Melvin R. Welch

Melvin R. Welch, born and raised in a small farm town in Minnesota, embarked on his academic journey at the University of Minnesota, Duluth before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1996. During his service, he acquired proficiency in Russian and served on submarines. He completed his college education while in the Navy and later worked as a translator for the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, assisting the United States Army and the Russian 13th Tactical Group in Kamenica, Kosovo.

After his military service, Melvin attended the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating in 2007. He began his legal career with the Office of the State Public Defender, focusing on appeals to contest wrongful convictions and illegal sentences. After several years, he transitioned to the role of prosecutor in Hennepin County, where he handled serious felony cases, including murder, assault, robbery, burglary, drug offenses, property crimes, gun crimes, child abuse, and DWIs. During his tenure, he tried hundreds of constitutional challenges and numerous cases.

Melvin eventually returned to criminal defense, first working as an associate at a criminal defense law firm before establishing his own practice, Welch Law Firm. He is licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Melvin has managed serious felony and DWI cases throughout Minnesota.