Facing Criminal Charges in Minneapolis? How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help (2026 Guide)

TL;DR

If you’ve been arrested in Minneapolis, don’t say anything beyond identifying yourself and asking for a lawyer. Contact a licensed criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, ideally before your first court appearance, so you make the right decisions in the first few days after your arrest.

Being Charged With a Crime Is Frightening

An arrest can turn an ordinary day upside down. Most people never plan for one, so it can pull you away from work, family, and everything else you’re responsible for. You may also worry about whether you can keep your job and how it will affect your finances.

What matters most after an arrest is having an attorney in your corner who can protect your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes. Getting legal representation early is critical.

What a Criminal Defense Attorney Does

A Minneapolis criminal defense attorney performs several key functions for clients.

They Protect Your Rights

Your attorney makes sure law enforcement treated you according to the law. They check whether your stop and arrest were lawful and help you avoid saying anything the prosecution could use against you.

They Examine the Evidence

Your attorney reviews the evidence against you, including breath and blood test records, police and body camera video, and witness statements. They put everything together to build a full picture of what happened and develop your defense.

They Negotiate With the Prosecution

Defense attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors and push for reduced charges or a dismissal. Depending on the case, these approaches may help keep a conviction off your record.

They Represent You in Court

Your attorney represents you in court, from pre-trial motions and hearings through trial if your case goes that far.

Cases We Handle

Santana Dhawan Law defends clients in many types of criminal cases across the Twin Cities, including:

• DWI and DUI cases, including test refusals and first-time offenses
• Weapons and firearm charges
• Property crimes, including theft and shoplifting
• Agresión doméstica and other assault charges
• Drug sale and paraphernalia charges

Founding attorney Ronnie Santana is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and federal courts. Having worked both sides of the courtroom, he understands how criminal cases are built and how to defend against them.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Generally speaking, it’s important to act quickly after an arrest.

DWI cases are the clearest example. Under Minnesota’s implied consent law, you generally have 60 days from receiving a notice of license revocation to petition the court for judicial review. The license revocation is a separate civil process from your criminal case, so if you miss that deadline, you may lose the chance to challenge the revocation, regardless of how the criminal case turns out. Getting representation early helps you meet these deadlines.

Bilingual, Local Representation

Our team serves Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Richfield, and the rest of the Twin Cities, and supports clients in both English and Spanish. Our bilingual, bicultural attorneys can represent Spanish-speaking clients directly, without an interpreter.

Si necesita un abogado de defensa penal en Minneapolis, podemos atenderle en español.

Preguntas frecuentes

What should I do immediately after being arrested in Minneapolis?

Give your name, say that you want a lawyer, and then stop talking. Remember that jail phone calls can be recorded, so be careful what you say to anyone you call.

Do I need a lawyer for a first-time DWI?

It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer, even for a first DWI. These offenses can still carry a criminal record and license revocation.

How does expungement work in Minnesota?

There are two routes to expungement in Minnesota. The Clean Slate Act, which took effect in January 2025, seals many eligible records automatically, with no petition needed (Minn. Stat. § 609A.015). If your record doesn’t qualify, you may be able to petition under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02. Our team can help you figure out which applies to you.

What does a free consultation involve?

A free consultation is a chance to talk through what happened, what you’ve been charged with, and what may come next. It’s a no-obligation conversation, and you can ask what representation would cost.

Is representation available in Spanish?

Yes, it is. (Sí, está disponible.)

Don’t Face Charges Alone

Facing criminal charges is scary, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With a criminal defense attorney from Santana Dhawan Law, you’ll have an experienced advocate on your side from day one.

Schedule a free consultation with our team today to learn how we can help.

Note: This content is for general information and doesn’t represent legal advice. It doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship.