Apple Valley Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been arrested in Apple Valley or anywhere in Dakota County, every decision you make right now matters. At McDonough Law Firm, our sole mission is to protect your freedom, reputation, and livelihood.
Michael McDonough draws on years of courtroom experience, previous experience as a prosecutor, and an unwavering commitment to your rights to fight for the best possible outcome in every case—from first-time DWIs to serious felony charges.
Cases We Handle
- DWI / DUI
- Drug Possession & Distribution
- Domestic Violence & Assault
- Theft & Property Crimes
- Juvenile Offenses
- Probation Violations
- Expungements and Record Sealing
Michael McDonough also helps clients on related issues, including expungements, record sealing, and driver’s license suspensions.
Focused on Defending the Rights of the Accused
No matter the situation, Michael McDonough is dedicated to protecting the rights of his clients. At every step, we keep you informed in clear language—no jargon, no surprises—so you can make decisions with confidence.
While we fight for dismissal whenever possible, we relish the opportunity to fight your case in court and at trial.
Our preparation is methodical. Body-camera footage, dispatch logs, laboratory data, and witness statements are preserved before they fade or disappear. Independent investigators and forensic specialists revisit the State’s conclusions, testing them for reliability and relevance.
When the prosecution’s case proves vulnerable, we use that leverage to pursue outcomes that reflect the full context of your life: reduced or amended charges, restorative-justice alternatives, diversion programs, or tailored probation terms. If the State insists on proceeding, we are prepared for trial, ready to present a concise, fact-driven narrative that highlights every gap in the government’s proof and underscores the reasonable doubts that remain.
DWI Defense
Minnesota has some of the strictest and most complex laws in the nation regarding drunk driving. Many times, people often think there is no way to challenge DWI charges, especially if they have consented to a chemical test and produced a blood alcohol concentration greater than the legal limit. Failing a DWI test, however, does not have to mean a conviction.
Attorney McDonough examines every piece of evidence in the prosecution’s case – from the initial traffic stop, to subsequent procedure, and how evidence of your arrest was processed and handled. If there is any indication of wrongdoing, or illegality as part of your arrest, Attorney McDonough will use that information to work towards a dismissal or reduction in charges.
Beyond criminal penalties, McDonough Law Firm helps those faced with administrative license suspensions, including appeals, vehicle forfeiture and impoundment. No matter the situation, contact McDonough Law Firm today to schedule a consultation on your case.
Practice areas
- Alcohol Offenses
- Arrest Warrants
- Charges Involving Administration of Justice
- Cybercrimes
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Charges
- Expungement
- Felony Offenses
- Illegal Recording
- Invasion of Privacy
- Juvenile Defense
- Marijuana Defense
- Minnesota Criminal Process
- Misdemeanor Offenses
- Prostitution / Patronizing
- Search Warrants
- Serious Traffic Offenses
- Theft and Property Crimes
- Trespassing
- Violation of Probation
- Violent Crimes
- Weapon and Firearm Charges
- White Collar Offenses
Our Office Location
Client testimonial
Michael was super professional and easy to work with when working on my case. He kept in communication with me through the whole thing and made sure things went smooth. 100% recommend to anyone stuck in a tough spot legally.
Jacob R.
Google review
Mike was absolutely amazing to work with. We needed something done in a timely manner and he far exceeded our expectations. He got things done quickly and was extremely easy to contact and quick to respond. Would definitely recommend and use again.
Tracy C.
Google review
Michael is a good attorney to work with as he is straightforward and makes the process simple. My questions were answered in a timely manner and I would consider his services again.
Trevor Z.
Google review
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Welcome to McDonough Law
Michael McDonough is an experienced Dakota County criminal defense attorney. With over 10 years of experience, Michael McDonough is ready to provide strong, compassionate legal defense. No matter the circumstance, McDonough Law is ready to hear your unique situation. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or are staring down a felony sentence, it is imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
Don’t try to talk to the police alone – even when all the evidence points to your innocence, police departments can still charge the wrong person for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Instead, contact McDonough Law for legal representation.
Skilled Legal Counsel in Minnesota DWI Cases
Minnesota has some of the strictest and most complex laws in the nation regarding drunk driving. People often think there is no way to challenge the crime, especially if they have consented to a chemical test and produced a blood alcohol concentration greater than the legal limit. Failing a DWI test, however, does not have to mean a conviction.
As a criminal offense, charges for a DWI in Minnesota must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors and law enforcement must present sufficient admissible evidence to meet a high burden of proof. For instance, there must be reasonable suspicion for a police officer to stop a vehicle in most circumstances. If that does not exist, the entire stop — and any evidence found during the stop — could be considered invalid.
DWI attorney Michael McDonough has experience in examining the validity of evidence, such as the results of chemical tests, used in these complicated cases. If evidence of impairment was obtained illegally, it could be thrown out. This could mean having the charges reduced or dropped. Additionally, DWI charges can involve license revocation hearings, vehicle forfeiture and plate impoundment. All of these issues can accompany drunk or drugged driving charges. An experienced attorney can help you protect your license and property.
Comprehensive Representation in Related Matters
Criminal cases can have many facets. Oftentimes, criminal charges are the beginning of a lengthy interaction with the legal system. Michael McDonough can help his clients from the moment they are arrested and charged with an offense.
Some criminal accusations, such as those related to domestic violence, can involve several other related legal matters. For instance, if a person is accused of domestic assault by strangulation, the victim in the alleged offense can file a petition for a protective order against the accused. This petition would limit the contact between the victim and the person accused of the offense.
While the accused may not be represented in a hearing for an ex parte order, he or she may be represented in a hearing for a permanent order. A dedicated criminal defense attorney can work with the accused on this issue, as well as his or her criminal charges. Any violation of a protective order also is a criminal offense for which Michael McDonough can provide legal counsel.
Drug charges often involve search and seizure issues. Michael McDonough can examine every aspect of your case to determine if the searching of your property was done so illegally. If your attorney can prove law enforcement violated the law with an improper search, any drugs used as evidence could be thrown out.
Finding the Best Dakota County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, Michael McDonough can help you through the entire legal process. As a criminal defense attorney in Dakota County, Michael McDonough has successfully litigated and negotiated thousands of cases, and he can use his knowledge to provide you with valuable insight into the criminal justice system. He also accepts clients in Sibley County, Scott County, Rice County, Carver County, Dodge County, Olmsted County, and Steele County.
Call (612) 481-2797 to schedule a free initial consultation with McDonough Law. A conviction for a criminal offense could change the rest of your life. It is important to begin building a solid defense against the charges early in the process. No matter what charge you face, Michael McDonough can help protect your name and your future.