Dane DeKrey

Dane DeKrey is a managing partner and criminal defense lawyer who represents clients in Minnesota and North Dakota. He focuses on criminal defense, federal criminal cases, civil rights matters, consumer protection issues, and serious personal injury matters. His work includes helping clients respond to investigations, charges, and complex legal disputes that require careful preparation and strong courtroom judgment.

Dane earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 2014. He also studied through programs at the University of Wyoming College of Law and Bocconi University School of Law. Dane received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota in 2008, graduating summa cum laude, receiving the top undergraduate thesis award, and being elected Phi Beta Kappa.

Dane previously served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Fargo, North Dakota, where he handled hundreds of federal criminal cases. His caseload included alleged drug possession and distribution, illegal gun possession, illegal reentry, supervised release violations, and major reservation-based cases involving murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, assault, and arson. He also served as Director of the ACLU of North Dakota, working on criminal justice issues, legislative advocacy, grassroots campaigns, and challenges to discriminatory laws and practices.

Dane DeKrey is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist and has been recognized as a Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Star. He is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and serves as an advisor to the Great Northern Innocence Project. His background in private practice, public defense, and civil rights advocacy supports a practical, client-focused approach to serious criminal and constitutional matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Ringstrom DeKrey PLLP
• Fellow, American Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar Association of North Dakota
• Member, Cass County Bar Association
• Member, Becker County Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Licensed State

• North Dakota
• Minnesota

Education

• University of Minnesota
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Dakota
  Bachelor of Science (BS)