William J. "Bill" Mauzy, Criminal Defense Attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar
William J. Mauzy, Attorney at Law
Minneapolis, MN
Practicing criminal defense in Minneapolis since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
William J. "Bill" Mauzy is an attorney based in Minneapolis, MINNESOTA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William J. Mauzy, Attorney at Law.
- Based in
- Minneapolis, MINNESOTA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Minneapolis, MINNESOTA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Minneapolis) (2025).
About William J. "Bill" Mauzy: William J. "Bill" Mauzy is an attorney based in Minneapolis, MINNESOTA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William J. Mauzy, Attorney at Law.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
William takes criminal defense matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
William takes white collar matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet William J. "Bill" Mauzy — criminal defense lawyer in Minneapolis
William J. "Bill" Mauzy is an attorney based in Minneapolis, MINNESOTA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William J. Mauzy, Attorney at Law.
Bill is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers—an honor limited to the top 1% of lawyers in the State and a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. He was named as one of the Best Lawyers in America for White Collar Criminal Defense and also named as one of the Top 10 Lawyers in Minnesota. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics every year since 1991.
Mr. Mauzy is certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Criminal Trial Specialist and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Criminal Trial Specialist. Effectively representing individuals and corporations in all criminal matters, he has won acquittals in a wide variety of matters including securities fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, bid rigging, health care fraud, antitrust, ERISA fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, environmental crimes and bribery. Mauzy achieved the first acquittal in Minnesota using the battered woman’s syndrome defense in a murder trial. In one of his many white collar cases, he became the first attorney in Minnesota to try a case against the Office of Independent Counsel. Mauzy’s client, an insurance company CEO, was acquitted of all charges after a lengthy trial in Washington, D.C. Mauzy won an acquittal for the former Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota for alleged illegal corporate campaign contribution, and an acquittal for a highly regarded Twin Cities pediatrician on criminal sexual assault charges.
Mr. Mauzy is admitted to practice in the United States District Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, United States Supreme Court and United States Tax Court. He also is admitted to practice in the State of Wisconsin. B.A. 1969, Carleton College; J.D. cum laude, 1973, University of Minnesota.Attorney
Bill Mauzy has successfully tried more than 100 cases in state and federal courts and won. His success as a white collar defense attorney in Minneapolis is due to his aggressive approach for clients. He assists people charged with financial crimes. He can help you, too.
William's approach to criminal defense cases
Bill is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers—an honor limited to the top 1% of lawyers in the State and a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. He was named as one of the Best Lawyers in America for White Collar Criminal Defense and also named as one of the Top 10 Lawyers in Minnesota. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics every year since…
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Minneapolis and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Minnesota
J.D. · 1973
Carleton College
—
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Minnesota
1973 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Minnesota and — in Carleton College.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Minnesota and — in Carleton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
William has received 13 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Minneapolis)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Minneapolis)
2014
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Minneapolis)
2011
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Best Law Firms
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Trial Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — SuperLawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawyer of the Year 2014
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Attorney of the Month
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Minneapolis) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Minneapolis) (2014). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Minneapolis) (2011). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).
Locations
William J. "Bill" Mauzy's office in Minneapolis
William's primary office is at 650 Third Avenue South, Suite 260, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
William J. Mauzy, Attorney at Law
650 Third Avenue South, Suite 260
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William J. "Bill" Mauzy — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William J. "Bill" Mauzy
How much does it cost to hire William for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Minnesota typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Minneapolis?
William is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Minneapolis, St Paul and Edina in Minnesota
William handles criminal defense matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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