MN DWI Lawyer | MN Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney | MN DWI Lawyer

Long ago, it was Shakespeare who wrote:

“The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.”

While some may still agree with this sentiment, and lawyer jokes are abundant, there is no doubt that the perils of today's criminal court process require the services of a competent, experienced and zealous Minnesota criminal defense attorney who will fight for you when your freedom and future is on the line.

With this reality in mind, the Minnesota criminal defense attorney you choose as your warrior and protector may be as critical as the facts and evidence in your case.

Competence is measured by many factors, including intelligence, experience and common sense.  I have these qualities and will fight for and protect the rights of the accused.

I am an experienced courtroom attorney with more than a decade of representing clients in a variety of cases from the most serious felonies to serious misdemeanor DWI. I have also provided pro bono services to clients since 1999.

Education and Prior Experience

I am a 1999 Cum Laude (Top 20% of class) graduate of Hamline University School of Law, Minnesota's oldest private university. I also:

² Worked as a law clerk with a private law firm during law school.

² Was a Certified Student Attorney in the MN Public Defender's Office.

² Was the second youngest graduate in my law school class.

² Passed the bar exam on my first and only try.

² Graduated from college in 3 ½ years.

² Graduated from college with High Distinction (Top 10% of class).

² Graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

² Was an All American Scholar.

² Was previously employed with a police department.

² Have practical training and experience in police tactics, including stops.

² Am a former instructor in the legal department of a local university.

Attorney Licenses

I am licensed by the Minnesota Supreme Court to handle cases in all of Minnesota's courts:

s District (Trial) Courts;

s Court of Appeals; and

s Supreme Court.

I am also licensed federally in the:

s United States District Court for the District of Minnesota; and

s United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.

Real Life Matters

As is my nature, I try to be as honestly blunt as possible and get to the point as soon as I can. Yes, I am fortunate to have some hard earned paper credentials, fancy degrees and awards, however; what I value the most is my background, character and the competence and zealous advocacy I have gained through more than a decade of Minnesota criminal defense experience--all used to the benefit of my clients.

I have personally overcome much adversity and can truly identify with the plight and circumstance of many of my clients. I know what it is like to feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. My life experiences have given me perspective, which is very helpful in my continued pursuit of fighting for and protecting the rights of the accused.

Although I am an adopted Minnesotan, including being a Minnesota Wild season ticket holder since year-1, I am also a die-hard Michigan and Red Wings fan. Please do not hold that against me!

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MN DWI Lawyer | Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorneys

Call Me, Matthew L. Thornton, Esq.: (651) 699-2007