Your future is my priority.
I can help you protect it.
Criminal charges are daunting and can threaten your family, your career, and your freedom. To preserve your future, you need an expert to guide you to the best possible outcome. Don’t let a single moment change your life. Let me help.
Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
At Archambault Criminal Defense, my practice is dedicated to defending individuals against a wide range of criminal charges. Drawing from over 15 years of experience as a prosecutor, I’ve shifted my focus to criminal defense, applying my deep knowledge of the criminal justice system for my clients’ benefit. This background gives me a unique edge in crafting defenses across various legal challenges, from DWI charges and assault allegations to property damage and theft cases, sex crime accusations, and beyond.
In handling DWI cases, my aim is to protect driving privileges and reduce potential consequences through diligent defense efforts. For assault, property damage, and theft, I strive to build strong defenses that contest the allegations and work towards outcomes that protect my clients’ futures. The delicate nature of defending against sex crime charges demands a strategy that safeguards reputations and rights, an area where my skills are particularly effective.
How I'm Different
Experience
As a prosecutor for 15 years, I handled thousands of cases every year, which is a much heavier caseload than most attorneys. Whatever the circumstances of your case, chances are I’ve seen something similar.
Empathy
Archambault Criminal Defense was founded with one goal in mind – helping people. Criminal law is complex and intimidating, but I’ve dedicated my career to mastering it. I can use my skills and expertise to guide you forward and protect your future.
Insight
As a former prosecutor, I have an inside perspective that no other criminal defense attorney can match. I taught police officers and prosecutors how to do their jobs right, so I know when they’ve done it wrong. This insight is an advantage in court and leads to better results for my clients.
what will this look like?
The Process
Consultation
o Initial intake process
o Confidential and free
o No obligations and no pressure
Strategic Planning
o Discuss client’s goals and priorities
o Review evidence
o Evaluate potential legal strategies
o Plan proactive measures
Negotiation
o Explore resolutions
o Explain client’s perspective
o Advocate based on client’s goals, the evidence, legal issues, and any other favorable factors
Advocacy
o Contest evidence and make legal challenges in court
o Success can result in dismissal or a stronger position for negotiations
Resolution
o Using two approaches – skillful negotiation and criminal law expertise – with a focus on the client’s goals allows for the best results for my clients
I never expected to be called to work in criminal defense. For many years I found work as a prosecutor fulfilling. But over time that changed. Rather than making a difference, I was a cog in the machine. Cases stopped feeling like people and became names on paper. And I realized that often the true difference makers in the system are the defense attorneys.
I founded Archambault Criminal Defense because I want to use my skills to help people. Because I want my cases to be about people and not just names on paper. Because I know I have unique expertise and experience that can truly help people move forward and get on with their lives.
Legal Solutions
My services also include guiding clients through the expungement process, aiming to clear their criminal records to unlock opportunities in employment, housing, and education previously out of reach. I extend my defense strategies to include charges related to controlled substances, weapons and firearms offenses, harassment allegations, and probation violations. In each case, my objective is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, uphold my clients’ rights, and secure the most favorable outcome possible.
The scope of my practice reflects a deep commitment to defending the rights of individuals across all areas of criminal law. Archambault Criminal Defense is more than just a legal practice; it’s a place where clients find a committed advocate ready to stand by their side. My approach is shaped by a comprehensive understanding of the law, strategic application of courtroom experience, and a genuine dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I represent.
DWI
ASSAULT
PROPERTY DAMAGE & THEFT
SEX CRIMES
EXPUNGEMENTS
DRUGS
WEAPONS & FIREARMS
HARASSMENT
probation violations
Nicholas Cohen04/03/2024Highly recommend Derek for criminal defense in MN
Laurie Wrobel30/01/2024Derek worked with one of my family members. He listened to the issue and worked with them in a professional and compassionate manor.
Chuck X12/10/2023If you have criminal charges pending, I would highly recommend giving Derek a call. On his website, he talks about having empathy and making a difference in the system and I felt he lived up to it from the first call that I made. Derek took the time to understand my situation and was thorough in explaining the different options that were available. I can't say enough how much I appreciate his honesty and expertise. Thank you Derek.
Jim Olstad15/08/2023Derek Did a fantastic job with my DWI case.I felt good having him on my side.He is proffessional, and really knows his job.I will recommend him to everyone I know who needs legal help.
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Case Results
State v. N.R.
Client was charged with obstruction after arguing with officers who were attempting to arrest her boyfriend.
Outcome:
Case will be dismissed after 1 year of probation.
State v. C.J.
Client, who has a commercial driver’s license, was charged with DWI after testing showed an alcohol concentration well over the legal limit.
Outcome:
We successfully convinced the judge to restore client’s driver’s license. Client eventually pled guilty to a non-DWI offense and was able to keep his commercial driver’s license.
State v. K.J.
Client was charged with DWI and drug possession.
Outcome:
Client pled guilty to a non-DWI and was placed on probation. The drug charge will be dismissed after client completes probation.
Frequently Asked Questions
In some cases, yes. The conviction of an assault or any crime in Minnesota depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case and the evidence presented against you. You may initially be charged with more serious offenses but later it’s determined that the evidence is only enough to secure a conviction for a lesser charge. Additionally, charges may be dropped if the prosecutor’s case is weak or lacks adequate evidence. Working with our experienced assault defense attorney can significantly improve your chances of a dropped charge or reduced charges.
Under Minnesota law, drivers are subject to “implied consent,” meaning that by holding a valid driver’s license, you have automatically consented to submit to a breath alcohol test if pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. If you refuse to take the test, you may be treated as if you are under the influence and face severe penalties, including license suspension or jail time. Consulting with our Minneapolis DWI lawyer can help mitigate these penalties.
Sentencing for felony convictions can be affected by various mitigating and aggravating factors. Mitigating factors are circumstances that may warrant a lesser penalty, such as the defendant’s age, a lack of prior criminal history, or a positive reputation in the community. Conversely, aggravating factors can lead to harsher sentences. These include the use of a firearm during the commission of a crime or if someone was injured or killed as a result of the offense.
The quantity of drugs found in your possession at the time of arrest can make the difference between being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. The threshold for elevating a possession charge from a misdemeanor to a felony varies depending on the specific substance involved. If you are concerned about facing felony possession charges, we recommend consulting with our drug crimes lawyer. We can help you mount a strong defense and work toward reducing the severity of the charges against you.
A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecutor, where you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for avoiding prosecution on more serious charges. Deciding whether to accept a plea deal depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case and your lawyer’s evaluation of your defense. Ultimately, the decision to go to trial or accept a plea is yours, and our firm provides all the information you need to make an informed decision.