$ 300-450 per hour
PRO
Virtual Consultation Available
Blair focuses his practice on criminal trial defense matters. He has been licensed to practice in Minnesota State Courts since 1996, licensed to practice in North Dakota since 1997, and admitted to the Federal District Court of Minnesota in 2001.
Blair is an experienced criminal defense trial lawyer, having achieved complete acquittals for clients on charges ranging from Attempted Murder, Vehicular Manslaughter, and Arson to Failure to Yield the Right of Way. As one of the most trusted Beltrami county attorneys, he believes that every criminal and traffic accusation is potentially serious and strives to protect his client's rights on every level.
Blair has a great deal of knowledge and experience in defending Native American cases. Blair worked with the White Earth Criminal and Juvenile Defense Corporation from 1999 to 2004, Leech Lake Juvenile and Criminal Defense Corporation from 2003 to 2006, and is a current member of the Federal Defender C.J.A. Panel.
While he defines himself as a criminal defense lawyer, he relaxes by hunting, fishing, cooking, and spending time with his family.
If you or someone you know is searching for an experienced Beltrami county criminal defense attorney for Minnesota or North Dakota, contact our firm today.
4
Practice Areas
29 years
29 years
29 years
19 years
$ 300-450 per hour
Always
State: North Dakota
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Mobile
205 7th Street NW, Suite 3, Bemidji, MN, 56601-3154
blairwnelson.com/
14 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by Mike | November 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Vacation nightmare
My son got arrested for driving a boat while impaired. Not being from Minnesota I had to find an attorney to represent him. I went online and found Blair. I called and immediately knew my son would be in good hands. Blair is very personable and knows the law. We met at Blair's office and he explained...
Posted by Jerry & Shannon | February 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
DUI
I would very highly recommend Blair as your attorney. He helped my husband get out of a DUI that should have never happened. Got his license reinstated immediately so he could continue on with fall harvest. Blair is very understanding & listens to your side of the situation, treats his clients wit...
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...
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 ...
"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!"
State, local, and municipal law lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
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)
2001 - Present
Attorney, Blair W. Nelson, Ltd.
1999 - 2001
Attorney, Hazelton & Rogers
1997 - 1999
Attorney, Nelson Law Office
2018 - Present
Minnesota Society for Criminal JusticeMember
2012 - Present
Armed Citizens Legal Defense NetworkAttorney Member
1998 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
1997 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationMember
Member
Disorderly Conduct charge dismissed
Domestic Assault Charges Dismissed.
Firearms Rights Restored
Felony Assault with Firearm Dismissed, reduced to Misdemeanor
Felony Assault with Firearm dismissed, reduced to Misdemeanor
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
1995
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2023
2023
2019
2019
Nelson on the North (DWI Practice in the 9th District)
2018
2014
2015
English
Legal Answers