I specialize in personalized solutions to legal matters that arise as crises – Criminal Defense, particularly DWI, and Family Law matters such as divorce and custody disputes.
In all of my work, my clients come first.
Cases in these areas often arise suddenly and can be unsettling, even scary, for the client. I understand that. I strive to make the process clear and straightforward.
It’s my job to work closely with each of my clients to understand the matter before us, determine what the best possible outcome is, and implement the right strategy to get there.
In all of my work, my clients come first.
What I Do
DWI Defense
I am passionate about DWI defense. I have deep expertise in Minnesota DWI law, and actively advocate for changes to make it more fair.
When I take on your DWI case, I get a fast start. I immediately file to get back your driver’s license and car (which you can otherwise lose even if you’re not found guilty of DWI!). I review everything related to the charge, ranging from the police car’s dash cam footage to the arresting officer’s training history. And I question everything.
I fight for your rights — to your property, to protection from warrantless searches, to due process, to a fair trial.
I take it as far as we need to, up to and including jury trial, to achieve the best possible outcome.
Criminal Defense
I am committed to the presumption of innocence. Civil liberties and defendants’ rights have been my passion since childhood, when I first read a book about Clarence Darrow. So I will fight hard for your rights — to your property, to protection from warrantless searches, to due process, to a fair trial.
I defend you by attacking: the evidence, the charges, the “training and experience” of the arresting officer.
I specialize in personalized solutions to legal matters that arise as crises – Criminal Defense and Family Law.
And I make sure you know what to expect, and what you need to do, at each step of the way.
Family Law
I know that the goals and needs of my Family Law clients are deeply personal. Family Law cases touch not only money, but values, lifestyle, and relationships.
My job is to accompany you through the often dizzying complexities of the family law system, and obtain the best possible outcome for you. I have extensive experience in doing this. I know my way around the various administrative and quasi-administrative agencies involved in custody disputes. I’ve worked with many different mediators and guardians ad litem (GALs). I’m skilled at calculating imputed income, crafting parenting time schedules, asking the right questions about assets — all the details that need addressing.
Most importantly, I know when to push hard, and when to compromise: the best result may be negotiated, rather than “won” — and a light touch is often better than aggression. We will work together on determining the right path for you.
How I Do It
Personalized Service
I do all of my own work.
I make a point of working directly with you, from our initial consultation through to resolution. I will be thoroughly familiar with your case because I handle all aspects of it. I personally do all writing for your case, I personally accompany you to all appearances, and — if necessary — I personally represent you in court. You can reach me directly by phone and email; I answer immediately when I can, and respond quickly to messages throughout the day. I know your time is valuable.
It’s my job to work closely with each of my clients to understand the matter before us, determine what the best possible outcome is, and implement the right strategy to get there.
I have represented clients in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Wright, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Sherburne, McLeod, and Washington counties. I know the system, and will personally navigate it for you.
Personalized Approach
Each case is different, and so is each client. I always start by meeting in person with you, listening to your story, asking a lot of questions. We’ll talk about what the best result would look like, and how we can get there.
I keep my costs down by maintaining a low overhead, shortening litigation time when possible, and using mediation instead of litigation when it makes sense to do so. My fee arrangements are tailored to each client’s needs and means. For some types of cases, I charge a flat fee – a one-time payment of an amount you and I agree to. For others, I bill hourly. In some situations, a mixed, flat-fee / hourly arrangement fits best. We’ll discuss this during our initial consultation.
About Barry S. Edwards
I have worked in criminal law, family law, administrative appeals, and many other areas of law in counties throughout the metro area for nearly two decades.
I am admitted to the state and federal courts, and am a member of the Hennepin County and Minnesota State Bar Associations. I also have Court of Appeals experience, and I have written amicus briefs for the Minnesota Supreme court and the U.S. Supreme Court.
I grew up in Oklahoma. I graduated with a B.A. from Grinnell College in 1987 with a degree in English. I worked in Washington, D.C. as a managing editor of the “Ripon Forum,” a bi-monthly journal of politics. I went on to earn a Ph.D in English from the University of Minnesota, in 1995, and taught English at local colleges and universities for several years before beginning law school.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School (cum laude), I clerked at the Hennepin County District Court as the law clerk for then Chief of the Civil Division, Hon. Gary Larson, and later for Hon. Diana Eagon.
My interests — other than the law, civil liberties, and defendants’ rights — include rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, running (five-time Twin Cities Marathon finisher!), playing very low stakes poker, and listening to early 1970s rock.
I live in south Minneapolis with my wife, son, large dog, and small but very determined cat.
