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Derek Anthony Patrin
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About Derek
Biography
Since 2001 Derek A. Patrin has devoted his career to defending people charged with DWI, developing deep experience and courtroom-savvy through thousands of cases. After graduating cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1998 and a stint at a large Minneapolis firm, he moved into DWI defense work with Gerald Miller & Associates and has since built a reputation for effective advocacy. Derek was named a “Rising Star” in DWI defense by Minnesota Law & Politics in 2005, and his appellate victory in Jones v. Commissioner of Public Safety received prominent coverage in Minnesota Lawyer. He finds his work personally fulfilling, striving to protect clients’ livelihoods and families while resisting overly punitive enforcement and safeguarding their legal rights.
Contact me for thorough, award-winning DWI/Test Refusal representation throughout the State of MN.
Superior DWI representation -- I treat these cases as if your life depends on it, because it does.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
95%
27 years | 2,500 cases
Appeals
5%
27 years | 30 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2016 2015 2014
...
+
2
2015 2012
Licenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 26 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Derek online.
Derek Anthony Patrin's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
28 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (28)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Frank | November 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
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...
Posted by anonymous | May 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
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...
Posted by LeAnne | May 02, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
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 appl...
Posted by Vince | December 15, 2011 | DUI & DWI
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 | March 17, 2009 | DUI & DWI
Excellent Strategy
Derek was very good at navigating the complexities of my DWI case. When things took a turn for the worse at a hearing, Derek bought us time and secured a deal that is very hard to get in Anoka County.
Derek Anthony Patrin's Lawyer Endorsements
"Derek is an extremely intelligent attorney and truly cares about reaching the best results for his clients. He has been a mentor to me since I became an attorney and always gives very detailed advice. I would consider Derek one of the best DWI attorneys in the state."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Derek is a true professional and he takes a common sense approach in working with his clients. He is a very sound DUI attorney."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is at the top of our profession."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Patrin is a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney ready to work for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. A skilled and very knowledgeable attorney."
"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+"
"I not only endorse this lawyer. I give this lawyer 5 stars!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this 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."
"Derek has been practicing and winning DUI cases in the Twin Cities for 13 years. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2021
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Worldwide Who's Who, Who's Who Legal
2011
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
2008
Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2007
Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2005
Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2005
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Owner, The DWI Guys P.A.
2001 - 2005
Associate, Gerald Miller & Associates
2000 - 2001
Solo Practitioner, Derek A. Patrin, Attorney at Law
1999 - 2000
Associate, Rider Bennett Law Firm
1998 - 1999
Summer Associate, Kalina, Wills, Woods & Thompson
1997 - 1998
Student Attorney, University Of Minnesota Law School - Civil Practice Clinic
Associations
2013 - Present
Minnesota DWI AttorneysMember
2013 - Present
Minnesota State Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
Anoka County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Worldwide Who's WhoLifetime Member
1999 - Present
Minnesota State Bar Association, 10th District Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
University of Minnesota Law School AlumniMember
1999 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2000 - 2001
Minnesota Justice FoundationVolunteer Attorney
Sample of 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
Jason Jones v. Commissioner of Public Safety
Published Appellate Decision Reversing Lower Court
Education
1998
University of Minnesota Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
University of Minnesota
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1990
NanKai University
Summer Study Abroad Program
Speaking Engagements
2014
John Hines Talk Show
Interview Re: State v. Bernard Decision
2013
Saturday Night with Esme Murphy
Interview Re: Missouri v. McNeely Decision
2010
Consolidated Source Code Hearing
Hearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer
Publications
2011
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
2010
Minnesota Public Radio
Hearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer
2010
Shakopee Valley News
DWI machine drama to be decided in county courtroom
2009
2009
Star Tribune
Legal basis of breath test challenged
2009
Wisconsin Law Journal
Minn. high court decision is a blow to Intoxilyzer
2005
Bench & Bar of Minnesota
Tips & Traps: Late Night DWI Consultations
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Derek earned significant contribution points in 2016.
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have a vehicle in my personal name and my DBA INC. John Smith DBA John Smith Plumbing Inc.
28 Oct 2025
Q&A
Why would I still.have to.put an interlocked devise in my car.? Charges were expsponged. And they want me to.pay th e m 680...
28 Oct 2025
Q&A
If a person has a concussion and refuses to take a breathalyzer and give blood, are they still legally responsible?
27 Oct 2025