Brandt Criminal Defense - Anoka Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorneys

Michael J. Brandt

BACKGROUND

Since graduating from William Mitchell College of Law with honors, Mike Brandt has devoted himself to defending persons finding themselves on the wrong side of the law. Mike started his career with the Public Defenders in Anoka County where he represented clients on every type of criminal charge from murder to speeding. During his years as a public defender, Mike conducted jury trials on cases involving homicide, sexual assault, physical assault, drugs, theft, and various other charges. As a Public Defender, Mike had numerous cases dismissed, evidence suppressed, and probation violations defeated. After establishing a record as a zealous advocate for his clients who is willing to fight the long hard battle, Mike was courted into private practice.

In 1999 Mike joined the firm of Alan Caplan and Associates as an associate. While at Caplan, Mike again assumed the role of defending clients on every type of charge and started focusing more on DWI and DWI-related cases including vehicle forfeitures and license revocations.

Due to his reputation and experience, Mike began to be called upon to teach continuing legal education seminars in the areas of evidence, DWI, technological issues, and trial strategies.

In 2003 Mike left Alan Caplan and Associates to start his own firm with Jonathan Jhtmler. For nearly 3 years the firm of Jhtmler & Brandt, PLLC represented hundreds of clients on every type of criminal charge. Mike continued to represent clients throughout the state and continued to be a sought after speaker for continuing legal education seminars. In December 2005 his law partner was appointed to be a judge for the 10th Judicial District. Upon Jonathan’s departure, Mike formed Brandt Criminal Defense.

Mike works closely with his staff to represent clients facing every type of criminal charge. Mike continues to speak frequently at continuing legal education seminars and often acts as a mentor for new attorneys.

In 2002 Mike was recognized by Minnesota Law and Politics magazine as a Rising Star. In 2003 Mike was recognized by other attorneys in the state as a Superlawyer, a distinction given to less than 6% of lawyers in the state. Mike has received this accolade from other attorneys in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor, cum laude

William Mitchell College of Law

Bachelor of Arts

University of Minnesota

TEACHING AND TRAINING

Minnesota Institute of Legal Education -- Lecture on evidence in courtrooms
Minnesota Judicial College -- Group discussion leader with judges regarding evidence
Chapter Author, Minnesota DWI Deskbook -- MSBA Continuing Legal Education
38th Annual Criminal Justice Institute -- Lecture on evidence in a DWI case -- MSBA Continuing Legal Education
Creative Sentencing & Plea Negotiations -- Lecture on successful negotiations in DWI cases -- All-District Legal
Winning the One-on-One Sex Case -- Panel Discussion Member -- MSBA Continuing Legal Education
39th Annual Criminal Justice Institute -- Lecture on evidence in a DWI case -- MSBA Continuing Legal Education
Third Judicial District Public Defender Annual Meeting -- Lecture on challenging the Intoxilyzer machine
Minnesota DWI Institute -- Lecture with a prosecutor on trial strategies in a DWI case -- MSBA Continuing Legal Education
Public Defenders Association Annual Conference -- Lecture with a state trooper on the Intoxilyzer machine
Public Defenders Annual Conference -- Presentation with a state trooper on the Intoxilyzer machine
Criminal Law 101 -- Lecture with a colleague on basic criminal law -- Thompson/West Training
First District Public Defender Quarterly Training -- Lecture on challenging the Intoxilyzer machine
DWI Law and Practice -- Lecture with a prosecutor on trial strategies in a DWI case -- MSBA Continuing Legal Education
Various area high schools -- lectures on criminal law and the Bill of Rights

PERSONAL & FAMILY

Mike is married to a high school English teacher and has two children. When he's not doing battle in the courtroom, he can be found spending time with his family, on a hockey rink stopping pucks, playing racquetball, golfing, biking, and occasionally relaxing.