
Mark Arneson, Criminal Defense Attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
Senior PartneratArneson & Geffen PLLC
Minneapolis, MN
Practicing criminal defense in Minneapolis since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 14 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Mark Arneson?
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Quick answer
Mark Arneson is a senior partner based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Mark has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arneson & Geffen PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
- Based in
- Minneapolis, MN
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Minneapolis, MN.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Mark Arneson: Mark Arneson is a senior partner based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Mark has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arneson & Geffen PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Mark's practice areas in Minneapolis
Mark concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, dv defense, and expungement. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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DV Defense
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Expungement
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General
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Probation
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Theft
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Traffic
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Violent Crimes
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mark takes criminal defense matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mark takes drug crimes matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mark takes dui/dwi matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mark takes dv defense matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Expungement cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mark takes expungement matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Biography
Mark Arneson, criminal defense attorney serving Minneapolis
Mark Arneson is a senior partner based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Mark has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arneson & Geffen PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 14 client reviews. Mark works from Minneapolis, Minnesota and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Mark Arneson has been practicing law since 1997 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from William Mitchell College of Law. He began his career in Criminal Prosecution as the lead prosecutor for the Cities of Waite Park, Buffalo, St. Joseph and Albany.
In 2000, Mr. Arneson took the knowledge he gained as a prosecutor and began practicing in the area of criminal defense.
He has secured numerous acquittals and dismissals for his clients in a variety of cases from Felony to Misdemeanors and has been recognized by numerous organizations for his dedication to criminal defense.
• Named Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney in Minnesota! (National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys)
• Named Top 100 Trial Attorney in Minnesota! (National Trial Lawyers Association)
• Named Top 100 DWI Attorney! (The National Advocacy for DUI Defense)
• Named a “Rising Star” by “Minnesota Law & Politics!”
• Has achieved a “Superb” rating with AVVO! (Independent Attorney Review Site)
• Former prosecutor that has over 23 years of experience dedicated exclusively to DWI/DUI and Criminal Defense!
• Has Successfully Defended Thousands of Criminal Defense Clients!
• Proven Results!
Mr. Arneson has a philosophy that everyone is entitled to excellent representation no matter what circumstance they find themselves in. He works tirelessly for his clients and will do the same for you!
Working with Mark on a criminal defense matter
Mark Arneson has been practicing law since 1997 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from William Mitchell College of Law. He began his career in Criminal Prosecution as the lead prosecutor for the Cities of Waite Park, Buffalo, St. Joseph and Albany. In 2000, Mr. Arneson took the knowledge he gained as a prosecutor and began practicing in the area of criminal defense. He has secured numerous…
Who Mark represents
Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Minneapolis and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Mark studied and practices
William Mitchell College of Law
J.D. · 1997
Moorhead State University
B.A. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Mark's state bar admissions
Minnesota
1997 · ACTIVE
Mark studied at J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in Moorhead State University.
Law school and academic background
Mark completed J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in Moorhead State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Mark's legal honors and published work
Mark has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Mark's professional memberships and bar associations
Stearns-Benton County and Minnesota State Bar Associations Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
Mark Arneson's office in Minneapolis
Mark's primary office is at 333 Washington Avenue North, Suite 405, Minneapolis, MN, 55401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Arneson & Geffen PLLC
333 Washington Avenue North, Suite 405
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Mark Arneson — 5.0/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Mark. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Minneapolis.
5.0
14 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mark Arneson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mark Arneson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mark usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Mark will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Mark
Mark discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Mark confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mark's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mark Arneson
How much does it cost to hire Mark for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Mark's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Minnesota typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Minneapolis?
Mark is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Mark will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Mark?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Mark's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Minneapolis, St Paul and Edina in Minnesota
Mark handles criminal defense matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Minnesota
If Mark's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Minneapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





