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
If you have been charged with a crime or need assistance with a criminal case, Archambault Criminal Defense is here to help. Our Minneapolis, MN criminal defense lawyer reviews the evidence, identifies what the state needs to prove, and works to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s position. We have been working in Minnesota criminal courts for 16 years, and we will use our knowledge to help you work towards a favorable outcome in your case. Schedule a free consultation to talk through your situation.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Minneapolis, MN
The opening priorities of a criminal defense case depend on whether the case is still under investigation or has already been charged. If charges have been filed, the immediate focus is on conditions of release, the police reports, and any video or audio in the state’s possession. If the case is still under investigation, the focus shifts to keeping the client from talking to investigators in ways that hurt the defense, and on understanding what police are actually looking at.
A Minneapolis criminal defense attorney also looks at procedural posture from day one. Some cases benefit from aggressive early motion practice. Others benefit from a more measured approach, since some pretrial moves foreclose options later.
Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Minneapolis
We handle a broad range of criminal cases filed in Hennepin County, where Minneapolis cases are heard. The work runs from low-level citations to serious felonies, and each case requires its own approach. These are the matter types that come up most often in our Minneapolis caseload.
- DWI. Impaired driving cases at every level: alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, and combinations. Beyond the criminal case, every DWI also brings a separate license revocation that needs to be challenged on its own timeline. Breath test machines and their accuracy are often central to the defense.
- Drug crimes. Possession, sale, manufacture, and conspiracy cases involving controlled substances. The strength of the case usually depends on how the substance was discovered and whether the search complied with constitutional limits. Common drug offenses range from cannabis to fentanyl, with very different consequences depending on the substance and the amount.
- Assault. Charges ranging from misdemeanor fifth-degree assault to serious felony cases. The defense depends heavily on the nature of the alleged incident, the credibility of witnesses, and whether self-defense applies.
- Domestic assault. Allegations involving violence within a household or family relationship. These cases come with no-contact orders, family law consequences, and a prosecutor’s office that pushes hard on them.
- Burglary. Charges involving unauthorized entry into a building with intent to commit a crime. Burglary charges in Minnesota vary widely in seriousness based on whether anyone was home, what kind of property was involved, and whether a weapon was used.
- Trespassing. Unlawful presence on someone else’s property, often charged alongside other offenses. Trespass charges sometimes signal that prosecutors are pursuing a related case where the evidence is thinner.
- Probation violations. Allegations that a person on probation has broken a condition. Violations can lead to the execution of a previously stayed sentence, which means the jail or prison time hanging over the original case can be ordered served.
- Felony charges. The most serious category of criminal offenses. Felonies carry prison exposure and loss of civil rights, with some triggering mandatory minimum sentences that limit how much discretion the court has. These cases need thorough investigation before any plea conversation is appropriate.
Why Choose Archambault Criminal Defense for Criminal Defense in Minneapolis, MN?
A Background That Shapes Defense Strategy
Our founder, Derek Archambault, has practiced criminal law for 16 years, with the majority of that time spent as a prosecutor in Minnesota courts. He now applies that perspective to the defense side of the same kinds of cases. Knowing how the state evaluates evidence, decides what to charge, and approaches plea negotiations changes how we build a defense.
Successful Case Results
In one case, a client charged with misdemeanor obstructing legal process resolved the matter with one year of probation, after which the charge will be dismissed entirely. Another client faced felony drug charges along with a felony probation violation, and we worked out an agreement with the prosecutor to dismiss the probation violation outright and dismiss the new drug case after one year of probation. We also represented a client charged with felony fleeing in a motor vehicle, misdemeanor DWI, and gross misdemeanor carrying a pistol while impaired, with significant prison risk on the felony count. The case resolved with a gross misdemeanor fleeing plea and three weekends in jail.
Understanding Criminal Defense Cases
Charges, Penalties, and Defense Strategies for Criminal Defense Cases
Minnesota separates criminal offenses into four primary categories. The category controls almost everything else about a case, including the potential punishment, the procedural rights of the defendant, and the lasting effects of a conviction.
- Petty misdemeanors. Non-criminal violations resolved by a fine.
- Misdemeanors. The lowest-level criminal offenses, with limited jail exposure.
- Gross misdemeanors. Offenses with more substantial jail exposure.
- Felonies. The most serious classification, carrying prison time and lasting consequences.
Within each category, the defense work that actually moves a case forward depends on the facts. A drug case turns on the search. A DWI case turns on the stop and the testing process. An assault case turns on credibility and witness testimony. A burglary case turns on identification and intent. The starting point for every defense is reading the discovery carefully and figuring out where the state’s narrative breaks down.
Penalty exposure within a given category varies based on prior history, statutory enhancements, and how the prosecution chooses to handle the case. Two clients with similar facts can face very different exposure depending on what’s already on their record. The line between misdemeanors and felonies tends to matter more in practice than the categories themselves suggest.
What Are Important Aspects of a Criminal Defense Case?
How a case ends usually depends on the same handful of factors:
- The evidence in the file and whether it was lawfully gathered.
- The defendant’s history, including prior convictions and any ongoing matters.
- The county and the assigned prosecutor.
- The availability of alternative resolutions for the specific charge.
- The client’s actual goals, which can pull against each other when avoiding any conviction conflicts with avoiding jail or protecting employment.
Each of these gets evaluated during the initial review. The defense strategy follows from how those factors line up, not from a generic playbook.
What Is The Criminal Defense Case Timeline?
Cases don’t all move at the same speed, but most follow a similar path:
- First appearance. The initial court date, where charges are read and release conditions are addressed.
- Discovery exchange. The state turns over its evidence. We review and may conduct additional investigation.
- Pretrial motions. We file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues.
- Plea negotiations. Most cases resolve through negotiation, and the timing here varies widely by county.
- Trial. Cases that don’t resolve go in front of a judge or jury.
Misdemeanor cases sometimes wrap up within a few months. Felony cases can take more than a year, especially when forensic evidence is involved.
What Should You Bring to Your Criminal Defense Consultation?
Bringing the right materials to the consultation lets us move faster on substantive analysis. Helpful items include:
- The complaint, citation, or summons that started the case.
- Police reports, body camera disclosures, and any other paperwork from law enforcement.
- Documents related to bail or release conditions.
- A written account of what happened, with dates and the names of anyone involved.
- A summary of any prior criminal history, including out-of-state matters.
The consultation is free. We use the time to look closely at the charges, talk through realistic outcomes, and discuss how we’d build a defense.
What Are Important Minnesota Legal Resources for Criminal Defense Cases?
Minnesota publishes its criminal laws and court procedures openly, and several official state resources are available to anyone who wants to understand the framework that applies to their case. These won’t substitute for legal advice on the specific facts, but they provide useful background.
- The Minnesota Statutes include the criminal code, where most state offenses, defenses, and penalties are codified.
- The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains court forms, hearing schedules, and process information for criminal cases.
- The House Research Department publishes plain-language summaries on criminal law topics, including sentencing and procedural rules.
- The Sentencing Guidelines Commission is responsible for the felony sentencing grid that applies to most prison-eligible offenses.
Reading these sources gives you context. The specific application to your case is part of what we work through at the consultation.
Reach Out to Archambault Criminal Defense to Schedule a Consultation
Criminal cases tend to develop quickly once they start, and the most useful defense work happens before the system has fully set its terms. We offer free initial consultations and represent every client on a flat fee basis, with the cost defined before the engagement begins. Contact us to set up a time to talk with a Minneapolis, MN criminal defense attorney.
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
Derek Archambault
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
A Drug Crime Defense Attorney
You Can Trust.
Powerful Defense.
Extensive drug crime
defense experience.
Personalized Strategy.
Personalized, results-driven
representation.
Proven Results.
Thousands of successful
case outcomes.
Charged with a drug crime? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to face this fight without the right defense. With a career devoted entirely to criminal law, our attorney has handled tens of thousands of cases across communities statewide. Drug crime defense is not just part of what I do. It’s a key area of my focus, built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how prosecutors operate.
- Thousands of successful case outcomes
- Extensive drug crime defense experience
- Personalized, results-driven representation
Whether you’re facing charges for possession, distribution, manufacturing, or other drug-related offenses, we bring a deliberate and tailored approach to every case. Sometimes, success means going to trial. Other times, it means negotiating a smart resolution behind the scenes. We know the difference and we know how to get results.
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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.