As an experienced Cloquet, Minnesota Criminal Attorney, I have handled thousands of cases in 24+ years of practice. I have tried more than 100 cases to jury verdict, including numerous homicide and Death Penalty cases.  I have also consulted on more than 75 serious felony cases with lawyers around the country.

My law firm, Persuasion Consultants, was founded in order to try to effect a much needed change of direction in the legal system and in the way criminal cases are tried within that system. Melding the "persuasion" method pioneered by Denver attorney Steven Rench twenty years ago with the "trying cases to win" strategies pioneered by New Jersey attorney Herb Stern, I am able to bring my courtroom experience to bear in the private representation of citizens accused of having committed crimes, as well as in conjunction with other defense counsel who have sought my advice in how to tackle difficult issues and cases. Using this hybrid methodology, I have achieved results many thought impossible to achieve in criminal cases ranging from Disorderly Conduct to Capital Murder throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Minnesota.

Through Persuasion Consultants, I bring these methods and experience to both the public and to the practicing bar. Whether it is:

• Personally undertaking the representation of the citizen-accused as lead trial counsel;
• Assisting outside trial counsel with their representation of a client at trial;
• Consulting with trial counsel on the creation of a theory of, and themes for, the defense;
• Consulting with trial counsel on how to craft and actually tell the story of a client's innocence or reduced culpability;
• Creating lines of examination for trial counsel to use to tell his or her client's story;
• Preparing a voir dire specific to the facts and issues in a case; or,
• Acting as an expert witness in both pre-trial and post-conviction settings involving both the role of defense counsel as well as whether, and to what extent, that role was fulfilled.

As a skilled Cloquet, Minnesota Criminal Attorney, I handle all aspects of Criminal Defense for adults and juveniles, including  Homicide; Assault and Battery; Drug Offenses, Drunk Driving Offenses; and other serious felonies in State and Federal Courts. I do not handle domestic violence cases unless there is a criminal charge that is brought. 

The outcome of any criminal case depends upon several factors: the facts surrounding the charges, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedures, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense.  I will navigate you through this complicated legal process. I have the experience and understanding to weave a client's story together, or to help outside counsel do so, for the jury or judge, in a way that is fact-driven yet creative and memorable in order to give the client the best chance at persuading the jury or judge of the rightness of a client's position.


Commonwealth v. Evelyn Ball (Murder/Robbery)
Whitley County, Ky., Circuit Court
Co-Counsel: Brenda Popplewell
Judge Paul E. Braden
TRIAL: Not Guilty on All Counts

Commonwealth v. Michael Griffin (Murder/Robbery)
Fayette County, Ky., Circuit Court
Co-Counsel: Jesse Crenshaw and Braxton Crenshaw
Judge Mary C. Noble
NO TRIAL: Charges Dismissed prior to trial

Commonwealth v. Summer Turner (Murder/Robbery)
Jessamine County, Ky., Circuit Court
Co-Counsel: David Thomas (lead counsel)Judge James G. Weddle (Special Appointment)
NO TRIAL: Charges Dismissed prior to trial

Commonwealth v. Danny Shelley (Murder of Sheriff)
Pulaski County, Ky., Circuit Court
Co-Counsel: Kathryn Wood
Judge Paul E. Braden (Special Appointment)
NO TRIAL: Client entered a plea of guilty
SENTENCE: Life without Parole for 25 years

Commonwealth v. Brian Foster (Double Murder/Arson)
Pulaski County, Ky., Circuit Court
Co-Counsel: Kathryn Wood
Judge William T. Cain
NO TRIAL: Client entered a plea of guilty
SENTENCE: 40 years; parole eligible at 20 years

If you or someone you know in Minnesota needs the assistance of an experienced Cloquet, Minnesota Criminal Attorney, call Mark Stanziano today at 866-776-4717 , or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.