St. Paul sits in the southeastern part of Minnesota state near the state’s most populous city, Minneapolis.
Together, they form the Twin Cities and make up the most populous metropolitan area in the north-central U.S.
Between the hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists in St. Paul, some people inevitably find themselves facing criminal charges.
A criminal conviction can impact many areas of your life, from your freedom to your ability to secure employment.
A qualified defense lawyer can review the details of your case and outline the penalties associated with your charges.
Once you decide to hire a criminal lawyer to defend your rights, you still need to find the right attorney.
An online search for criminal defense lawyers near me will provide an overwhelming number of advertisements from attorneys who do not even practice in Minnesota.
We compiled a list to help you find the best criminal defense attorney in or around St. Paul, Minnesota.
Why Do I Need to Hire a St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Some people may decide to defend themselves in court, but they might not know all the details of Minnesota’s criminal laws or have the same experience as a professional criminal defense attorney.
A qualified St. Paul criminal defense lawyer can help you:
- Gather crucial evidence to help discredit the prosecution’s evidence and support your defense,
- Analyze the facts and prepare a legal strategy to present at trial,
- Interview and prepare witnesses to testify on your behalf,
- Negotiate with the prosecuting attorney,
- Draft and argue motions to suppress evidence, and
- Prepare your case for trial when necessary.
A defense attorney can give you a critical advantage in navigating the criminal process and mounting your legal defense.
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Many potential clients want to know how to find the best criminal defense attorney for their case. You should look for these traits before selecting an attorney to defend you.
Experience
A crucial quality of a good attorney is experience handling criminal defense matters. A lawyer who knows how to defend clients facing criminal charges is more valuable to your case than a lawyer with extensive estate planning experience.
Additionally, criminal defense lawyers are familiar with potential legal defenses that may apply to your charges and help secure a favorable outcome in your case.
Free Consultations
Your defense lawyer will help you through a trying period of your life. Thus, you must fully trust your attorney to give accurate advice and answer your tough questions.
Many of the best criminal defense lawyers offer free consultations where you can talk about your charges and expectations.
You can use your first impression to decide whether the potential lawyer is someone you feel comfortable trusting with your future. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer after you attend a free consultation.
Testimonials
Another way to find a good defense attorney is reading testimonials from former clients. These reviews can give you insights into a law firm’s communication style, attentiveness, and compassion for their clients.
For example, if you see a review saying an attorney lacked professionalism and failed to communicate, you may want to strike that attorney from your list of options. Many St. Paul criminal defense lawyers include client testimonials on their firm website.
Arechigo & Stokka
Arechigo & Stokka has practiced in St. Paul and Ramsey county since 2007. Their office is located in downtown St. Paul. The attorneys at Arechigo & Stokka take the time to meet with every one of our clients.
We will not pawn your case off on an attorney who did not meet with you and discuss your criminal case face-to-face, or to support staff.
Our founding attorney, John Arechigo, is passionate about defending the rights of those facing criminal accusations.
He dedicates nearly all his time to handling criminal law matters and is well-connected within the Minnesota criminal defense community. John has been recognized as an Attorney of the Year in both 2015 and 2019.
John strives to keep his clients updated on developments in their case, even if it means taking calls outside of typical business hours.
John’s combination of resources, experience, and accessibility set him apart from other criminal defense attorneys in the area.
Let us put our legal expertise to work for you. Contact our office today so we can start working on your case.
Ambrose Law Firm
Ambrose Law Firm dedicates its practice to helping individuals facing criminal charges.
After almost four years of working for one of the most reputable criminal defense lawyers, Mr. Ambrose opened his own law firm to advocate for the criminally accused throughout Minnesota.
Mr. Ambrose has earned positive recognition from his clients and numerous victories in Minnesota courts.
Keller Law Offices
The team of attorneys at Keller Law Offices boasts more than 25 years of experience and focuses exclusively on criminal defense cases.
Attorneys Max Keller and Barry S. Edwards are members of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice. The attorneys at the Keller Law Offices are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They treat each of their clients with compassion and respect.
Andrew Irlbeck, Lawyer Chartered
Andrew Irlbeck represents individuals facing criminal accusations in state and federal courts. Andrew was named Attorney of the Year for 2020 by Minnesota Lawyer Magazine.
With over a decade of experience, Andrew knows what it takes to help his clients fight unfair charges. He is committed to helping his clients navigate the criminal justice system and secure a favorable result.
Betts Legal Services
Betts Legal Services has been defending individuals facing criminal accusations in Minnesota since 1996. Shawn Betts treats every client as he would a member of his own family.
With over 20 years of experience, Shawn has handled all types of criminal cases.
In addition to practicing in Ramsey county, Shawn is a founding member of the Dakota County Defense Panel and was the Administrator of the Washington County Criminal Defense Panel, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge of criminal defense law.
Looking for the Best Criminal Defense Attorney? Contact Our Team Today
If you are facing criminal charges in St. Paul, Minnesota, do not waste time contacting a criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case.
An experienced St. Paul criminal defense lawyer defending you against the state’s charges offers the best opportunity to secure a favorable outcome.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka to schedule your free consultation.
Attorney John Arechigo has a passion for criminal defense in St. Paul, MN. John received his J.D., from Hamline University School of Law and also carries a Bachelor of Arts from, The University of Minnesota. John was named Attorney of the Year for 2019 by Minnesota Lawyer. Additionally, John was also named as a 2019 Rising Star and was selected to Minnesota Super Lawyers in 2021. He devotes nearly 100% of his practice to defending individuals charged with a crime.