Thomas C Gallagher

Minneapolis criminal lawyer Thomas C Gallagher fights for you and your Liberty in Minnesota state and federal courts, and has for over 30 years. His practice is limited to criminal defense.

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Minnesota

Since 1988

Trial Lawyer

Gallagher Criminal Defense

1993 - Current

Criminal defense services for clients charged with crimes in Minnesota state and federal courts.

Associate Attorney

Cloutier & Musech

1988 - 1993

Criminal defense for firm's clients, as well as personal injury and other civil litigation.

University of Minnesota Law School

J.D. | Law

1984 - 1988

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

B.A. | Psychology

1978 - 1983

Minnesota NORML

Director - Board of Directors

2011 - Current

Activities: Founding members of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. We work for the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota.

Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice

Member

2000 - Current

Activities: Membership limited to fifty criminal defense lawyers, voted in by existing membership. Members work together to lead the way towards criminal justice in Minnesota courts.

Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1995 - Current

Activities: Member of the largest criminal defense bar association in Minnesota, working together to protect the rights of Minnesotans.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1995 - Current

Activities: Member of the largest criminal defense bar association in the United States, championing the cause of the People.

NORML Legal Committee

Member

1995 - Current

Activities: Member of the Norml Legal Committee. (Legal Committee of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.) We share information and insights helpful in defending those charged with marijuana crimes, and work on legalization efforts.

Q. pulled over cell phone in Bloomington mn. Attorney told me to wait until I get late Notice to respond. Seems risky?

February 9, 2025

A: Anyone can go to the Minnesota Courts website https://www.mncourts.gov/ and access case records using the citation number on the ticket (or court file number). That's important because the court disables a name search until the defendant has been convicted. If the citation shows up, after a search using the citation number, that means the citation has been filed with the court by the police officer or prosecutor. At that point, the defendant should contact the court to set up a "hearing officer" appointment (some counties), or a court appearance date, within 30 days. A person can be convicted of a "petty misdemeanor" by default (by failing to respond in time).

Q. Am I able to test evidence used against me in a drug case ?

January 21, 2025

A: It should be possible to get a lab to retest a substance the state claims to be illegal drugs, either at the same lab or a different one. The Defendant might be required to pay for that, unless a judge were to order otherwise. Retesting would take time to complete, either way. The defense attorney could file motions asking the judge to order the state to retest, or to send alleged drugs to a lab chosen by the defense for testing (by default, at the cost of the defendant). If the defense attorney did so, and were to request that any upcoming court appearance be postponed pending the retesting, the judge might grant that request as well.

Q. If I got a dui while on probation and entered treatment before I could Tell my probation officer will I still go to jail

January 21, 2025

A: Picking up a new criminal charge of DWI while on probation for misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct could be a violation of conditions of the stayed sentence. But entering and completing chemical health treatment would be viewed as a mitigating factor. Keeping to Probation Officer informed is a good idea, since it can help maintain trust. Treatment and continued sobriety and staying away from trouble will all help. Work with your lawyer on it as well.