
Paul B Ahern, Criminal Defense Attorney in Wayzata, Minnesota
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.6/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Criminal Defense AttorneyatPaul B. Ahern
Wayzata, MN
Practicing criminal defense in Wayzata since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Paul B Ahern?
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Quick answer
Paul B Ahern is a criminal defense attorney based in Wayzata, MN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Paul has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul B. Ahern. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Wayzata, MN
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Wayzata, MN.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Paul B Ahern: Paul B Ahern is a criminal defense attorney based in Wayzata, MN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Paul has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul B. Ahern. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Paul takes on
Paul concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, general, and sex crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul 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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General
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Sex Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Wayzata, Minnesota
Paul takes criminal defense matters in Wayzata, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Wayzata, Minnesota
Paul takes drug crimes matters in Wayzata, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Wayzata, Minnesota
Paul takes dui/dwi matters in Wayzata, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
General cases in Wayzata, Minnesota
Paul takes general matters in Wayzata, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Sex Crimes cases in Wayzata, Minnesota
Paul takes sex crimes matters in Wayzata, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Paul B Ahern — criminal defense lawyer in Wayzata
Paul B Ahern is a criminal defense attorney based in Wayzata, MN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Paul has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul B. Ahern. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Paul B Ahern is a lawyer practicing felonies, driving while intoxicated, computer crime and 3 other areas of law. Paul received a degree from Colorado College, and has been licensed for 43 years. Paul practices at Paul B. Ahern in Wayzata, MN.
How Paul handles criminal defense matters
Paul B Ahern is a lawyer practicing felonies, driving while intoxicated, computer crime and 3 other areas of law. Paul received a degree from Colorado College, and has been licensed for 43 years. Paul practices at Paul B. Ahern in Wayzata, MN.
Who Paul represents
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Wayzata and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Antioch School of Law
JD · 1983
Colorado College Antioch School of Law Colorado College Colorado Springs Colorado College Colorado Colorado College
B.A. Antioch · 1977
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1983 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at JD in Antioch School of Law and B.A. Antioch in Colorado College Antioch School of Law Colorado College Colorado Springs Colorado College Colorado Colorado College.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed JD in Antioch School of Law and B.A. Antioch in Colorado College Antioch School of Law Colorado College Colorado Springs Colorado College Colorado Colorado College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Paul has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Paul's professional memberships and bar associations
Hennepin County and Minnesota State (Member, Criminal Section) Bar Associations National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers National College of DUI Defense Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice
membership
Locations
Paul B Ahern's office in Wayzata
Paul's primary office is at 18300 Minnetonka Blvd., Suite 204, Wayzata, MN, 55391. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Paul B Ahern — 4.6/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Paul. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Wayzata.
4.6
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Paul B Ahern claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Paul B Ahern — 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 Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Wayzata, 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 Paul
Paul 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul'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 Paul B Ahern
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Paul'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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Wayzata?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Paul'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 Wayzata, Minneapolis and St Paul in Minnesota
Paul 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 Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Wayzata handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





