Derek A. Patrin - Andover, MN
Attorney at The DWI Guys, P.A.
Traffic Violations Lawyers in Andover, MN
4024 151st Ave NW Andover, MN 55304
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
27
Years
Experience
Andover Traffic Violations Lawyer
Updated: 08/25/2026
Areas of Practice
- Traffic Violations
- Criminal Law
- DUI / DWI
Attorney Information
Overview
Derek A. Patrin has spent more than two decades focused exclusively on DWI defense, helping thousands of people navigate one of the most stressful moments of their lives. Along the way, he’s earned honors such as being named one of Minnesota’s Attorneys of the Year and being recognized repeatedly as a Super Lawyer—but what he’s most proud of is the impact his work has on real people and families.
Derek graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1998 and started his career at a large downtown Minneapolis firm representing corporations and insurance companies. It didn’t take long for him to realize that defending big companies wasn’t where his heart was. He wanted to stand up for individuals—everyday people who suddenly find themselves facing a system that feels stacked against them.
He shifted his career toward DWI defense in 2001 and never looked back. His work quickly gained attention: he handled hundreds of cases early on, was named a Rising Star by Minnesota Law & Politics, and his win in the Court of Appeals in Jones v. Commissioner of Public Safety was featured on the front page of Minnesota Lawyer.
But for Derek, the real reward is helping good people get through a difficult situation with their dignity, livelihood, and future intact.
“I never planned to be a criminal defense attorney, but as soon as I started doing this work, I realized it was exactly where I was meant to be. I get to help people who feel overwhelmed and outmatched, and there’s nothing more meaningful to me than making a real difference in someone’s life. Many clients have become good friends. That’s the part they don’t tell you in law school.”
Derek is known for being honest, down-to-earth, and deeply committed to protecting his clients’ rights. He believes the DWI system has become too harsh—especially for people who made a mistake but aren’t habitual offenders—and he sees his role as leveling the playing field when the state pushes too far.
With decades of focused experience, courtroom-tested skill, and a genuine commitment to the people he represents, Derek brings both heart and expertise to every case.
Awards and Honors
Awards
Honors
- “Rising Star” Honoree, Minnesota Law & Politics, 2005 - 2013
- “Super Lawyer Honoree”, DWI/DUI defense, Minnesota Law & Politics, 2014 - Present
- Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2012
- Worldwide Who's Who, Who's Who Legal, 2012
- Special Achievement, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2011
- Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer, 2011
Other Sources of Feedback About Derek A. Patrin
Included on the 2026 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2011 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2008 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2005 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
University of Minnesota Law School,
Minneapolis,
Minnesota, 1998
J.D.
Honors: cum laude
Non Legal Education
-
University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis,
Minnesota,
U.S.A., 1996
B.S.
Major: Chinese Language and Literature
Major: International Relations -
NanKai University, 1990
Summer Study Abroad Program
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney/Owner
Past Positions
- Gerald Miller & Associates, Associate, 2001 - 2005
- Minneapolis law firm of Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel
- Derek A. Patrin, Attorney at Law, Solo Practitioner, 2000 - 2001
- Kalina, Wills, Woods & Thompson, Summer Associate, 1998 - 1999
Classes and Seminars
-
John Hines Talk Show - Interview Re: State v. Bernard Decision, 2014
-
Saturday Night with Esme Murphy - Interview Re: Missouri v. McNeely Decision, 2013
- Consolidated Source Code Hearing - Hearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer, 2010
Pro Bono Activities
- University of Minnesota Law School Alumni, Member, 1999 - Present
- Minnesota Justice Foundation, Volunteer Attorney, 2000 - 2001
Representative Cases
-
Jones v. Commissioner of Public Safety
- Citation: 660 N.W.2d 472
- Court: Minn. App.
- Year: 2003
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State v. Brunner (Underdahl), 767 N.W.2d 677 (Minn. 2009) (PDF)
Published Works
Articles
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Prior Lake American - DWI defense may appeal Intoxilyzer ruling, 2011
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Minnesota Public Radio Hearing lays groundwork for case challenging Intoxilyzer, 2010
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Shakopee Valley News - DWI machine drama to be decided in county courtroom, 2010
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Pioneer Press, Breath-test ruling jeopardizes thousands of state DWI cases, 2009
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Star Tribune - Legal basis of breath test challenged, 2009
- Wisconsin Law Journal - Minn. high court decision is a blow to Intoxilyzer, 2009
- Bench & Bar of Minnesota - Tips & Traps: Late Night DWI Consultations, 2005
- Minnesota Litigator - After more than five years, Source Code Challenge may be near the end, 2011
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1999
Other Affiliations
- Minnesota DWI Attorneys, 2013 - Present (Member)
- Minnesota State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section, 2013 - Present (Member)
- Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013 - Present (Member)
- Anoka County Bar Association, 2006 - Present (Member)
- Worldwide Who's Who, 2006 - Present (Lifetime Member)
- Minnesota State Bar Association, 10th District Bar Association, 1999 - Present (Member)
- Minnesota State Bar Association, 1999 - Present (Member)
Photo
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