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 Jasper. For nearly 3 years the firm of Jasper & 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 Super Lawyer (2003-2008), 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 & 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 Life:
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.
Contact Information:
Office Phone: (763) 421-6366
E-Mail:
