Blair W. Nelson

PRO

Blair W. Nelson

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 29 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Bemidji, MN
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Violent Crime, Gun Law

205 7th Street NW, Suite 3, Bemidji, MN

Virtual Consultation Available

About Blair

Biography

Facing charges? We can help! Call today.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

General Criminal Defense in State and Federal Courts.

29 years

30%
DUI and DWI 25%

DWI Cases, Implied Consent License Revocation, and Vehicle Forfeitures.

29 years

25%
Violent Crime 25%

We have extensive experience and qualifications in Homicide, Criminal Sexual Conduct, and Assault cases,

29 years

25%
Gun Law 20%

Restoration of Firearms Rights and Permit to Carry Litigation

19 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 300-450 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Awards

Notable Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in North Dakota for 29 years

State: North Dakota

Acquired: 1997

Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Minnesota for 29 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 1996

Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Blair W. Nelson, Ltd.

205 7th Street NW, Suite 3, Bemidji, MN, 56601-3154

blairwnelson.com/

Blair W. Nelson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (14) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 14 reviews

Posted by john | April 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Highly recommend as top notch defense.

Blair helped me out in a time of need and was able to take the stress off my back. His legal skills are top notch. He treated me very professional but still made me feel like a priority. I recommend him as my first choice in defense. Thank you Mr. Blair Nelson.

Posted by Barbara | August 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

DWI and probation violation

Blair. represented our son in substance abuse charges efficiently and effectively. He helped arrange rehab and gave the kind of professional assistance which has, in the end, made it possible for our son to begin to rebuild his life without the stigma of felony charges on his record.

Posted by Nicole | July 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Mother of 6 Facing 10 Year Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentence

At the worst time of my life, Blair Nelson gave me hope. A family man himself, Mr. Nelson exemplified the characteristics of a philanthropist that understood the importance of fair sentencing. I felt like I was losing my family, and Mr. Nelson soon became the guiding hand at this uncertain time of my... life. I was facing a mandatory minimum 10 year prison sentence, and with his experience and positive mindset, I was able to avoid and extreme sentence and be reunited with my husband and kids within a year. I thank God for men like Blair Nelson.

Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2016 | Criminal Defense

Athlete FALSE rape.

I was a high profile athlete at a JC in north MN. I was accused of raping a girl and was thrown in jail for 19 days and was facing 12 years in prison Blair took over and got me justice as I got 2 not guilty verdict. After a terrible joke of investigation by the officer and school they took the stand ...in court and Blair made them look stupid. His actions and demeanor are top notch. Turns out the girl was lying from the beginning and Blair got her to ultimately prove that I was telling the truth the entire time. Blair really comforts you and tells it how it is. He is a great guy and truly does figjht for you. First hand when I was in jail and first met and conversed with Blair he was respectful caring and honest. He is a wonderful hire. Worth the money. Makes these dumb small town prosecuting attorneys dumb. Love Blair and his help. Guy knows how to do his job.

Posted by Terina | March 03, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Blair Has Earned my Respect and Trust! I Wholeheartedly Recommend Him!

When I suddenly found myself arrested on felony criminal sex charges, I was scared and overwhelmed. I had no experience with the legal system and knew I needed a good lawyer. But I didn’t know how I’d ever find one I could trust and feel comfortable with. From my very first conversation with Blai...r, I knew I could trust him. Without talking down to me or embarrassing me, he sorted everything out. Explained things. I could tell that he knew the law and knew how to help me. He welcomed my questions. (And maybe some of my questions were dumb but if they were, Blair never let on. He then, and still has, helped me to have and keep my dignity.) And he was compassionate and understanding, letting me have my moments when I was overwhelmed with emotions. True, you can’t just go by first impressions. But during the time he’s been representing me, he’s proven to me time and again that I couldn’t have wished for a better or more skilled lawyer. He promptly keeps me informed of what’s happening, explaining what it means and how we’ll proceed. No false hopes, no dramatizing. Just here’s what it is and here’s what we’ll do. He’s even gotten the law book out to give me something ‘visual’ when I needed a little clearer understanding and more reassurance. He doesn’t need to do that but that’s just how Blair is: He takes the time and gives the little ‘extra’ his client needs. Very comforting to have him in control yet still be kept ‘in the loop.’ I’ve also gotten to see him ‘in action’ in the courtroom, not only what he says, but how he interacts with the judge and the prosecuting attorney, his demeanor. Impressive! He’s respectful and at ease but he doesn’t let himself be intimidated. He’s there for his client, ready to push if he needs to push. He’s earned my respect and I have complete faith in him. What’s been huge to me is that when I’ve got questions, or worries, or maybe I’m just stressing out, he’s accessible. I can schedule an appointment (and his office quickly fits me in every time) or email or call him. For me, it’s mostly emails. And Blair responds quickly (10-20 minutes!). It shows how ready he is to help his client. And Blair knows just what to say, whether it’s making a statement to the media in my behalf, or just reminding me to breathe. Or handling every ‘crisis’ in between. It’s a good feeling knowing I’m being represented by the best. That’s why I can wholeheartedly, with no hesitation, recommend Blair as a skilled lawyer you can confidently put your trust in.

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Blair W. Nelson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Blair
Charles Raymond Segal headshot
Charles Segal

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Nelson is a colleague practicing in northern Minnesota who I have known for years. I often consult Mr. Nelson regarding cases and refer cases to him. He is widely seen as the "go-to" source for answers to many complicated legal questions. He is one of the best!"

View All Endorsements
Ryan James Bies headshot
Ryan Bies

State, local, and municipal law lawyer

Charles Raymond Segal headshot
Charles Segal

DUI and DWI lawyer

James Bruce Fleming headshot
James Fleming

Criminal defense lawyer

Gary M Hazelton headshot
Gary Hazelton

Personal injury lawyer

Robin L Olson headshot
Robin Olson

Criminal defense lawyer

Diane Marie Hess headshot
Diane Hess

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers Magazine

2024

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers Magazine

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers Magazine

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers Magazine

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)

2012

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Attorney, Blair W. Nelson, Ltd.

1999 - 2001

Attorney, Hazelton & Rogers

1997 - 1999

Attorney, Nelson Law Office

Associations

2018 - Present

Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice

Member

2012 - Present

Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network

Attorney Member

1998 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1997 - Present

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member

Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v JJJ (Wadena County, MN)

Disorderly Conduct charge dismissed

State v ARH (Clearwater County, MN)

Domestic Assault Charges Dismissed.

State v MRA (Polk County, MN)

Firearms Rights Restored

State v SCH (Hubbard County, MN)

Felony Assault with Firearm Dismissed, reduced to Misdemeanor

State v JAT (Cass County, MN)

Felony Assault with Firearm dismissed, reduced to Misdemeanor

State v ZJW (Morrison County, MN)

Felony Drug Charges Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

University of North Dakota School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

University of North Dakota

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

Minnesota Criminal Justice Institute Ghost Guns, Bruen, and the New Prohibition

2019

Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice 34th Annual DWI Seminar Gun Rights and the Drinking Driver in Minnesota

2019

Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice

Nelson on the North (DWI Practice in the 9th District)

2018

Gun Law: Acquiring, Handling & Transferring Firearms in Minnesota Carrying a Firearm in Minnesota: Advising Permit-to-Carry Holders

2014

Minnesota Gun Owner's Civil Rights Alliance - Second Annual Gun Rights Seminar and Member Meeting Zombies, T-Shirts and Facebook: What you say today may swing your jury tomorrow.

Publications

2015

Bench & Bar of Minnesota Small Firm Practice Chose Me

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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