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 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Nate | September 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent criminal attorney

From the first time I met Blair, I felt confident that he was the best attorney for the job. He made me feel confident that he had my own and my families best interests at heart. Throughout the court process he proved that I’m more then one way. I was impressed with his legal knowledge and even more ...so with the results of my case. I would highly recommend Blair to anyone.

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 Candice | January 05, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Best Attorney in Beltrami County!

Years ago, when Mr. Nelson first opened his business, my dad worked with him on immigration issues. More than a decade later, I found myself in a situation that I needed an attorney. I called Blair Nelson, who advised me not to speak with the police (DUH? right?). Because of his work on the case, ...and the fact that I had an attorney representing me from day one, all charges were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence to prosecute. I'm not saying this will be the case with everyone, but for the money I spent in having a professional and experienced attorney represent me (instead of a "public pretender") I was able to avoid a criminal record. And THAT, is worth far more to me in the end.

Posted by Steve A | June 10, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Excellent Attorney

Excellent attorney. Great attention to detail. Knows the case up and down and is prepared for every hearing. Well versed in the law and is able to communicate that to the Judge. Not afraid of a good fight. Top notch criminal representation!

See All Client Reviews

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
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution