Skip to main content

Ethan Patrick Meaney

DUI and DWI Attorney at Andover, MN

5.0   18 reviews

Call and speak with several attorneys to find best fit for your specific legal issue.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US.
Find the best ones near you.
Find Nearby Lawyers

About Ethan

Learn Ethan’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. DUI and DWI
    100%
    Defending those charged with DWI and or facing impending license suspension, plate impoundment, and vehicle forfeiture. www.dwiguys.com

    24 years, 2,500 cases

Minnesota DWI Lawyer

 

ETHAN P. MEANEY  is a practicing attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota and focuses in the area of DWI criminal defense.  Prior to that he prosecuted hundreds of DWIs in Hennepin and Goodhue Counties in Minnesota.  Meaney has represented thousands of DWI cases and his recent victories in the Minnesota Court of Appeals cases State of Minnesota v. Paul Scott Demars and Tracey Ernest Wiberg v. Commissioner of Public Safety are just examples of his commitment to quality DWI representation in Minnesota.

 

Ethan Meaney graduated magna cum laude from Northern State University in 1996 and graduated in 1999 from the University of South Dakota School of Law in the top quarter of his class.  Immediately out of law school Meaney was a Minnesota judicial clerk for the Honorable Richard C. Perkins, Minnesota First Judicial District Court Judge.  He then joined the firm of Hoff, Barry & Kuderer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was the sole criminal DWI prosecutor.  From his time prosecuting, Meaney has developed a unique understanding of DWI law from a prosecutor's point of view and has utilized that in successfully representing his current DWI clients.  In 2001 he joined the criminal defense firm, where he defended hundreds of DWI clients throughout Minnesota.  During this time he has tried countless license revocation (Implied Consent), DWI vehicle forfeiture, criminal DWI, and appellate DWI cases.

 

Ethan Meaney loves practicing in the area of criminal DWI defense because it gives him the opportunity to assist clients in an area of law that has become too harsh on Minnesota drivers, especially with regard to loss of license privileges, loss of vehicle and mandatory jail time.  His goal is to make sure drivers have a voice against an increasingly unsympathetic criminal justice system.

Licensed for 23 years
State MN
Status Authorized to Practice
Acquired 1999
Updated 01/24/2023

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

Contact Ethan

Meaney & Patrin, PA - THE DWI GUYS
4024 151st Avenue NW
Andover, MN, 55304

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  18 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Concise, helpful with DWI issue
Ethan provided insightful advice during a consultation and was a compass for me when feeling lost in the woods. I would highly recommend him given the brief yet helpful interaction I had with him.
Posted by Mike | June 8, 2015
Outstanding
I would recommend Eathan Meany to anyone in need of an DWI attorney. That's all he does and does it well. Focusing on DWI law Eathan is very knowledgeable about current laws and issues that can make or break your case. No matter what we all have rights and Ethan will fight for yours. DWI laws have become increasingly complex, Ethan takes the time to review every aspect of a police report,audio recording,video recording, and anything else available, to give you the best possible outcome.
Read less
Posted by Cherokee | June 1, 2015
When I needed hope and advice Ethan was there for me, he made me feel safe and taken care of.
In 2003 I was arrested for a DUI which also involved hitting a pedestrian. I had never been to jail and I had never faced such uncertainty for my life before this. It was a holiday weekend, I was in an orange jump suit, looking at a tiny window near the ceiling surrounded by fifteen other women in various colored jump suits and personalities to match... I said a prayer and picked up the phone book, the first number I called was a friend of Ethan's and he referred me. Ethan came to visit me every day while I was in jail over the weekend, he just stopped by to give me hope and keep me sane. I was not allowed to know if the man I hit was dead or alive for two months and this was horrible. I didn't know if my life was over and more importantly if I had ended someone else's... Ethan kept in contact with my various family members and helped answer all of their questions while I was in rehab for a month. When I was released from rehab, Ethan and I got busy making a plan. Following Ethan's advice, I volunteered for public speaking and paid all of my fines ahead of time while we waited on a hearing date. Ethan went above and beyond for me. At my hearing the judge was impressed that I had done things without being told to, my family wrote letters on my behalf for the judge to read and I was allowed to speak after my judgment. I could of gone to prison for the rest of my life... I could of at the very least received a felony that would of ended my professional life and made me less of a contribution to society... Instead I had the opportunity to "fix myself" and Ethan made that possible, he fought for me, he put in extra time and effort that he didn't have to. The man I hit ended up with a scratch on his arm, the last I remember of him was the body print he left in my windshield... I ended up with probation and a new appreciation for my life and the freedoms I had almost lost. If your ever in a position as frightening as mine, you will wish you had someone like Ethan to hold your hand, he has amazing patients and a huge heart. Ethan is someone you should trust when your uncertain of where to turn next. It is twelve years later and I still keep in contact with Ethan, he is someone I would like to know for the rest of my life, whether I need him professionally or not. Thank you Ethan, you saved my life....
Read less
Posted by Sara | April 28, 2015
Rest Assured
My first and only(!) DWI almost 7 years ago, was terrifying to say the least. I was referred by a friend of mine to Ethan, Thank Goodness. Not only did he get me the best possible outcome, he was kind, thorough and professional throughout the process. Hope to not use his services again, but would in a heartbeat, if necessary.
Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2014
Ethan Meany is the best attorney one can find.
Mr. Meany is a superb legal professional. He has a very firm grasp of the law and counseled me every step of the way. I always felt that I was in good hands with him and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend him to anyone requiring his services.
Posted by anonymous | March 24, 2014
Aggressive, Professional, Vigorous!
Scariest time of my life getting my DUI. What I found in shopping for which firm to hire was that Meaney and Patrin was the most respected firm in the industry. Not one attorney I spoke with had one bad thing to say about Ethan or Derek. That was a huge factor in confirming my decision to hire Ethan (as he was assigned in my arresting county). He literally blew me away with his professionalism, knowledge and speed at which he managed my case. And that was before I saw him in court. He was a bulldog, I was beyond impressed and felt so safe and comfortable. I was very proud to have him speak for me and defend my case, which he won(!) and had my charge dismissed and my fines minimal. He was a total rock star from start to finish. Best decision of my life to hire him!
Read less
Posted by Brad | August 14, 2013
Horrible situation gets resolved perfectly
I had a citation that violated a driving probation. I was stressing myself out over what to do and how to approach the citation. Do I pay it right away? Do I wait? What implications will this have on my driving record and probation? To say I was pulling my hair out would be an understatement. I posted my situation and question here on AVVO and was promptly responded to by Ethan. He went above and beyond just giving me advice, he walked me through how to approach my situation and basically laid out a plan for me to follow; the last resort was to hire him if the first few steps did not work out. I almost felt like I had hired him considering the amount of advice and consult he gave me. He told me things that I should do that I couldn't even find on the internet. Thanks to Ethan's guidance, I received the best possible outcome and am no worse off. Going forward, if I am ever in a situation similar to this, Ethan will be the first one I contact.
Read less
Posted by Michael | July 10, 2013
An outstanding legal representative
Ethan was prompt, professional and very thorough in all of our interactions. He took the time to explain the small details and nuances of my legal proceedings. I could not have asked for a better attorney.
Posted by Michael | November 2, 2011
Very, VERY glad I had Ethan Meaney representing me!
Ethan is very gifted at explaining the exact legal issues that will have to be confronted in your case. He took an almost terrifying experience and broke it down to its component parts and steps, and got me through it stronger after it was over than I was when it began. He knows his law, his case law, and it appears he knows every prosecutor and judge in every county in the state of Minnesota. I put my total faith in his judgement and competence, and he came through successful.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2009
rating
Ethan is an all around good guy and tremendous lawyer.He helped me out big time with my case and I would definetly recommend him.Every time I called he would answer and if not he would get right back to me within a very short time.Thanks alot Ethan.
Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2009
Responsive, connected and intelligent
Ethan does a great job ensuring you know what to expect and how the process will unfold. At crunch time, he is a very talented negotiator who will get the best result for you. I would recommend Ethan to anyone facing a DUI charge.
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2009
Review of Ethan Meaney
Ethan is an outstanding attorney. He kept me informed on the progress of my case, answered all of my questions and has an abundance of knowledge in this area of the law. I was very lucky to find him.
Posted by anonymous | March 9, 2009
Profile rating for Ethan Meaney
Ethan was a hero at my trials - he is honestly one of the best lawyers in this field. I owe him a life time of gratitude. His knowledge and honestly was outstanding. I would recommend anyone who has been pulled over for drinking by law enforcement to give Ethan Meaney a call. You need a knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney at your side when going through something as hard as this. I would recommend Ethan to anyone.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2009
Ethan Meaney review
Ethan represtend me in a dui case. He worked very hard and always kept me informed. He and his partner Derek were very knowledgeable about the law and kept working my case. They did help me reduce the charges and they were well worth every penny. I would recommend Ethan to anyone needing Dui representation.
Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2009
Ethan could not have done a better job.
I called Ethan late one night and he answered my questions and gave me great advice, even before I decided to hire him. He got my DWI reduced down to a Reckless. Through the whole process he kept in informed and updated on what was going to happen. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. He did a great job. I will keep his card with me and pass it to anyone I know that would be in need of his service.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2009
lifesaver
i hired Ethan over the phone from Des Moines Iowa,I havent had very good luck with lawyers but with Eathan i felt very comfortable after one phone call.He did a great job for me and went the extra mile to get my case dismissed.I reccomend Ethan very strongly.!!!!!
Posted by anonymous | January 17, 2009
Client Review
Very thorough, very reassuring. By talking to Ethan and putting my situation in his hands I truly felt everything was going to work out and it did.
Posted by anonymous | November 15, 2008
Highly Recommended - Got my DWI Dismissed all charges dropped
I was working with another Attorney, who was not responsive and was telling me to plead guilty and not to fight the Implied Consent charge. I dropped that lawyer and called Meaney. He took my case with very little notice, and worked with me to reschedule hearings until his experts could review my case. It turns out my blood test had been done incorrectly. My expert witness that Meaney provided, took apart the prosecutions case and Meaney got ALL CHARGES DROPPED! My case was dismissed, and I continued to work with Meaney to get my arrest record expunged. Meaney saved me thousands of dollars in penaties and insurance costs. He is the only Attorney I would recommend to any of my friends if they ever had a DWI charge.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

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

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Meaney & Patrin, PA
  • 2005 - Present
  • Associate
  • Gerald Miller & Associates, PA
  • 2002 - 2005
  • Associate
  • Hoff, Barry & Kuderer
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Judicial Law Clerk- Honorable Richard C. Perkins
  • First Judicial District, State Of Minnesota
  • 1999 - 2001
  • Law Clerk
  • South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
  • 1998 - 1999
View all work experience

Education

  • University of South Dakota School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • Northern State University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1996

Legal Cases

  • State v. David John Sundrum
  • The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court noting a lack of evidence in the record to show that the Defendant’s father gave the officer consent to enter the home.
  • Tracey Ernest Wiberg v. Comm'r of Public Safety
  • Court of Appeals reversed decision of lower court
  • State v. Paul Scott Demars
  • Court of Appeals upheld decision of trial court

Associations

  • International Criminal Law
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Association of Federal Defense Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Minnesota DWI Attorneys
  • Founding Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Worldwide Who's Who
  • Lifetime Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Forensic Science Litigation Attorney Network
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • DUI Law
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • DUI Litigaton Attorney's Network
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • University of South Dakota Alumni
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Dakota County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - 2001
  • University School of Law Natural Resoures Journal
  • President
  • 1998 - 1999
  • University of South Dakota School of Law Natural Resource Journal
  • Vice President
  • 1997 - 1998
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Minnesota Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Minnesota Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2016
  • Minnesota Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Lawyers
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2014
  • Minnesota Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Worldwide Who's Who
  • Who's Who Legal
  • 2013
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2012
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2011
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2010
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2010
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • 2007
  • Rising Star
  • Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2007
View all awards

Publications

Attorney endorsements

Received (68)
Given (36)
Endorse Ethan
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Co-worker
"If I ever got arrested for DWI, my first phone call would be to Ethan Meaney. From start to finish, Ethan knows the DWI process better than anyone else. He used to prosecute DWI cases, and now he defends them. He knows how prosecutors think and he also clerked for a judge, so he knows how judges think. That knowledge and experience is invaluable when a person is facing a DWI charge. He is also the best cross-examiner of police officers I have ever seen. I'm proud to be Ethan's law partner, and I will always stand by the work and service he provides to our clients."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Meaney understands the complex nature of defending DUI/DWI cases. He knows that in addition to being aggressive, an attorney must have an excellent knowledge of the law. His approach to the problems presented for answers on AVVO clearly indicate to me he is an excellent defender of his clients rights. I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"As a fellow DWI Lawyer and Member of the Top 100 Attorneys I know the best DWI lawyers when I see them. That is the reason I endorse Attorney Ethan P. Meaney Esq. Attorney Ethan P. Meaney, Esq., is simply at the pinnacle of success in his field. Don't just call him, but run to his office to make sure you get him and the best defense possible in your case, I definitely would."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have read many of the responses to inquiries given by this attorney. I can say that he gives solid advice. Ethan Patrick Meaney is very knowledgeable and an aggressive advocate for his clients."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ethan Patrick Meaney is a great lawyer with excellent judgment and legal ability. He is an attorney of the highest caliber, well-respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Meaney is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With his extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, he is bound to invest his time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ethan is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Meaney is an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner. He brings his wealth of knowledge and intellect to bear on each of his cases yielding outstanding results."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse Mr. Meaney. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ethan has a ton of experience and is a frequent contributor in the area of DUI defense. If you need help, give him a call!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 09
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Meaney is highly respected among his peers. Moreover, he has a great depth of knowledge in DUI and DWI law which serve his client's needs well."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.Ethan is an excellent attorney who exhibits all the attributes of a fine advocate and is truly dedicated to his clients and the profession."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"When you, or a loved one, finds themselves in need of a DUI attorney it is important to retain an experienced, knowledgeable and competent lawyer. Mr. Meaney is well respected in the legal community for those reasons."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Other
"Great representation at all times. I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Meaney is an excellent lawyer with a great reputation of positive results for his clients. I highly recommend him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"15 years of practicing DUI/DWI law is experienced. Experience matters. Ethan and his partner Mr. Patrin are both skilled in the field of DUI defense as is clearly evident from his pro bono contributions where knowledge of both the law and procedure is on display. Client reviews are stellar and should be read. Do yourself a favor if you are in or near Minneapolis and schedule a consultation."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.A skilled and very knowledgeable attorney in his field!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top notch lawyer in his field. Ethan is one of the best lawyers in the state. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. His experience really shows through in his many contribution on Avvo."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse attorney Ethan Meaney. Provides outstanding legal answers on Avvo for individuals asking for advice. An asset to the legal profession."
View more endorsements
Mesothelioma and asbestos
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Workers compensation
Divorce and separation
DUI and DWI
Bankruptcy and debt
DUI and DWI
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Personal injury
DUI and DWI
Personal injury