Universal Defense llc

09/25/2026

Universal Defense obtained another FELONY, NOT GUILTY verdict.

I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY PARALEGALS, SARA, ANNA AND LAUREN. I could never achieve these results without these phenominal ladies. THANKS GUYS!! 💓
RICK

07/07/2026

Today was a great day. Our client has multible Felony DWI's and was granted a dispositional departure.(no prison) She also recieved a probationary sanction of Electronic Home Monitoring. Gongrats from the entire Universal Defense team. ;)

07/01/2026

Black Birdie
Review: Universal Defense

Rick is not only the best lawyer who has your best interests at heart, he genuinely is there for you along the entire process. He keeps you informed, and helps every way possible. His intentions are pure and his heart is huge. One of the best humans I have ever crossed paths with and will always be grateful for him and utilize him for any future issues. His staff is so lovely and kind and I highly recommend them to everyone. You will not be disappointed only relieved and in good hands.

06/25/2026

Boating Laws

There have been important updates to the boating laws for 2026.
-New education requirements for some boaters, effective July 1, 2026.
-Effective July 2025, no one under the age of 18 is able to rent or lease a motorboat, including personal watercraft.
-New rental operators exam requirements effective July 2025 for operators without a valid watercraft operators permit.
-New watercraft registration fees went into effect January 2026.

Be sure to check out mndnr.gov/boatingsafety for more information!

Remember: Minnesota Statute Chapter 86B governs water safety, watercraft operation, and related regulations in the state. You can be charged with a misdemeanor if you violate these statutes.

06/18/2026

MOSQUITOS ARE A PUBLIC NUISANCE!

MN Statute 18G.14:
In 2008, areas where mosquitoes hatch were declared a public nuisance. Not the mosquitoes themselves, but the actual areas where they breed, and with 11,842 lakes in Minnesota, mosquitoes are everywhere. Government units can establish mosquito abatement boards. They can even levy special taxes for mosquito control.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Local governments can vote on mosquito control programs. If five percent of property owners petition for it, there must be a public hearing. Communities can create mosquito abatement boards. These boards work with the University of Minnesota and coordinate with state agencies. They monitor breeding areas and spray when necessary.

WONDERING IF THIS APPLIES TO YOU?
If you own property with major standing water issues, maybe. Most homeowners never deal with this law. It’s mainly for wetlands and public spaces.

IMPORTANT: You can’t be arrested for having mosquitoes in your yard. The law targets public areas and breeding grounds. Standing water that creates mosquito problems can be abated by local governments.

06/17/2026

IF YOU'RE STOPPED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT, REMEMBER YOUR RIGHTS:

1. You have the right to remain silent. The only information you need to give law enforcement is your NAME and ID.

2. You have the right to an attorney.

3. You DO NOT have to consent to a search of your vehicle or property.

Exercising your rights is not an admission of guilt - it's for your own protection!!

06/11/2026

Check out our latest billboard at the intersection of HWY 169 and CR 4 in Zimmerman! 🚗🚗

Providing criminal defense to ALL of Minnesota, including Sherburne, Wright, Stearns, Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Mille Lacs, Washington, Chisago, Dakota, Scott, and Carver Counties.

06/09/2026

UPDATED IGNITION INTEROCK LAWS FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS AND CHANGES TO THE DMV LOOK BACK PERIOD:

Effective Aug. 1, 2025, individuals with multiple DWI offenses who wish to be licensed to drive will be required to participate in an
ignition interlock program having to establish before driving that they aren’t at a certain alcohol concentration level.

The lookback period for prior offenses has increased from 10 years to 20 years. This means the DMV will increase your penalties for having multiple impaired driving offenses within a 20-year window. This only applies to the implied consent (DMV) portion of the DWI, not the criminal portion.

Standardized revocation periods:
2nd DWI in 20 years: Mandatory 2-year license revocation
3rd DWI in a lifetime: Mandatory 6-year license cancellation
4th DWI in a lifetime: Mandatory 10-year license cancellation

Eligibility for ignition interlock has expanded to include criminal vehicular homicide. For someone who commits criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation, the license revocation period will be extended, as it will for anyone with a DWI-related offense who has had a prior incident. A gross misdemeanor penalty is established for driving with a license that’s been revoked for a DWI-related offense unless the vehicle is equipped with an ignition interlock device.

All participants in the ignition interlock program must complete a licensed substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation program. Prior to the law, a person had to pay the $680 license reinstatement fee before starting interlock. With the change they can start the program without making any payment, but the fee must be fully paid before reinstatement of a standard license.

LEARN MORE:

Legislative Update:
https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2025/other/251279.pdf

Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program Guidelines:
https://assets.dps.mn.gov/files/dvs/dvs-ignition-interlock-device-program-guidelines.pdf

Minnesota's Ignition Interlock Provider:
https://smartstartmn.com/

CONTACT UNIVERSAL DEFENSE 24/7 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION IF YOU'VE BEEN CHARGED WITH A RECENT DWI IN MN:

(612) 456-5550

04/03/2025

HI ALL! WE ARE EXPANDING AGAIN. IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED PLEASE LET THEM KNOW. THANKS, RICK

Job Title: Associate Criminal Defense Attorney – Universal Defense, LLC, Otsego, MN
About the Company
Universal Defense, founded in 2015 by Richard LeRoy, is one of Minnesota’s top criminal defense law firms. Richard has over 35 years of criminal defense experience, serving clients of all ages and backgrounds. Our legal team has handled clients in over twenty Minnesota counties, ranging from petty misdemeanors to serious felony offenses. We defend our clients under the basic principle that everyone deserves access to justice.
Please apply if you’re looking to gain experience at a small, compassionate and effective law firm that has an outstanding track record and phenomenal team.
Representation in all areas of Minnesota criminal law, including but not limited to:
• Juvenile, traffic, DWI, drug, theft, fraud, harassment, domestic and sexual assault, and more.
Check out our website to learn more about our services: https://www.universaldefensellc.com/
Job Description
Universal Defense is seeking a highly motivated criminal litigation attorney. No workday is the same, but you can expect to split your time in and out of the office, with consultations, managing current client files, Zoom court, and in-person court hearings. Attorneys are expected to travel daily to surrounding counties for in-person court appearances. Our most represented counties include Sherburne, Wright, Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Scott, Dakota, Benton, and Stearns.
An ideal candidate would have:
• Criminal courtroom experience in Minnesota
• Exceptional legal research and writing skills
• Ability to negotiate and develop defense strategies
• Ability to navigate hearing and trials with minimal supervision
• Ability to work independently & collaborate with a small team
• Clear and compassionate communication skills
• Ability to manage a complex schedule, including several cases in one day
• Ability to work with diverse populations including those with mental and chemical health issues & deficiencies.

Why work for Universal Defense?
• Luxurious office setting with a great view and outdoor space
• Small, boutique style law firm
• Learn from experienced litigators
• Healthy work-life balance
• Competitive compensation & room for growth
• Laid back work environment and personable staff
• No billable hours
Minimum Qualifications:
• J.D. from an ABA accredited institution
• Minnesota State Bar License
• Comfortable in the courtroom
• Ability to independently manage clients and caseload
• Prompt responses to client calls and messages
• Ability to work with diverse populations including those with mental and chemical health issues and deficiencies
Preferred Qualifications:
• 2+ years working in a law firm setting
• Strong knowledge of Minnesota Criminal Law and Procedure
• Experience drafting legal briefs, motions, petitions, and memoranda
• Westlaw Certification
• Experience e-filing documents using Odyssey and MNDES
• Familiarity navigating Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
• Proficiency in using Zoom for remote meetings and hearings
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to organize discovery and independently prepare for trial
Recent law school graduates, public defenders, and prosecutors are encouraged to apply!
Job type: Full time, Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Job Location: 9000 Quantrelle Ave. NE Ste 230, Otsego, MN 55330.
The office is conveniently located right off Highway 169 in Otsego, Minnesota. Much of the workload will need to be done on site. Candidates must have a reliable vehicle and be able to travel daily to court appearances in surrounding counties.
Benefits:
• Medical and dental insurance
• Gym membership
• Generous time off including PTO and all federal holidays
• Company laptop and cellphone provided
Salary: 80k-90k starting salary based on experience.
Please submit your resume, cover letter and/or legal writing sample to [email protected] for consideration.

Charged with a crime in Minnesota? Our criminal defense lawyer is dedicated to providing a vigorous defense and personalized support to navigate your case.

02/26/2025

Its been 10 years since I founded Universal Defense from my kitchen. I made a whopping 16k my first year. ! I framed a POST IT that sits on my desk with 16k written on it. It reminds me every day where I started. My mother always said " arrogance doesn't look good on anyone" I agree.
I wanted to take a moment to thank my team, the Judges, Prosecutors, court and probation staff, as well as my wonderful clients for catapulting my firm to where it is today. We are doing well and will be looking to add a new lawyer to our family soon.
Public defenders and prosecutors are encouraged to apply.
Thanks everyone!
Richard W. LeRoy
(Just Rick will do)🙂