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W. Harvey Skees

also known as The Law Office of W. Harvey Skees
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Avvo Rating10
  • Bismarck, ND
  • Licensed for 22 years
  • Free consultation
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About W. Harvey

Super Lawyer... Premier Trial Attorney... "10 Best Attorney" for both DUI/DWI and Criminal Defense... these are just some of the accolades that have been bestowed on attorney W. Harvey Skees who has prided himself on providing high quality, aggressive, and honest representation of people when they need it most.  

Having handled 1000's of cases, W. Harvey Skees has been continuously recognized throughout his legal training and legal career for his legal abilities including: 

- Selected as a Super Lawyers - "Minnesota Rising Stars”

- Selected by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys as a Criminal Law "10 Best Attorney” for North Dakota 

- Selected by The National Trial Lawyers as a "Top 100 Trial Lawyer” 

- Selected by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys as a DUI/DWI “10 Best Attorney” for North Dakota

- Selected by the The National Academy of Jurisprudence as a “Premier 100 Trial Attorney” for North Dakota

- Selected by The American Society of Legal Advocates as a Minnesota "Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney" 

Attorney W. Harvey Skees always provides a FREE initial consultation to inform potential clients of their rights and options so feel free to contact him today.

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Practice areas

Federal crimeCriminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 40%

    Selected as a Super Lawyers - "Minnesota Rising Stars" Selected by The National Trial Lawyers as a "Top 100 Trial Lawyer” Selected by the The National Academy of Jurisprudence as a “Premier 100 Trial Attorney” for North Dakota Selected by The American Society of Legal Advocates as a Minnesota "Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney"

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 40%

    Selected as a Super Lawyers - "Minnesota Rising Stars" Selected by The National Trial Lawyers as a "Top 100 Trial Lawyer” Selected by the The National Academy of Jurisprudence as a “Premier 100 Trial Attorney” for North Dakota Selected by The American Society of Legal Advocates as a Minnesota "Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney"

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  3. Federal crime: 20%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1775746 1462385413

Contact

The Law Office of W. Harvey Skees

1515 Burnt Boat Dr.
Suite C - #119
Bismarck, ND, 58503

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      NDAuthorized to Practice Law201607/16/2021
      MNAuthorized to Practice199907/15/2021
      WAVoluntarily Resigned199807/08/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers25
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      “Premier 100 Trial Attorney” for North DakotaThe National Academy of Jurisprudence2017
      10 Best Attorney - DUI/DWIAmerican Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys2017
      10 Best Attorney - Criminal DefenseAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2017
      Minnesota "Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney" for 2014The American Society of Legal Advocates2014
      Top 100 Trial LawyerThe National Trial Lawyers2013
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers2012
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers2011
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Attorney and OwnerThe Law Office of W. Harvey Skees2003 - Present
      Judicial Law Clerk8th Judicial District of Minnesota1998 - 1998
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      North Dakota State Bar AssociationN/A2016 - Present
      Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense LawyersN/A2014 - Present
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of North Dakota School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1998
      University of North DakotaBS - Bachelor of Science1995
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      "First" Series CLE"Your First DWI Case"2014
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      State of ND v. SB (Morton County, ND)Not Guilty (12 Person Jury Verdict)

      Reviews

      (10)
      5 Star
      		80%
      4 Star
      		10%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		10%
      Review W. Harvey Skees

      An Absolute Must Hire

      Posted by

      Hiring W. Harvery Skees's as my attorney was the best decision I have ever made. After a brief consultation about my pending legal situation, he immediately let me know what all the options were and what he expected to happen given his experience. He will absolutely go to battle with a relentless pursuit of justice for anyone he represents. Although I do not reside in ND or MN he represented me and took on the North Dakota legal system on my behalf. Given the circumstances of my case, I received a better outcome than I ever could have imagined. Anyone out there who has gotten into legal trouble needs W. Harvey Skees's in their corner.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Awesome

      Posted by

      I hired Harvey as my defense lawyer. He was very professional and straight to the point. Harvey knows the law and knows it well. He was able to obtain a NOT GUILTY verdict for all charges against me. It was a difficult case that he took control of and kept fighting for me. My family is grateful for all the hard work he did for me. Although I never want to be in this type of situation again, I would not hesitate to have Harvey as my lawyer. Words cannot express my gratitude towards Harvey. Thank You.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Elite representation

      Posted by

      Harvey did exactly what he said he would do! I searched until I found someone I thought was best for the job. However I wasn’t sold until I spoke to him. Very up front with his clients, whether good news or bad. Best representation I’ve had. Got my case dismissed!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      My Lincoln Lawyer

      Posted by

      Harvey Skees's is my lincoln lawyer, found myself in legal trouble in Mckinzie county from 2011. im not one to have run ins with the law. So i didnt know what to do, after i contacted Harvey i was living in a different state. He told me no problem, and had my back......now i can go forward with my life thanks to Harvey.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Excellent! Knowledgable!

      Posted by

      Harvey Skees is a no hold em kind of Lawyer. He did exactly what he said he could do, and we are SO grateful for all his hard work and determination! Harvey knows the law forward and back, is honest and upfront! He doesn't sugar coat the situation and keeps it straight forward! He really does the job and we would hire him back in a heartbeat if we needed too!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Superb representation

      Posted by

      Mr Skees did a fantastic job in representing me. He was able to see nuances others might miss. He was did everything he needed to represent me successfully.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      W.Harvey Skees

      Posted by

      My lawyer went to bat for me, and got my ticket dismissed, I am very happy.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Great representation

      Posted by

      Harvey's knowledge, confidence, and connections really helped achieve a great and quick resolution to my legal situation. I greatly appreciated his patience and quick responses when contacting him. If I'm ever in need of legal representation or consultation again he will be the first one I call.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Speeding Ticket

      Posted by

      Harvey was able to negotiate defensive driving course, so that I could avoid the points being added to me driving record.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Run! He wants his retainer upfront before consulting

      Posted by

      Very unprofessional and rude. Wants to have money deposited before doing a consultation!! Wow, the worst I've came across! Also only replies by texting! Very unprofessional!!
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney
      W. Harvey Skees' response: This "anonymous" review was NOT from a client. This was from a mother/family member of a person charged with first degree murder who already had an attorney who wanted a "second opinion" as to the performance of their current attorney. Given that the person was already represented and the gravity of the offense and the ethical issues present in this situation, it is ALWAYS the policy of this firm to limit any consultation to procedural aspects and to assure ability to pay for capital offenses by having the client deposit the FULLY REFUNDABLE retainer fee into our IOLTA Trust Account. Should the person choose not to hire the law firm after a FREE consultation, the money is refunded. If they hire us, a secondary retainer agreement outlining the scope of the representation is signed by the parties. This is how ALL criminal attorneys normally handle this situation due to the ethical implications involved. This person is posting a negative review to account for the fact that: 1) they could not afford the retainer agreement; 2) would not agree to sign a pre-consultation agreement regarding the same; 3) or provide information requested to prepare for the same. This is their way of attempting to get back at myself and this law firm. Take it for what it's worth. 100%

      Attorney endorsements

      (5)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Steven Leibel, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2018
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. Harvey is aggressive, honest, and treats his clients with respect.

      Gerald Miller, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 12, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. I have known Harvey for several years. In fact he worked with me at my law firm for a number of those years. As a result I know Harvey's work first hand. Harvey is extremely bright and very knowledgeable in the area's of DWI and Criminal law. He has the unique ability to come up with defenses that other lawyers don't even think of. He is also one of the most tenacious lawyers I know. He won't back off. Harvey doesn't just get the job done, he gets results. If the need arose, I would not hesitate to hire Harvey to represent me. I fully endorse Harvey.

      Douglas Kans, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. I have known Harvey for many years and know him to be a smart and zealous advocate on behalf of his clients. He is experienced and very well liked and respected in the legal community.

      Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 29, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse Harvey. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

      Christian Peterson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 31, 2013
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Skees is one of the best DWI/DUI lawyers in Minnesota. His creativity and dedication to his clients is unsurpassed in the legal profession. Anyone charged with DWI would be wise to hire him to represent them.

      Cost

      RATES
        • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
          30 minutes
        OTHER BILLING TYPES
        • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
          Always
        PAYMENT METHODS

        Cash, Check, Credit Card