity to speak to you today regarding your criminal case.

When I am not otherwise engaged in my work, I enjoy golfing during the summer months, archery hunting in the fall and drilling some ice fishing holes during the early winter.  My wife Robin and I are also fortunate enough to be able to squeeze in a short vacation during late Winter and escape to a warmer part of the world.  Regardless, I do pride myself in having the cellphone always nearby, so I can be available to assist my existing clients and those newly facing criminal charges or injuried in an event caused by the negligence of another.

I have been a trial lawyer for the past 20 years.  During that time I have represented hundreds of people charged with all types of crimes in both State and Federal District Court.  Additionally, I have represented many people injured as a result of careless and negligent conduct by either other people or by corporations who have made defective products.  Whether it is a criminal case or a personal injury case, if my adversary is unreasonable when negotiating an outcome, I will not hestitate to go to trial.  The highlights in my legal career have included representing two clients injured in the September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks in New York.  Additionally I enjoy working as attorney for the Hennepin County Guardian ad Litem where we represent the bests interests of children in Child Protection Proceedings.

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 over 20 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, which is why he strives to mitigate the effects on clients' friends and family members.

Attorney Paul W. Rogosheske received his Bachelor of Arts from Hamline University, graduating cum laude. He earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. Paul focuses on criminal defense and also handles personal injury cases. Whether he is helping an individual accused of a crime or injured in an accident, he provides the legal representation his clients deserve and the zealous advocacy they need. Paul was included in Minnesota Law and Politics’s list of “One of the Top 40 Criminal Defense Attorneys” from 2007 to 2010. He works tirelessly to seek favorable results for his clients.

I have been practicing criminal law for over 28 years.  I began my career as a prosecutor and used the experience I gained  to aggressively defend those accused of a crime.. My philosphy is that everyone is entitled to excellent representation no matter what type of charge they are facing.  I handle all cases from serious felonies to petty misdemeanors.. Named Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney in Minnesota!. Named Top 100 Trial Attorney in Minnesota!. Named "Rising Star" by Minnesota Law & Politics!. "Superb" rating with AVVO!. Successfully Defended Thousands of Criminal Defense Clients!. Proven Results!

David R. Lundgren is a dedicated criminal defense attorney committed to protecting his clients’ rights and achieving justice. He understands that facing criminal charges is life-altering and provides strategic, thorough, and results-driven representation. His approach focuses on careful analysis, creative problem-solving, and meticulous preparation, ensuring tailored legal strategies for each client.. A Minnesota native, Mr. Lundgren earned his criminal justice degree cum laude from the University of St. Thomas in 2008. He later graduated magna cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in 2012 while clerking at a prominent Minneapolis criminal defense firm. He is admitted to practice in Minnesota State Court and the U.S. District Court – District of Minnesota.. Mr. Lundgren has successfully defended clients facing misdemeanors to serious felony charges, securing dismissals in cases involving drug offenses, criminal vehicular operation, and fraud. His achievements have earned him recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019-2024), Best Lawyers® honoree, and a Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer. As co-founder of Lundgren & Johnson, P.S.C., a firm recognized by Best Law Firms®, he continues to provide exceptional legal representation in criminal defense.

Mr. Mankey graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in 1976. He attended St. John's University where he attained a major in government and history with a minor in philosophy in 1980 but deferred graduation for a year to attend the University of Salzburg, in Austria. He earned a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the American University. During his studies at American University he attended the Instituto de Instruccion de Espanol in Cuernavaca, Mexico in 1983. In 1985 Mr. Mankey completed his Master's program which included a published thesis on the Nicaraguan Revolution. Mr. Mankey has worked as a Congressional Staff person and as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. He attended William Mitchell College of Law during which time he worked in the family law clinic and in the criminal division of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office drug prosecution team. He graduated from law school with honors in 1992. Mr. Mankey practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense. Mr. Mankey has been admitted to the Minnesota State Bar since 1992 and the Federal Bar since 1993. He was accepted onto the Criminal Justice Panel in 1997 and has been appointed by the federal court to dozens of federal criminal cases since that time. In addition to his private practice he served as a contract public defender in Hennepin County in 2004-05 and in Anoka County in 2012. He was chosen to serve as a conciliation court judge in 1997 and presided part-time for several years.

Trevor Lushanko founded Lushanko Law with one clear goal: to provide unmatched legal advocacy for those facing criminal charges in Minnesota. Focusing exclusively on criminal defense, Trevor approaches each case with determination and strategic insight, drawing from his extensive knowledge of Minnesota’s criminal statutes to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. Every case is unique, and Trevor tailors his defense approach to the specific facts at hand. No matter the challenge, he is committed to building a compelling defense to protect his clients’ futures. His results speak volumes, with a proven record of securing Not Guilty verdicts, case dismissals, and reduced charges across both public and private sectors.

Mission: To provide clients with effective and affordable representation when they are going through difficult times in their lives.. Education: Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University with honors.. Experience:  Before founding Nickell Law Firm, Elliott Nickell worked for a local non-profit representing the working poor in the Twin Cities in the areas of criminal law, family law, housing law, and civil law.  Prior to moving to the Twin Cities, Elliott Nickell lived in New York City with his wife, working in large scale litigation projects.. Bar Admissions:  Minnesota, California, Missouri, Kansas.. Professional Memberships:  Minnesota State Bar Association, Hennepin County Bar Association, Ramsey County Bar Association.

I enjoy hiking, traveling, skiing, running, and biking.

Marc S. Berris is a partner in the Twin Cities law firm of Segal, Roston & Berris where he practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense in both trial and appellate courts throughout Minnesota.. Marc is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and a cum laude graduate of the William Mitchell College of Law, and is admitted to practice in all Minnesota state courts, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.. While still a law student, Marc served as an intern in the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses. This experiences give Marc the ability to analyze cases from the prosecutor’s perspective, making him one of the most effective criminal defense attorneys in Minnesota.. Additionally, Marc is one of only a very small number of attorneys who maintains an active peace officer license.  This status allows Marc to attend the very same training programs as the officers who have arrested his clients, allowing him to cross-examine these witnesses in a way that only an “insider” can.  Marc has been certified in the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing by the Minnesota State Patrol, and as a DataMaster DMT-G operator by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.  The DataMaster is the exclusive evidentiary breath test instrument used in the State of Minnesota, and Marc is the only defense attorney in the state to hold this certification.. Marc’s clients have included professional and collegiate athletes, pilots, doctors, lawyers, educators, child care providers, truck drivers, police officers and persons in nearly every other field of employment. Marc has successfully negotiated resolutions to thousands of criminal cases, and regularly wins both dismissals and acquittals for his clients. He has also successfully argued appellate cases before both the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court.. Marc is also one of just a small handful of lawyers with substantial experience representing firearms owners, both in connection with the defensive use of a firearm, and in challenging denials of pistol carry permits or transferee permits. He is an NRA-certified firearms instructor and board member of the Minnesota Association of Defensive Firearm Instructors (MADFI), a nonprofit organization created to train, certify and support firearms instructors who wish to conduct training for citizens seeking a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol under the Minnesota Citizens’ Personal Protection Act of 2005.. Marc is a member of both the Minnesota and Hennepin County Bar Associations and the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  He is also a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, a 50-member, invite-only organization composed of the very best criminal defense lawyers from all throughout Minnesota.. Marc’s talent has been recognized by his peers. He has been repeatedly named a “SuperLawyer” and a “Top 40 Criminal SuperLawyer” by Minnesota Law and Politics, Mpls/St. Paul and Twin Cities Business magazines, a designation awarded to only five percent of all Minnesota lawyers.. In addition to his law practice, Marc is a former Adjunct Professor of Law at the William Mitchell College of Law, and for more than a dozen years served approximately 12 times a year as a Conciliation Court Referee in the Hennepin County Conciliation Court.  When he isn’t working – which isn’t too often – Marc enjoys hiking, mountain biking, cheering on the Minnesota Wild, riding his motorcycle, especially with the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, doing anything his wife and sons want to do, and serving his community as a volunteer firefighter.  (Yes, really.). If you have been charged with a crime, call Marc Berris at for a no-charge consultation about your case.