Choosing a lawyer after a criminal charge or a workplace injury is an important decision. A criminal case can affect your freedom, your record, and your job, and a workers’ compensation claim can decide whether you can pay your bills while you recover.

At Arechigo & Stokka, our attorneys have represented people facing tough situations for 20 years. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about our firm, the cases we handle, and what clients can expect when working with us.

What does Arechigo & Stokka do?

Arechigo & Stokka, P.A. is a Minnesota law firm with two practices under one roof: criminal defense and workers’ compensation. John Arechigo handles criminal defense, and Joshua Stokka handles workers’ compensation.

We have offices in St. Paul, Eagan, and Fargo, and we represent clients throughout Minnesota and in the Fargo area of North Dakota.

We do not handle family law, estate planning, business litigation, immigration, or medical malpractice cases.

What criminal cases does Arechigo & Stokka handle?

John Arechigo defends people charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including:

The firm also handles criminal cases in Fargo, North Dakota, including DUI, drug crimes, domestic abuse, and sex crimes.

What workers’ compensation cases does the firm handle?

Josh Stokka focuses his practice on Minnesota workers’ compensation. He represents injured workers in cases involving:

Can the firm help clear my criminal record?

Yes. We pursue expungement for clients, including after charges are dismissed. In one Hennepin County case, the firm obtained a felony expungement after the county withdrew its objection.

Who are the attorneys at Arechigo & Stokka?

The firm’s two managing partners each focus on one practice. Learn more on our attorneys page.

John T. Arechigo devotes his practice to criminal defense. He earned his law degree from Hamline University School of Law in 2006, where he chaired the student-led Innocence Project clinic. John is licensed in Minnesota and North Dakota and admitted to federal court in the District of Minnesota. He has been selected to Super Lawyers® every year from 2021 through 2026, after being named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2017 through 2019, a recognition based on peer recognition and professional achievement. Minnesota Lawyer named him an Attorney of the Year in 2015 and again in 2019, when he also received its Circle of Excellence honor. He holds a 9.5 (Superb) Avvo rating. John works with a network of investigators, chemical and mental health experts, and sentencing experts, and he is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and the Ramsey County Bar Association.

Joshua R. Stokka devotes his practice to workers’ compensation. He studied criminology at the University of Minnesota Duluth and clerked for a judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District before entering private practice. Josh is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and the Ramsey County Bar Association.

Will I work directly with an attorney?

Yes. As a small firm, our partners handle every part of their clients’ cases themselves. You will not be passed off to a junior lawyer or a case manager.

John and Josh also make themselves available outside business hours and take calls on nights and weekends, because criminal charges and workplace injuries do not wait for office hours.

Why choose a small firm for a serious case?

Our motto is “Small Firm. Big Results.” A small firm means you work directly with an experienced attorney who knows your case, rather than a rotating team.

It also means lower overhead. For criminal defense, that lets us offer lower fees than big firms while giving each client direct, personal attention.

Has John Arechigo challenged Minnesota laws in court?

Yes. In appeals handled by John, the Minnesota Court of Appeals declared two Minnesota criminal statutes unconstitutional: the criminal defamation statute and a statute on the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. The Minnesota Supreme Court also reversed a high school student’s cyberbullying conviction in a case he handled.

These cases show a willingness to challenge the law itself when it is unfair to a client. You can learn more in our video FAQs.

What results has Arechigo & Stokka achieved?

Results listed on our case results page include:

Criminal defense

  • Acquittal on five felony domestic abuse no-contact order violation charges (Wright County)
  • Dismissal of 10 felony theft by swindle charges (Hennepin County)
  • Dismissal of third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges (Dakota County)
  • Dismissal of kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct, and other felony charges the morning of trial
  • Not guilty jury verdict on a threats of violence charge
  • Probation, with no prison, on a third-degree murder charge

Workers’ compensation

  • $200,000 lump sum plus all medical bills for PTSD and depression caused by employer conduct
  • $100,000 plus all medical bills after the insurer denied liability for a neck and back injury
  • A six-figure settlement plus medical bills for a concussion and psychological injury
  • A trial win securing lifetime medical care for both shoulders after rotator cuff tears

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts and evidence.

Will Arechigo & Stokka take my case to trial?

Yes, when that is what your case needs.

Many criminal cases and workers’ compensation claims are resolved without a trial, and a good outcome can come from a dismissal, a negotiated resolution, or a settlement. But prosecutors and insurers treat a case differently when they know your lawyer is prepared to go to trial. Our results include a not guilty jury verdict, an acquittal on five felony charges, and a workers’ compensation trial win.

What happens after I hire the firm?

In a criminal case, John reviews the charges and the evidence, looks for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and works with investigators and other experts when needed. He handles your court appearances and negotiations, prepares the case for trial, and explains your options at every stage. When charges are dismissed, the firm can also help with expungement.

In a workers’ compensation claim, Josh gathers your medical and employment records, deals with the insurance company and your employer, and pursues the benefits you are owed through negotiation, settlement, or a hearing. If your benefits are still being paid, he can monitor your case for free until the insurer starts denying benefits.

How much does it cost to hire Arechigo & Stokka?

Your first consultation is free and confidential.

Workers’ compensation: There is no fee unless Josh obtains a favorable result for you.

Criminal defense: The firm works on a flat fee or retainer basis. Because we are a small firm with lower overhead, we can offer lower fees than big firms.

Where does Arechigo & Stokka handle cases?

We represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Dakota County, and Washington County. We also represent clients in Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota area. John Arechigo is licensed in both Minnesota and North Dakota.

We have three offices: St. Paul, Eagan, and Fargo.

Do I need to live near one of your offices to hire the firm?

No. What matters is whether your case is in Minnesota or in our North Dakota service area. Contact us to talk about your situation.

Can a family member contact the firm for me?

Yes. Many criminal defense clients’ families make the first call, especially when a loved one has just been arrested. A family member can reach out to schedule a free, confidential consultation and start the process.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer?

As soon as possible.

In a criminal case, early decisions matter, from what you say to police to how your first court appearance goes. In a workers’ compensation claim, insurers make early decisions about your benefits, and evidence of your injury is easiest to gather right away.

Do not assume you have plenty of time. An attorney can tell you what applies to your situation.

What should I have ready for my consultation?

You do not need to have everything gathered before you call us. However, it can help to have:

For a criminal case

  • Any charging paperwork or citations
  • Your next court date
  • Any release or bail conditions

For a workers’ compensation claim

  • Any injury report you filed with your employer
  • Letters from the insurance company, including any denial
  • Medical records and bills you already have
  • Recent pay stubs

What is the Sober Rides Campaign?

The Sober Rides Campaign is the firm’s community program offering free holiday rides so people can get home safely instead of driving after drinking.

How do I contact Arechigo & Stokka?

You can contact Arechigo & Stokka by calling (651) 222-6603 for our Minnesota offices or (701) 532-2430 for our Fargo office, emailing info@arechigo-stokka.com, or submitting the form on our website.

  • St. Paul: 332 Minnesota Street, W1610, Saint Paul, MN 55101
  • Eagan: 1335 Corporate Center Curve, Ste 200, Eagan, MN 55121
  • Fargo: 3050 Sienna Drive S, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58104

Your first consultation is free and confidential. Tell us what happened, and we will help you understand your options and your next steps.