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Derek Anthony Patrin

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  • Andover, MN
  • Licensed for 21 years
  • Free consultation

Legal guides written by Derek Patrin

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. 

 

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.

    21 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.

    21 years, 30 cases

Top Contributor 2016
Client's Choice 2015
Top Contributor 2015
Top Contributor 2014
Top Contributor 2013
Client's Choice 2012
Top Contributor 2012

Photos and videos

1664541 1366931164

Contact

4024 151st Ave NW
address map

Meaney & Patrin, P.A.

4024 151st Ave NW
Andover, MN, 55304

Office (612) 688-9607

Website

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

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MNAuthorized to practice199902/15/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1550
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
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Review Derek Patrin

Excellent DWI defense attorney!

Posted by

What an excellent Minneapolis DWI lawyer and criminal defense attorney. I just wanted to thank you for helping Jason with his recent legal issues. My husband and Jason said you really went to bat for him during his recent court date and we are all very thankful. Jason is grateful that he is not in jail and can continue working. Thank you so much!”

Knight in shining armor

Posted by

Derek Patrin has helped me several times, but the last one and the most serious DWI, after waiting over 4 years for the court date to come. Knowing the prosecution wanted atleast 60 months of prison. 4 years is a long time to wait! But thought out that time Derek Patrin talked with me calmed me down and kept my head up. Well that court date finally came and I was sure I was going to go to prison. Derek Patrin went in and talked with the Jugde and came out with the best news I have heard in years!! No Prison, No time, just a couple years of probation. What a life saver he was to me!! Derek Patrin is very knowledgeable and knows his stuff! He would do his best to help you! Just give Derek Patrin a chance and he will do what ever he can to help! He is awesome and I would recommend him to everyone!

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.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(54)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Evan Berman, Business Attorney on Jul 10, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Robert Lengeling, Federal crime Attorney on Apr 20, 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 27, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Peter Marek, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 1, 2015
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, Family 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 29, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Brian Hurwitz, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 25, 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, Criminal defense 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, Consumer protection 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, Child custody Attorney on Jun 23, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

David Pittman, Car accident Attorney on Jun 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

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    Legal guides written by Derek Patrin