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.
Practice areas
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.
23 years, 2,500 cases
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.
23 years, 30 cases
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MN | Authorized to Practice | 1999 | 05/21/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2020 |
Super Lawyer | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2020 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
Super Lawyer | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2018 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Super Lawyer | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2014 |
Rising Star | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2013 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Client Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
Worldwide Who's Who | Who's Who Legal | 2012 |
Rising Star | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2011 |
Special Achievement | Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2011 |
Attorney of the Year | Minnesota Lawyer | 2011 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2011 |
Rising Star | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2008 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2008 |
Rising Star | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2007 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2007 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2005 |
Rising Star | Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine | 2005 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Meaney & Patrin, P.A. | 2005 - Present |
Associate | Gerald Miller & Associates | 2001 - 2005 |
Solo Practitioner | Derek A. Patrin, Attorney at Law | 2000 - 2001 |
Associate | Rider Bennett Law Firm | 1999 - 2000 |
Summer Associate | Kalina, Wills, Woods & Thompson | 1998 - 1999 |
Student Attorney | University Of Minnesota Law School - Civil Practice Clinic | 1997 - 1998 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Minnesota DWI Attorneys | Member | 2013 - Present |
Minnesota State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section | Attorney Member | 2013 - Present |
Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2013 - Present |
Anoka County Bar Association | Member | 2006 - Present |
Worldwide Who's Who | Lifetime Member | 2006 - Present |
Minnesota State Bar Association, 10th District Bar Association | Member | 1999 - Present |
University of Minnesota Law School Alumni | Member | 1999 - Present |
Minnesota State Bar Association | Attorney Member | 1999 - Present |
Minnesota Justice Foundation | Volunteer Attorney | 2000 - 2001 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Minnesota Litigator | After more than five years, Source Code Challenge may be near the end | 2011 |
Prior Lake American | DWI defense may appeal Intoxilyzer ruling | 2011 |
Minnesota Public Radio | Hearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer | 2010 |
Shakopee Valley News | DWI machine drama to be decided in county courtroom | 2010 |
Pioneer Press | Breath-test ruling jeopardizes thousands of state DWI cases | 2009 |
Star Tribune | Legal basis of breath test challenged | 2009 |
Wisconsin Law Journal | Minn. high court decision is a blow to Intoxilyzer | 2009 |
Bench & Bar of Minnesota | Tips & Traps: Late Night DWI Consultations | 2005 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Minnesota Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1998 |
University of Minnesota | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1996 |
NanKai University | Summer Study Abroad Program | 1990 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
John Hines Talk Show | Interview Re: State v. Bernard Decision | 2014 |
Saturday Night with Esme Murphy | Interview Re: Missouri v. McNeely Decision | 2013 |
Consolidated Source Code Hearing | Hearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer | 2010 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
In re: Source Code Evidentiary Hearings in Criminal Matters | Split decision |
In re: Source Code Evidentiary Hearings in Implied Consent Matters | Split decision |
State of Minnesota v. Dale Underdahl & Timothy Brunner | Won at the Minnesota Supreme Court |
Jason Jones v. Commissioner of Public Safety | Published Appellate Decision Reversing Lower Court |
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March 20, 2020
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November 29, 2017
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September 15, 2017
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October 18, 2016
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July 12, 2016
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May 7, 2015
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May 4, 2015
Posted by LeAnne
April 28, 2015
Evan Berman, Unknown Attorney on Jul 10, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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, Unknown Attorney on Jan 27, 2015
Relationship: Other
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, Unknown Attorney on Sep 30, 2014
Relationship: Other
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.
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