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Derek Anthony Patrin

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  • Andover, MN
  • Licensed for 22 years
  • Free consultation
Derek Patrin
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About Derek

Contact me for thorough, award-winning DWI/Test Refusal representation throughout the State of MN.

I was born and raised on the East Side of St. Paul, MN in a large family.  I was the oldest of seven kids, and eventually became the first person in my extended or close family to go to law school.  I spend most of my time working on cases, but in my spare time I am a musician in a cover band.  Playing in the band is a great way to let go of some of the stress caused by working hard all week trying to help people keep their lives in order by defending them in court.  The work I do is demanding but extremely rewarding. 

 

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Practice areas

AppealsDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 95%

    My work has been recognized in the legal community and I am well-respected by judges, prosecutors, and fellow defense lawyers. My focus is on finding solutions for every DWI client's situation, whether it be trying to beat the case outright, get penalties reduced, or provide support and guidance.

    22 years, 2,500 cases

  2. Appeals: 5%

    I have handled numerous appeals to the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court. Most notably, I argued before the Minnesota Supreme Court twice regarding the discovery and analysis of the Intoxilyzer 5000 source code.

    22 years, 30 cases

Photos and videos

1664541 1366931164

Contact

Meaney & Patrin, P.A.

4024 151st Ave NW
Andover, MN, 55304

Website
https://www.dwiguys.com/attorney/patrin-derek-a/ 

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    MNAuthorized to Practice199905/15/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers1555
    Legal guides3
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2020
    Super LawyerMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2020
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2019
    Super LawyerMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2019
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2018
    Super LawyerMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2018
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2017
    Super LawyerMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2017
    Super LawyerMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2016
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2016
    Super LawyerMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2015
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2015
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2014
    Super LawyerMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2014
    Rising StarMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2013
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2013
    Client RatingMartindale-Hubbell2012
    Worldwide Who's WhoWho's Who Legal2012
    Rising StarMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2011
    Special AchievementMinnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers2011
    Attorney of the YearMinnesota Lawyer2011
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2011
    Rising StarMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2008
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2008
    Rising StarMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2007
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2007
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2005
    Rising StarMinnesota Law & Politics Magazine2005
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerMeaney & Patrin, P.A.2005 - Present
    AssociateGerald Miller & Associates2001 - 2005
    Solo PractitionerDerek A. Patrin, Attorney at Law2000 - 2001
    AssociateRider Bennett Law Firm1999 - 2000
    Summer AssociateKalina, Wills, Woods & Thompson1998 - 1999
    Student AttorneyUniversity Of Minnesota Law School - Civil Practice Clinic1997 - 1998
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Minnesota DWI AttorneysMember2013 - Present
    Minnesota State Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionAttorney Member2013 - Present
    Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2013 - Present
    Anoka County Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
    Worldwide Who's WhoLifetime Member2006 - Present
    Minnesota State Bar Association, 10th District Bar AssociationMember1999 - Present
    University of Minnesota Law School AlumniMember1999 - Present
    Minnesota State Bar AssociationAttorney Member1999 - Present
    Minnesota Justice FoundationVolunteer Attorney2000 - 2001
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Minnesota LitigatorAfter more than five years, Source Code Challenge may be near the end2011
    Prior Lake AmericanDWI defense may appeal Intoxilyzer ruling2011
    Minnesota Public RadioHearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer2010
    Shakopee Valley NewsDWI machine drama to be decided in county courtroom2010
    Pioneer PressBreath-test ruling jeopardizes thousands of state DWI cases2009
    Star TribuneLegal basis of breath test challenged2009
    Wisconsin Law JournalMinn. high court decision is a blow to Intoxilyzer2009
    Bench & Bar of MinnesotaTips & Traps: Late Night DWI Consultations2005
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Minnesota Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1998
    University of MinnesotaBA - Bachelor of Arts1996
    NanKai UniversitySummer Study Abroad Program1990
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    John Hines Talk ShowInterview Re: State v. Bernard Decision2014
    Saturday Night with Esme MurphyInterview Re: Missouri v. McNeely Decision2013
    Consolidated Source Code HearingHearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer2010
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    In re: Source Code Evidentiary Hearings in Criminal MattersSplit decision
    In re: Source Code Evidentiary Hearings in Implied Consent MattersSplit decision
    State of Minnesota v. Dale Underdahl & Timothy BrunnerWon at the Minnesota Supreme Court
    Jason Jones v. Commissioner of Public SafetyPublished Appellate Decision Reversing Lower Court

    Reviews

    (26)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Derek Patrin

    Good person to advise and defend yourself in tough cases.

    Posted by

    Derek is responsive to all questions in a timely manner. Got my 2nd degree DWI reduced to 3rd degree. Got my car returned to me with only paying the $157.30 towing fee. I was originally senenced to 20 days jail, Derek wrote a compelling letter to the Judge and got sentence changed to Electronic Home Monitoring so I could help watch my children because of covid19 school cancelations. He will stand by you and fight for your interests, even after sentencing. Doesn't quit!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Best Lawyer for DWI in the State

    Posted by

    I received my 4th DWI in 10 years back in 2014. It was listed as an automatic Felony and minimum 180 days in jail. After close to 15 court appearances over 3 years Derek Patrin was able to get the charge reduced to a Gross Missdemeanor, probabtion dropped from 7 years to 2 years, and jail time down to only 16 days. He was there throughout the entire process and really made me feel at ease that I had selected the right attorney to represent me. I would refer Derek Patrin to anyone that has received a DWI charge. I had used 3 other attorneys in the past and with each one it was the same "pay your money and receive your sentence". I never felt as if there was an ounce of effort to really defend my case it always seemed like just another DWI to the other law firms. I can assure you with Derek Patrin that is not the case he will take the time to truly analyze your specific situation and determine what the best plan of action will be, I would not have wanted anyone else besides Derek Patrin to represent me and you will feel the same.......
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent Outcome

    Posted by

    I hired Derek back in July when I was arrested for DWI. From the start he was the consummate professional. The process he provided was easy to understand and follow. I followed his steps, did all that was required and ultimately he got it reduced to wreckless driving. This is money well spent as the average person does not know what they are up against. Heartfelt thanks to you Derek and your team.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    If you are dealing with a DWI, you need Derek.

    Posted by

    I live north of the Cities and was looking for an attorney who solely fights DWIs and DWI related issues. Many attorneys dable in lots of areas of law and seem to be the Jack of all trades of law but the master on none. You wouldn't hire a Cardiologiy to be your Neurolgist, even though both are MDs and you shouldn't hire just any attorney to represent you for a DWI, or DWI related charge. Derek has consistently gone above and beyond from the first day I hired him. He understand you are in a very scary place and likely feel alone in all the uncertainty and the unknown. He is patient and takes the time to care and to listen. He is well worth it to have the piece of mind and to know he will prepare and fight his hardest on every case. I interviewed a handful of attorneys before I hired Derek. My gutt told me to hire him. I'm happy I went with my gut. I can't find a single complaint I could say about Derek. He is truly a great guy and I promise you, you are in the best possible hands if you hire him.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great DWI attorney

    Posted by

    Maintained adequate communication through email, phone calls, and texting. Ultimately got a gross misdemeanor DUI charge dropped to a misdemeanor which still was not fun to deal with but way better than the alternative. Derek made numerous appearance and stuck to the manageable fixed rate that we discussed in the beginning. I was not charged for any extra time we spent or any extra appearances. It was one fixed rate which saved me thousands compared to a couple alternatives. I would like to thank him for his diligence.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    So great to work with

    Posted by

    My DUI was a very difficult situation and Derek was amazing. His kindness, knowledge, and aptitude was greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend him to family or friends in need of lawyer.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Lawyer - Excellent Experience

    Posted by

    A 1st time DWI offense is a very stressful experience to go through. Derek kept me well informed through the entire process. He explains each step and is there when you need him to answer your questions. Very easy to talk to and provides guidance in a way that makes you feel at ease. I was never left wondering where I was at in the process. Gross Misdemeanor DWI was dropped down to Careless Driving Misdemeanor. If you need a good lawyer and one that really does care, hire Derek Patrin. I cannot express how much he made this experience easier to go through. Great lawyer - Great Guy.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    I highly recommend Derek

    Posted by

    Getting a DUI and going to jail is scary; even if it's only for a few days. Having a lawyer who can not only work with the system but also cares about you matters. Derek acted quickly when I needed his help. He was available when I needed advice during my stops (Yes there was more than one) and always advised me to act in a way that would improve my opportunity for a successful outcome. He is one of the most innovative lawyers I have seen when defending his clients and he really cares. This man doesn't just go through the motions. He started with a strategy to succeed then followed through by assuming a win and getting as many of the consequences delayed until the outcome of the trial as possible. I was informed and involved in my defense and never was made to feel like I was simply a victim of the system, but an active participant with power. I have recommended Derek to my brother and my friends. I would also recommend him to you.

    Hard Time

    Posted by

    Derek did an amazing job with my case! He helped me from within the first hour of my time in need thru over the following 3 years after. He was always so prompt and informative with my case. I am glad that I had found him to help me out, he made things a lot easier and I felt comfortable with how things turned out.

    Derek Patrin represented us with respect and integrity

    Posted by

    I never thought I would need a lawyer but the day came and we did. Opened up the Yellow Pages and called Derek. Best call we ever made. He listened to our problems and helped us get through a very difficult time in our lives. He was always on top of the current issues of the day and how they applied to our case. He was at every hearing and fought for us every step of the way. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a great attorney.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (54)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Evan Berman

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Robert Lengeling, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 19, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Derek is a true professional and he takes a common sense approach in working with his clients. He is a very sound DUI attorney.

    William Sherry, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 3, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Derek Patrin is well respected by judges, attorneys, court staff and professional colleagues. He has earned an excellent reputation as a smart, well-prepared and effective attorney. I have known Derek a long time, and I would gladly refer to him with confidence that he would do an outstanding job.

    Kevin Fogle, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 23, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Given Derek's immense knowledge base, which is quickly apparent from reviewing any of his responses, it is an honor simply for him to agree with your answer as a fellow colleague.

    John Knappmann, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 14, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. He is at the top of our profession.

    Dorinda Myers, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    When you find yourself in need of a DUI attorney, it is important to retain an experienced, knowledgeable and competent lawyer. Mr. Patrin is recognized in the legal community for those reasons. His answers here on Avvo reflect the same.

    Kendall Horween, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 17, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Patrin is a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney ready to work for his clients.

    Haitham Amin

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Peter Marek, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 31, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    16 years of practicing law is what we call experienced. Knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions. The best judge of Derek is his clients and their reviews are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor if you are in or near Andover and call him for a consultation.

    John Gaertner, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 29, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. A skilled and very knowledgeable attorney.

    Martin Judnich, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 21, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Patrin is a very experienced attorney that fights hard for his clients and often contributes to areas of law regarding DUI and criminal defense. A+

    Judd Nemiro

    I not only endorse this lawyer. I give this lawyer 5 stars!

    Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Appeals Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Brian Hurwitz, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 24, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Benjamin Pardun, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 4, 2014
    Relationship: Worked for lawyer

    Derek is an extremely dedicated attorney and has no fear of going toe-to-toe with the opposition in DWI, Forfeiture; Implied Consent; DAC; and DAR-IPS cases in the State of Minnesota. It has been a true pleasure and invaluable experience to learn and work alongside both him and Ethan.

    Michael Bouldin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 14, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Derek has been practicing and winning DUI cases in the Twin Cities for 13 years. I endorse this attorney.

    Hovanes Margarian, Appeals Attorney on Jul 9, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Francis Ciardi, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 3, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Stephen Rue, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 23, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    David Pittman, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 8, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Cost

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      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        45 minutes
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