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 - 5 of 14 reviews

Posted by Mike | November 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

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... our options in language we could understand. My son accepted a plea deal Blair had worked out with the court and is currently under court supervision. I would recommend Blair without hesitation.

Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2024

He explains the issues

Blair is an excellent communicator who has a talent for "plain speaking" the law so laypersons can easily understand.

Posted by Jerry & Shannon | February 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

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...h very much respect. We are very greatful for Blair and feel that he is not just our Attorney but also a friend and that is a great feeling! He is truly the best!!

Posted by Charles | March 03, 2022

One of the Best

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!

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.

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