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Derek Anthony Patrin

DUI and DWI Attorney at Andover, MN

5.0   26 reviews
Message
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State MN
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Authorized to Practice No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Good person to advise and defend yourself in tough cases.
Michael
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer for DWI in the State
Frank
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Derek

Learn Derek’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  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.

    24 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.

    24 years, 30 cases

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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Contact Derek

Similar lawyers nearby

Meaney & Patrin, P.A.
4024 151st Ave NW
Andover, MN, 55304
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  26 customer reviews
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Posted by Michael | March 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good person to advise and defend yourself in tough cases.
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!
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Posted by Frank | November 29, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer for DWI in the State
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.......
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Posted by Mark | September 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Outcome
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.
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Posted by anonymous | May 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
If you are dealing with a DWI, you need Derek.
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.
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Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great DWI attorney
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.
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Posted by Rachel | October 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
So great to work with
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.
Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer - Excellent Experience
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.
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Posted by Robert | May 7, 2015
I highly recommend Derek
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.
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Posted by David | May 4, 2015
Hard Time
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.
Posted by LeAnne | April 28, 2015
Derek Patrin represented us with respect and integrity
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.
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Posted by Sara | April 28, 2015
No Brainer
Unfortunately I've had to "use" Derek and his partner Ethan a few times. But I knew in each situation, I was in capable hands. Derek's no BS filter and easy going, yet professional style, makes it comforting to be his client. Highly recommended.
Posted by Randy | April 28, 2015
Best DWI lawyer out there.
Very down to earth guy and is honest with what he thinks will happen with your case. He actually asked why I wanted him with my first one.
Posted by Tim | April 27, 2015
Knight in shining armor
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!
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Posted by Mike | July 4, 2013
Knowledgable and professional
Derek Patrin was great. He was very reassuring from my first phone call to him from jail, through the trial hearing. He always let me know what was going to happen at each step, and I knew that I was in good hands. My case was dismissed thanks to Derek's knowledge of the law which proved that the traffic stop was invalid. Furthermore, the price was very reasonable considering the level of diligence and professionalism Derek brought. The money was very well spent. I would not hesitate to recommend Meaney and Patrin to anyone unfortunate enough to be facing a DWI charge.
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Posted by Charles | April 4, 2012
Best Lawyer I ever had!
I've needed 7 criminal lawyers in my life and Derek got me the best result of any of them. I went from a gross misdemeanor (violation of B card) to a petty misdemeanor (driving without a valid license). It cost me $185 and it was done. No probation, no community service, nothing. I still have to deal with the Dept. of Public Safety, but Derek did everything he possibly could. Any time I needed an answer to a question, he would get back to me immediately. Excellent lawyer and will worth his fee.
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Posted by Vince | December 15, 2011
Professional, Expert and Aggressive
Mr. Patrin provided me with a very high level of service and was very aggressive in the pursuit of the best possible outcome for my case. I would strongly recommend Mr. Patrin to anyone finding themselves in need of legal representation within his specialty of DUI/DWI.
Posted by anonymous | June 23, 2011
So Thankful!
I live out of state and had a previous DUI 6 yrs prior to being charged with a 2nd. The DUI laws have changed drastically and what my lawyer in my home state had told me about submitting to a breathalyzer, had all changed. Derek did a great job of explaining the realities of my case and what I was potentially look at for an outcome which was somewhat dismal. He did not over promise, if anything he underpromised but overdelivered! Derek explained everything to me every step of the way. Was always quick to respond to any of my questions and was always honest and upfront. In the end Derek worked my case to an extremely satisfactory outcome, better than I had ever hoped for. I am so grateful that I chose Derek to represent me in my case.
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Posted by Michael | June 10, 2011
Professional and Courteous
Derek kept me informed with every change in my case. He conducts himself professionally but keeps a personal side as well. Though the experience of going through the juducial system was not pleasing, Derek made it endurable.
Posted by Justine | March 17, 2011
Excellent DWI defense attorney!
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!”
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Posted by Yukichi | January 30, 2010
Thank you Derek.
I never have had this situation before. And so I hired Derek and he made process easy and simple. I highly recommend him.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 45 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Minnesota Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • University of Minnesota
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1996
  • NanKai University
  • Summer Study Abroad Program
  • 1990

Legal Cases

  • 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
View all legal cases

Associations

  • 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
View all associations

Honors and Awards

  • 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
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (54)
Given (20)
Endorse Derek
Evan Robert Berman headshot
Evan Berman
Unknown Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Robert August Lengeling headshot
Robert Lengeling
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 19
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 S Sherry headshot
William Sherry
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 03
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 C. Fogle headshot
Kevin Fogle
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 23
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 O. Knappmann headshot
John Knappmann
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is at the top of our profession."
Dorinda Jo Myers headshot
Dorinda Myers
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 25
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 Lance Horween headshot
Kendall Horween
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Patrin is a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney ready to work for his clients."
Haitham G. Amin headshot
Haitham Amin
Unknown Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 31
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 R Gaertner headshot
John Gaertner
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A skilled and very knowledgeable attorney."
Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 21
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 S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro
Unknown Attorney | Sep 30
Relationship: Other
"I not only endorse this lawyer. I give this lawyer 5 stars!"
Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich
Appeals Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Brian Hurwitz headshot
Brian Hurwitz
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Benjamin Harold Pardun headshot
Benjamin Pardun
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 04
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 William Bouldin headshot
Michael Bouldin
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 14
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 headshot
Hovanes Margarian
Appeals Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Francis M Ciardi headshot
Francis Ciardi
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Stephen Rue headshot
Stephen Rue
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
David B Pittman headshot
David Pittman
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Brandon Lee Lauer headshot
Brandon Lauer
Criminal defense
Sarah Marie Kimball headshot
Sarah Kimball
Criminal defense
Robert August Lengeling headshot
Robert Lengeling
Criminal defense
Thomas Mark Beito headshot
Thomas Beito
Criminal defense
Robert Joseph Foley III headshot
Robert Foley
Criminal defense
Eric John Nelson headshot
Eric Nelson
Criminal defense
Benjamin Harold Pardun headshot
Benjamin Pardun
DUI and DWI
Rodd Ahren Tschida headshot
Rodd Tschida
Criminal defense
Samuel John Edmunds headshot
Samuel Edmunds
Criminal defense
Daniel Nelson Deasy headshot
Daniel Deasy
Criminal defense
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Personal injury
Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi
Criminal defense
Michael P. Gerace headshot
Michael Gerace
Criminal defense
Cassie Lynn Baudean headshot
Cassie Baudean
Divorce and separation
Patrick Joseph Casey headshot
Patrick Casey
Criminal defense
Steven Murray Coodin headshot
Steven Coodin
Criminal defense
Michael Lawrence Doyle headshot
Michael Doyle
DUI and DWI
Christopher Irvin Simser headshot
Christopher Simser
DUI and DWI
Anthony Michael Solis headshot
Anthony Solis
DUI and DWI
Ethan Patrick Meaney headshot
Ethan Meaney
DUI and DWI
Andover DUI and DWI Lawyer Derek Anthony Patrin
Derek Anthony Patrin
DUI and DWI Attorney
Andover, MN
Licensed for 24 years
Free Consultation
Message