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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)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by David | May 05, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
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 ...
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 anonymous | February 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Please research
Mr. Patrin was extremely hard to get a hold of about this whole process in my first DUI encounter. I would send multiple emails, phone calls, and try my best to get ahold of Mr Patrin with no response. I understand lawyers are difficult to get ahold of but for weeks at a time I would get no resp...
Derek Patrin
Replied last February 21, 2025Thank you for taking the time to provide this detailed feedback, as I am always looking to improve my work and review how my business operates. I want to be as open and candid as possible with my response, since this is my first review that is not 5 stars. Clearly you were not satisfied with the way I handled the communication in your case, and I should have been perceptive of that and done more to make sure you were comfortable as we went through each step and attended these multiple hearings you are referring to. I can sometimes get too focused on preparing myself for my upcoming schedule of hearings each week and not always ensuring that my clients are aware of the time I've put into that preparation. I also realize that the convenience of giving my clients direct access to my cell phone number and email address without having any gatekeeping employees like legal secretaries or paralegals to answer simpler questions can also create a backlog for me sometimes. It's always my intention for this to be a "feature" of my representation, not a "bug." It is certainly a part of my law practice that I have been rethinking as I get older, having done DWI defense for over 24 years now. I used to be able to keep up more easily by staying up extra late answering emails and text messages, but as I'm getting a little older that ability seems to be waning a bit. It's good for me to hear that at least one client had a bad experience because of this. One of the main things I want all of my clients to have is peace of mind with their legal representation and it sounds like you didn't have that. Regarding your mention of feeling like I was working against you for your license revocation hearing, I would certainly never sabotage my own client. It's always my goal to try to present the best case possible and try to win any issues with merit. I do believe that people give more authentic and believable testimony when they aren't coached or rehearsed, so I usually do not engage in a bunch of question review prior to contested hearings where a client may testify. Being nervous during testimony is natural and okay; I am sure that was not the reason for the outcome of your case, whatever it was (since you wrote your review anonymously I am not sure which client you are and that's okay). You also mentioned a specific instance when I was late for a hearing. Unfortunately, this can happen from time to time with a busy law practice when I am going to different courthouses or have other hearings that run late, or perhaps need to file a last-minute unexpected document before I leave the home office or something like that. Sometimes even personal or family issues can cause an attorney to run late. Whenever these situations occur, I work hard to make sure a client's case is not negatively affected by it. The courts are generally very understanding too in these circumstances. Your situation sounds out of the ordinary because it sounds like I did not contact you until I was already 30 minutes late, as that would be extremely unusual and probably due to an unforeseen emergency or being stuck in another hearing where I was unable to stop and communicate. Definitely not a regular occurrence at all, even in your case, as you said I was late that one time out of the multiple hearings we had. Obviously the goal is to never be late. Once again, I am very grateful for your feedback and if you feel the need to discuss any of this further, do not hesitate to contact me. I promise I will not leave you waiting for weeks without a response. I also hope things worked out well for you in the aftermath of our case together and if you need any assistance with anything related to your case, you can always contact me with questions or concerns.
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