Andrew T. Poole

ANDREW T. POOLE

(218) 727-5384

andrew@

northlandlawyers.com

130 West Superior St.
Suite 430
Duluth, MN 55802

Duluth Criminal Defense, DWI, and Family Attorney

Prior to becoming partner at LaCourse, Poole & Envall, P.A., Attorney Andrew Poole owned and operated Poole Law Office PLLC where he specialized in criminal defense and divorce. Over his career, he has handled thousands of criminal matters and continues to represent clients in all areas of criminal practice and family law. Whether you have been charged with a crime or are going through a divorce, Andrew will aggressively fight for your best resolution.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Andrew understands what it means to be in a working family and believes hard-working Minnesotans are entitled to affordable and excellent legal representation. As a JAG lawyer in the Army Reserves, Andrew currently holds the position of Defense Counsel. He has served in the military for over 15 years and is committed to offering reduced rates to America’s Heroes.

Mr. Poole currently holds a “Superb” rating on AVVO.com. Click here to read his client reviews and testimonials.

A Duluth, MN Criminal Lawyer with Experience You Can Count On

Work Experience

Title	Company Name	Duration
Attorney	LaCourse, Poole & Envall, P.A.	2017 – Present
Trial Defense	United States Army	2015 – Present
Special Victim Counsel	United States Army	2014 – Present
Attorney	Office Of The Public Defender	2011 – Present
Judge Advocate	United States Army	2010 – Present

Education

School Name	Major	Degree	Graduated
William Mitchell College of Law	Law	JD – Juris Doctor	2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato	Economics/Spanish	BA – Bachelor of Arts	2007

Awards

Award Name	Grantor	Date granted
Rising Star	Super Lawyers	2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers	National Trial Lawyers	2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers	National Trial Lawyers	2016
Rising Star	Super Lawyers	2016
Rated Attorney	Lead Counsel	2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers	National Trial Lawyers	2015
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40	American Society of Legal Advocates	2015
Rising Star	Super Lawyers	2015
Client’s Choice –	DUI Avvo.com	2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers	National Trial Lawyers	2014
Commandant’s List	The Judge Adocate General Legal Center and School	2011
Recognition of Outstanding and Dedicated Service	William Mitchell College of Law	2010
GRFD Scholarship	United States Army Reserves	2010

Associations

Association Name	Position Name	Duration
Duluth City Charter Commission	Vice President	2015 – Present
Minnesota DWI Task Force	Member	2015 – Present
National Association for Public Defense	Member	2014 – Present
Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers	Member	2013 – Present
South St. Louis County Drug Court	Member/Defense Attorney	2013 – Present
Minnesota State Bar Association	Member	2010- Present
11th District Bar Association New Lawyers Section	President	2013 – 2014
Duluth City Charter Commission	Commissioner	2013 – 2015

Speaking Engagements

Conference Name	Title	Date
Health & Human Services Conference	Drug Courts	2015
National Family Readiness Conference, San Diego	Servicemembers Civil Relief Act	2012

Oct
1

Snapchat Use Sends MN Man to Prison for Sex Crimes

On September 7, 2021, a Minnesota man pleaded guilty to producing sexually explicit images and videos of a minor. The man contacted a 9-year-old girl on Snapchat. He then lied about his age in order to get her to

[...]

Oct
1

MN Domestic Violence Protective Orders: Common Conditions

Just as in other states, Minnesota takes threats and violence between members of the same household very seriously – and they take action to protect those who are vulnerable.

Minnesota provides victims of domestic violence with a form of legal

[...]

Sep
17

What You Should Know About Labor Day DUIs in MN

Labor Day weekend is about saying goodbye to summer for another year, but it can have one lasting impact you may not have planned for – a DUI.

Driving under the influence is a very serious crime in Minnesota that

[...]

Sep
10

The Best Defenses Against Minnesota Drug Crimes

In Minnesota, drug laws are strictly enforced. If convicted of drug crimes in the state, you can face severe penalties that will alter the course of your life forever.

That’s why if you’re charged with a drug crime in Minnesota,

[...]

Sep
10

Can a Minnesota Sex Crime Be Expunged From Your Record?

For many in Minnesota who have been convicted of a crime, a fresh start sounds like a great idea. The law recognizes this, which is why some crimes can be expunged from your record in the state under certain circumstances.

[...]

Sep
10

What Happens When You’re Charged with MN Domestic Assault?

Minnesota has some very tough assault laws on the books, some of the toughest in the entire country. That’s why if you’ve been charged with domestic assault, you may be looking at some serious consequences.

If you’ve been charged with

[...]

Aug
20

Is a DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony in Minnesota? It Depends

In Minnesota, getting a DWI or DUI can lead to serious consequences. The fact is that a DWI in Minnesota can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony – the facts surrounding the case as well as any

[...]

Aug
20

What Is a Controlled Substance in Minnesota?

Minnesota is no different from every other state in the U.S. in that it has laws surrounding the possession, manufacture, and sale of controlled substances. The laws in Minnesota break these substances up into different schedules. They base penalties on

[...]

Aug
6

Minnesota Sex Crimes: Your Frequently Asked Questions

Being arrested for a sexual conduct offense in Minnesota is a difficult and alarming situation to go through. You may have many questions about being arrested and what that can mean for your future.

In Minnesota, there are several consequences

[...]

Aug
6

Minnesota Domestic Assault: Misdemeanor or Felony?

Domestic assault is a crime taken very seriously in Minnesota, but there isn’t simply one way it can be committed nor one way it is punished. In fact, the state has a wide range of charges and penalties that can

[...]

Jul
23

The Importance of Having the Right Car Seat in a MN Crash

Something harmful happening to your child is a parent’s worst nightmare. There are some things parents can’t control when it comes to security, but some parental decisions have a huge impact on their child’s safety. One of those choices is

[...]

Jul
23

Get Swept Up in the Moment? You Could Still Face Arson Charges

There are many reasons fires can occur. In fact, many fires are caused by accidents or circumstances out of the control of people. In those cases, it’s often dismissed as an unfortunate accident. However, when a fire is purposefully set,

[...]

Jul
7

Bitten By Someone Else’s Dog? Here Are Your Options

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. While it is true they can bring happiness to the lives of many people, being bitten by a dog can cause a lot of pain and distress.

Dog bites impact the lives of

[...]

Jul
2

Suspect Nursing Home Abuse? Here’s What Minnesotans Can Do

Many older people live in care facilities across Minnesota. Unfortunately, along with the number of people who live in these environments, neglect and abuse occur more frequently than one may hope.

According to the federal government and Minnesota state government,

[...]

Jun
23

You Just Suffered a Slip and Fall in Minnesota — What Now?

Slip and fall accidents in Minnesota can happen any time and anywhere. The streets don’t have to be filled with snow and ice, which is why it’s important to understand the steps you should take if you do take a

[...]

Jun
23

Did You Know That Criminal Sexual Conduct Has 5 Degrees in MN?

In Minnesota, as in many other states, criminal sexual conduct isn’t simply one crime. It’s a group of crimes broken into several degrees. In the state, there are actually five degrees of criminal sexual conduct, each with its own penalties.

[...]

Jun
10

What Motorcycle Riders Can Do to Help Stay Safe

As sunny summer days take the reins, drivers might notice more motorcycles on the road.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you already know it’s the perfect time of year to cruise. Even if you appreciate your bike more for gas

[...]

Jun
4

License Suspended? Defense Strategies to Fight Your DWI Charges

DWI charges can turn your life upside-down. A one-night mistake could lead to thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees, plus jail time.

For some, it can initiate a downward spiral: you lose your license, which keeps you from

[...]

Jun
4

Should Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Cover Medical Marijuana?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things in Minnesota and around the world. Of course, it impacts the daily lives of many Minnesotans, but there are a few stand-out issues still impacted by the pandemic – issues like workers’ compensation.

[...]

May
21

How to Execute a Simple Divorce in Minnesota

Getting a divorce is a complicated matter. Just as no two relationships are alike, no two divorces are alike either.

That’s why the state of Minnesota provides several routes for couples to execute a divorce. There are requirements that must

[...]

May
14

What Happens When a Robbery Becomes a Homicide in Minnesota?

When you hear the terms “homicide” and “murder”, you probably think they are contrasting words for the same act. While both signal the death of another person, the law regards them in quite different lights.

In the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, a

[...]

May
7

Can You Get Compensation for Dog Bite If Owner Denies Responsibility?

Police dogs should be shining examples of a well-trained dog. But even these highly-behaved working dogs act like untrained animals sometimes.

In Duluth, the city awarded a woman $50,000 after she was bitten during a police dog encounter. The victim

[...]

Apr
29

When Panic Pushes Minnesota Drivers to Commit Hit-and-Runs

By their very nature, car accidents are startling and unexpected. It’s not uncommon for someone to feel confused and disoriented immediately after an accident, a state of mind that can lead to panic.

A car accident doesn’t automatically hold you

[...]

Apr
29

These Mistakes Could Land You Arson Charges in Minnesota

Arson is a crime of intent. That means that a fire was set on purpose – which is a crime that many states, such as Minnesota, take very seriously since it can lead to major property damage and even the

[...]

Apr
22

Can You Sue Your Drug Dealer in Minnesota?

Street drugs are dangerous, as evidenced by the number of people who die each year from accidental drug overdoses.

This trend’s visibility has risen in recent years. The Brainerd Dispatch reported that, compared to 2019, four times as many counterfeit

[...]

Apr
9

How Do I Know What Type of MN Auto Coverage I Need?

The sprawling greenery and beautiful waters of the “Land of Lakes” might inspire scenic weekend drives, but most Minnesotans own a car simply to get where they’re going. No matter where you drive, you need insurance to protect yourself, as

[...]

Apr
9

Minnesota Answers: Will My Wife Continue to Receive My Disability When I’m Gone?

It’s a given that the death of a spouse is emotionally shattering, but it can leave a family financially devastated as well. This rings especially true if the deceased was receiving disability benefits through Social Security.

One of the most

[...]

Apr
9

Administrative vs. Criminal Traffic Violations in Minnesota

Traffic violations can be some of the most confusing issues to resolve. After all, many people receive a speeding ticket at some point in their life, but the outcome of that ticket relies on a variety of factors.

Officials in

[...]

Mar
25

MN’s No-Fault Law Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Recover Damages

When you are injured due to the negligence of another person, you may think that a personal injury case against them is fairly open and shut. After all, you can show they were at fault for your damages, right? Not

[...]

Mar
25

Protective Order Violations During a Divorce

To say that a time leading up to a divorce may be contentious or even violent can be an understatement. After all, when a relationship has reached the point where a couple wants a divorce, chances are things are not

[...]

Mar
12

Even the Lowest-Level MN Assault Can Result in a Felony Charge

Assault is a charge that can happen almost anywhere and be perpetrated by almost anyone. In fact, under Minnesota law, you may be surprised to find out what type of actions can be charged as assault.

Recently, a Duluth firefighter

[...]

Mar
3

“Who’s Responsible for My MN Slip and Fall?” and Other Questions

Minnesotans are accustomed to their fair share of slippery conditions. That doesn’t mean that injuries from slip and fall accidents are ever something you should simply shrug off.

There are laws surrounding slip and falls, and the damages you can

[...]

Mar
3

How Splitting Assets in a Minnesota Divorce Works

If you’ve decided to get a divorce in the state of Minnesota, then you know there are a lot of things to work out.

It’s vital to know what your rights are in a divorce, which is why you have

[...]

Feb
11

Got a Minnesota DWI? It Could Have Been Worse

Drinking and driving is never a good idea, but it becomes an even worse situation when an accident is involved, as one Minnesota man recently found out.

A 22-year-old man was convicted of killing three people in a car accident

[...]

Feb
11

Bothered By What You Saw at Grandma’s MN Nursing Home?

Millions of Americans live in long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect aren’t as uncommon as we wish in these situations.

That’s why it vital that if you have a loved one living in a nursing home, you familiarize yourself

[...]

Jan
29

Sometimes It’s Necessary to Change Your MN Child Custody Agreement

Child custody arrangements in Minnesota can be difficult to navigate, but only because they are complex matters with a lot of requirements through the courts.

Even if your child custody arrangement was designed amicably, making changes is a process where

[...]

Jan
29

Minnesota Senate Still Stands Against Recreational Weed Reform

It seems as if states all around Minnesota are making recreational marijuana legal. However, Minnesota doesn’t seem quite ready to make the leap – though some lawmakers are trying.

Last year, Democratic leaders in the legislature introduced a bill that

[...]

Jan
8

Ready to Change Your Divorce Decree? What to Know in Minnesota

When you first settled your divorce, you may have been perfectly happy with the divorce decree. Life can change, though, and your circumstances right along with it, causing your official divorce decree to become unworkable or impractical for one or

[...]

Jan
8

The Line Between Romantic Relationships and Statutory Rape in MN

When people think of statutory rape, they often think of young children being lured into unsafe situations by adults. That isn’t always the case.

It doesn’t happen with great frequency, but some high school teachers in Minnesota may be having

[...]

Jan
8

How to Ensure Your Family Members Are Safe in a MN Nursing Home

It’s never an easy choice to move someone you love into a nursing home, but when you make that choice you’re putting a lot of trust in the people who run the facility.

The good news is that nursing homes

[...]

Dec
24

Understanding More About How Your Minnesota Child Support Works

Financial support is something a child needs from both parents. Under the law in Minnesota, children have the right for both their parents to financially support them.

Whenever a couple with children separates, whether they’ve been married or not,

[...]

Dec
17

Are Conjugal Visits Really Allowed in MN?

In movies and on television, the idea of conjugal visits in prison seems universal, but it’s actually not a reality in a good number of states, including Minnesota.

A petition made the rounds recently online to try to change this

[...]

Dec
17

Gaining Full Custody as a MN Father Is Tough but Not Impossible

When a child is born, a special bond forms between a baby and their parents. Children rely on both of them for care, to meet their basic needs, and to teach them about the world.

The state of Minnesota recognizes

[...]

Dec
17

It’s Not the MN Business Owner Paying That Slip and Fall Claim

Minnesota is known for many things – and one of them is long snowy winters. For many Minnesotans, pulling out their parks, donning their boots, and shoveling some snow is simply par for the winter course.

Unfortunately, it’s also the

[...]

Nov
25

I’m Being Ordered to Pay Restitution in MN — What Does That Mean?

When people say that “crime doesn’t pay,” they’re not exactly being truthful. While it is true that crime won’t end well for anyone involved, it can end in expenses for both the perpetrator and the victim.

Courts in Minnesota often

[...]

Nov
20

MN Government Employees Have Rights Under ADA Laws

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was groundbreaking legislation that sought to help those with disabilities reduce instances of discrimination in the workplace.

Just as with most legislation, though, it’s a law that not every employer observes at all times

[...]

Nov
11

MN Orders for Protection Can Get Sticky Around the Holidays

Most people are familiar, thanks to television and movies, with the idea of a restraining order. Still, orders for protection can be difficult to understand for those involved in personal situations of domestic violence.

In Minnesota, there are three different

[...]

Nov
6

MN Legislators Still Side with Feds on Recreational Marijuana

Even though many Minnesota voters want to see the blanket legalization of marijuana in the state, the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal. Minnesota statutes still very much align with federal laws on marijuana being used recreationally.

That doesn’t

[...]

Oct
29

Heading into MN Winter, Get the Right Snowmobile Coverage

Minnesota has already seen snow this fall – and it’s only going to keep on coming. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, Duluth averages below freezing temperatures in November and 9 days of snow.

The weather is only

[...]

Oct
22

MN Courts Want to Help Parents Battling Opioid Addiction

While opioid addiction continues to ravage families across the United States, Minnesota is working hard to help keep drug offenders from prison.

They do so by helping them into treatment programs through specialized Drug Courts. They’ve even created a sub-court

[...]

Oct
22

Duluth Police More Focused on Property Crimes Than Violence

When you turn on the news today, you hear a lot of talk about law and order. In Duluth, there’s a focus on law and order but not in the way you may think.

According to the Duluth Police Chief,

[...]

Oct
8

What MN Parents Can Do If Their Child Is in Their Car Wreck, Too

Car accidents happen, but when there are children involved it can turn something terrible into something even more tragic. Case in point, a freight truck struck a car in Minneapolis, killing two of the three occupants in the car and

[...]

Oct
8

Pros and Cons of MN’s Newly Proposed Parental Custody Split

Recently, the Minnesota Legislature has proposed a new set of legislation for child custody agreements. This new legislation, known as HF 887 and HF1666/SF 1295, is significantly more strict in how it views parental custody.

Specifically, it holds that both

[...]

Oct
1

Your Guide to Minnesota Record Expungements

In Minnesota, there are certain criminal records that can be expunged. However, it’s a complicated and somewhat slow process – or at least it can be if you don’t have an attorney who can help.

There are a lot of

[...]

Oct
1

Injured in a Minnesota Semi Accident? Here’s How Liability Works

Generic semi trucks speeding on the highway at sunset – Transport industry concept with semitruck containers driving to the mountain pass – Warm editing with pop filtered sunshine and blurred edges

Semi-trucks are vital to our nation’s infrastructure and are

[...]

Sep
18

Did Your Loved One Suffer a Wrongful Death in MN? What to Do

The sudden and untimely loss of a loved one is emotionally devastating, and even more so if the death could have been prevented. Even if the responsible party did not act intentionally, your loved one paid with their life and

[...]

Sep
17

MN Law on Child Supervision is Vague — Your Ex’s Attorney Won’t Be

Minnesota law does not provide a specific age or circumstances under which a child can be left home alone or under the care of another child. However, there are general laws that require adequate and appropriate supervision of minor children.

[...]

Sep
10

Believe It Or Not, the Drunk Driver Isn’t Always at Fault in MN

Drunk driving, despite the best efforts of those in law enforcement and the community, continues to happen. In Minnesota specifically, the number of deaths related to drunk driving accidents continues to increase.

In 2018, there were 371 traffic fatalities reported,

[...]

Sep
10

Two Rules to Know About MN Car Accident Claims

With its icy winters and busy city roads, Minnesota sees its fair share of car accidents. Recent data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) reveals the extent of our state’s traffic crash problem.

According to the report, there

[...]

Sep
10

What Minnesotans Should Know About the Risks of Ventilators

When it comes to COVID-19, it seems as if frightening information is constantly surfacing in the media. Take, for instance, the Journal of the American Medical Association study from April 2020.

In this study, it reported that 88 percent of

[...]

Aug
26

Injured By A Dog Bite In Minnesota? Take These Steps Next

If you’re injured by a dog bite in Minnesota, pain and fear can creep into your life long after the physical wounds have healed. Victims of dog bites have protections under the law in Minnesota, so it’s important to understand

[...]

Aug
26

MN Family vs. Criminal Court, Advantages of a Lawyer Who Knows Both

Family court and criminal court are two distinct systems of law, and it’s common for lawyers to practice either family or criminal law. In some cases, attorneys do practice both.

Family and criminal courts are separate branches of law, and

[...]

Aug
18

Minneapolis Police Under Fire for Recklessness Among Peaceful Protestors

Protests over the death of George Floyd have been intense over the past few weeks. Tens of thousands of protestors hit the street to have their voices heard over what was perceived to be police brutality.

In response to these

[...]

Aug
18

Minnesota’s No-Fault Benefits Don’t Eliminate Fault Completely

Anyone with a vehicle in Minnesota knows about the “no-fault” car insurance policy required in our state. But what does that mean if you’re in a car accident? Is there any recourse if you’re injured? How do you go about

[...]

Aug
18

Skip the Child Support in MN, Risk Federal Criminal Prosecution

Child support is an important part of family law in Minnesota.

It’s one of the most important types of support offered to children, helping kids receive the care they need to grow into functional adults. Because of this, the legal

[...]

Aug
6

As More MN Businesses Reopen, An Overview of Slip and Fall Laws

Although hundreds of new COVID-19 cases are still being reported in Minnesota each day, restrictions are easing up around the state. More businesses are able to reopen, pay their employees, and return to a sense of normalcy. If you’ve been

[...]

Aug
6

Violating a Minnesota Protective Order Can Impact Your Child Custody

Domestic violence is rampant in Minnesota and the US as a whole, and the number of cases has seen a dramatic uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic. A likely contributing factor? Victims and abusers in closer proximity more often and/or for

[...]

Aug
6

Injured in MN? How the Law Works to Protect You (and How It Doesn’t)

Minnesota personal injury law can be complicated. There are many rules and regulations and then exceptions to these rules and regulations.

If you’ve sustained a personal injury and you believe that it was due to the negligence of another, the

[...]

Jul
17

What Are the Three Types of Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security was created in 1935 to help promote economic security for Americans. Most people associate it with the benefits retired people receive, but that’s not the only type of social security benefits out there.

In fact, there are three

[...]

Jul
3

Are COVID Infections a Sign of MN Nursing Home Abuse?

One of the most troubling aspects of the COVID-19 crisis has been the stories coming out about nursing home abuse happening in cities throughout the United States.

Everything from physical abuse of patients to residents diagnosed with the virus being

[...]

Jun
23

Duluth Personal Injury Lawyers

If you’ve lived in Northern Minnesota for a long time, you understand that accidents in Duluth can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether you were in an auto accident, or slipped and fell on the ice, it is

[...]

Jun
23

Northern Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Getting injured on the job in Minnesota can be overwhelming and complicated. It’s important that if you’ve been injured at work, you get the care and treatment you need. At LaCourse, Poole & Envall, P.A., our experienced worker’s compensation lawyers

[...]

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From start to finish I was enormously pleased with the way Andrew Poole handled my divorce. He listened to what was important to me and delivered exactly that. He went the extra mile every step of the way. He was always accessible and extremely accomodating and flexible with scheduling apppointments. He was detail oriented and brought to my attention many things I would not have considered in a divorce. He always keep my best interest in mind. My divorce was handled quickly without some of the lengthy delays I've seen many go through. I am 100% satisfied with my custody agreement and financial situation post divorce. I was very happy Andrew's rates, this divorce costed less than I had anticipated. He handled delicate situations professionally and with kindness. He made an unpleasant situation as painless as possible. He is an excellent advocate and I would go back to him in a second if I needed any legal representation in the future.

- Anonymous

Mr. Poole is the best attorney i have ever had and he was my public defender. He seen i really changed my life and believed in me and fought hard for me and got me probation on a 1rst degree drug charge he is amazing i would have paid him 20 thousand if i could. I would be in prison as we speak if he wasnt the best attorney around!!!

- A.B.

We couldn't have had a better turnout . My case went smooth the entire time and I have only Andrew and his staff to Thank. Excellent job all the way around. If you need assistance in an uphill battle against the law, Andrew Poole is your lawyer !! I guarentee it.

- Anonymous

get the experience needed to handle complex litigation

Andrew T. Poole

ANDREW T. POOLE

Duluth Criminal Defense, DWI, and Family Attorney

A Duluth, MN Criminal Lawyer with Experience You Can Count On

Work Experience

Education

Awards

Associations

Speaking Engagements

get the experience needed
to handle complex litigation