Universal Defense llc

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Universal Defense llc

Call or text for a free consultation today! The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better. Call Richard LeRoy at Universal Defense today.

Twin Cities & Central Minnesota's top Criminal Defense Attorney, Richard LeRoy. 36 years of vigorous legal representation and voted Wright County's 2026 Best Defense Attorney by Google! Criminal defense lawyer Richard LeRoy has represented clients throughout the Twin Cities and across Minnesota who have faced potentially life-altering criminal charges for nearly 30 years. As the founder of Univers

al Defense, LLC, Richard works tirelessly to protect clients facing the severe legal, financial, and emotional impacts that stem from allegations of criminal conduct. When you’ve been charged with a serious crime, from a DUI to an assault or even murder, it is critical that you find a lawyer who you can trust.

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

Address

9000 Quantrelle Avenue, Ste 230
Otsego, MN
55330

Telephone

+17632416976

Website

http://Universaldefensellc.com/

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