Alan D. Margoles

Alan D. Margoles founded Margoles & Margoles in 1978 after beginning his legal career as an assistant county attorney. His practice has focused on criminal defense for decades, representing individuals in Minnesota state and federal cases. He handles serious felony and other criminal matters and has developed substantial experience with sex-offense defense, including sentencing guidelines, predatory offender registration, psychosexual evaluations, and procedures that can affect clients facing those allegations.

Margoles earned a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School. His academic background preceded Minnesota bar admission in 1977 and a career centered on courtroom advocacy. His early work as an assistant county attorney gave him firsthand experience with prosecution before he shifted his practice toward defending individuals and protecting constitutional rights in criminal cases.

Margoles has handled criminal matters in Minnesota state and federal courts and has developed technical defenses focused on evidence and constitutional issues. He has represented thousands of individuals and achieved trial results that include an early Minnesota jury-trial victory using a mental illness defense. He has extensive experience with serious offenses and with the specialized procedures and collateral consequences that can accompany sex-crime allegations.

Alan D. Margoles is admitted before the Minnesota Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, the Eighth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His recognitions include selection as a Super Lawyer and as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers. His long criminal defense career combines prosecution insight, trial experience, and detailed knowledge of serious felony cases, supporting representation through investigation, motion practice, negotiation, trial, and appellate proceedings.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Margoles & Margoles
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Hennepin County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• University of Minnesota Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Minnesota
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges