Trevor J Lushanko

As a criminal defense attorney in downtown Minneapolis, I have successfully assisted many clients in achieving positive outcomes in their criminal cases. I graduated with Cum Laude honors from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, ranking in the top third of my class. My journey in client representation began at the Dakota County Public Defender’s Office during my legal studies, where I gained practical experience and a deep understanding of the criminal justice system through mentorship and hands-on work.

After earning my degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, I worked as a public defender in Scott County before moving into private practice. Shortly after obtaining my license, I secured a win in my first jury trial. Since then, I have managed hundreds of criminal cases, from DWIs to serious felonies, achieving additional Not Guilty verdicts and numerous case dismissals.

I am dedicated to providing genuine empathy for my clients and their circumstances. From beginning to end, you can expect personalized attention and direct interaction with me. Your legal journey is more than just a case to me—it’s a partnership built on trust, dedication, and unwavering advocacy.

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

Minnesota

Minnesota Supreme Court

ID Number: 0403386

Attorney / Founder

Lushanko Law, PLLC

2023 - Current

Assistant Public Defender

1st Judicial Public Defender's Office

2022 - Current

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

J.D. (2022) | Law

2019 - 2022

Honors: Cum Laude Honors

Hennepin County Bar Association

Member

2024 - Current

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member

2024 - Current

State Bar of Minnesota  # 0403386

Member

2022 - Current

Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2022 - Current

Q. Two people are in a car that gets pulled over and drugs and scales are found. One person gets arrested and released with

November 13, 2024

A: In this scenario, the fact that one person claims ownership of the scales and drugs does not automatically exempt the other from potential charges. In many jurisdictions, both individuals in the car could be charged with possession if they had knowledge of the drugs and scales and exercised “constructive possession.” This means that, even if one person claims ownership, the other person could still be charged if they were aware of the drugs and had access to or control over them. Scales are often associated with distribution, and prosecutors may use this as evidence of intent. If one person claims responsibility, the prosecutor may still argue that both were involved in distribution, especially if other evidence (such as text messages, cash, or baggies) suggests a joint intent. However, one person taking responsibility of the drugs/scales could be used as a tactic to reduce consequences for the other person. For example, if one person is taking full responsibility and there is weak evidence to convict the other person, the State could dismiss or reduce the charges for that person. More specifically, if the drugs/scales were found in a backpack, for example, and one person claims the backpack as theirs, the other person would be in a strong position to get their case dismissed or significantly reduce their consequences. ... Read More

Q. Can multiple charges be added to a single ticket after being issued when a vehicle was not stopped on public road

November 8, 2024

A: Yes, it is possible for charges to be added to a citation or ticket after it was issued. The fact that the vehicle was parked on private property does not necessarily prevent additional charges from being added. When a cop issues a ticket or citation, it is typically sent to the local prosecuting office (the State) along with details of the incident for review. Charges could be added by the prosecutors office if new information came to light or if a police officer simply overlooked something the incident. However, if the statue of limitations has expired on the charges, these charges cannot be added. The statute of limitation gives the state a certain amount of time to file charges after an incident occurs. If charges are not filed before the statute of limitations expires, the state is barred from bringing the charges. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for most DWI offenses is 90 days.

Furthermore, some offenses, including DWI/DUI offenses, can be charged regardless of whether the incident took place on public or private property. New Jersey DWI statutes do not distinguish between public and private properties, but instead criminalize the action of driving while impaired regardless of where you are doing it, so long as it is in the state of New Jersey. ... Read More