10.a GDO Law_RFP Response
Prosecution Legal Services Proposal
City of Scandia
Submitted by:
GDO Law
Robb L. Olson
robbolson@gdolaw.com
4770 White Bear Parkway
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
September 21, 2022
www.gdolaw.com
Phone 651.426.1533 | Fax 651.426.9501
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) PROSECUTION SERVICES PROPOSAL
a) FIRM BACKGROUND 1
b) CURRENT PROSECUTION CLIENTS 3
c) REFERENCES & CLIENT CONTACTS 3
d) CITY AND ATTORNEY RELATIONSHIP 4
e) CONFLICT OF INTEREST 4
f) PROSECUTORIAL PHILOSOPHY 4
g) POLICE TRAINING 5
h) COMPENSATION 5
2) ROBB L. OLSON’S RESUME 8
3) HEATHER A. MONNENS’ RESUME 10
4) C. MATTHEW MOERTEL’S RESUME 11
5) INSURANCE DECLARATION 13
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A. FIRM BACKGROUND
1. History
GDO Law has operated as a professional limited liability company since 2010. The
firm practices in the areas of municipal prosecution, business and banking law, real
estate, estate planning and probate, and family law.
The firm currently prosecutes in Washington, Ramsey, Anoka, and Isanti counties,
and represents the cities of St. Paul Park, White Bear Lake, New Brighton, Gem
Lake, the Minnesota State Fair, Lino Lakes, Isanti, and Cambridge. We also handle
code enforcement matters for four townships in Olmsted County.
2. Number of Attorneys / Availability
GDO Law is comprised of ten attorneys, a student law clerk, seven paralegals/ legal
assistants, and an office manager. Robb Olson is GDO’s managing partner, and
also heads up our prosecution team. GDO Partner Heather Monnens heads up our
work in Washington County, and would be the lead prosecutor for Scandia. Robb
Olson and associate attorney Matt Moertel would serve as back-up prosecutors.
Please see the attached resumes of Robb Olson, Heather Monnens and Matt Moertel
for attorney qualifications and professional affiliations. We would not need to hire
additional attorneys if we are awarded the prosecution contract for the City of
Scandia.
Our prosecutors are readily accessible to the police departments we serve during
normal work hours. Additionally, we are available by cell phone 24/7 for
consultations with police officers as needed, and for weekend probable cause
determinations. Any questions by individual officers, requests for charges, or
formal complaints are usually answered and completed within the same day of the
request.
3. Support Personnel
Jody Hudalla is our prosecution assistant and has been with GDO since 2017. Jody
has a paralegal degree from Rasmussen College, and previously worked for five
years as a Senior Court Clerk in Ramsey County. Jody has extensive experience
preparing our criminal cases, interacting with court personnel, defense counsel and
prosecution witnesses, as well as interacting with numerous law enforcement
agencies. Our prosecution team is also supported by another part-time paralegal,
who has extensive experience in criminal law.
4. Appellate and Trial Experience
GDO Law has successfully handled many appeals of criminal cases. On an annual
basis, our office tries several jury trials, dozens of contested evidentiary hearings
in DWI cases, and numerous court trials in traffic ticket cases. Despite being paid
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a flat monthly fee for our prosecution work, our attorneys vigorously pursue cases
for our prosecution clients.
5. Office Location
GDO Law’s office is located at 4770 White Bear Parkway, White Bear Lake,
Minnesota 55110. Our prosecution department can be reached at 651-426-1533.
Our fax number is 651-426-9501.
6. Legal Library / Use of Technology
We subscribe to Westlaw, the leading computerized legal research service. We also
subscribe to a number of deskbooks/handbooks put out by the Minnesota State Bar
Association or Minnesota CLE that cover issues relating to criminal law, DWI law,
courtroom evidence and procedure, and municipal law. We have access to resources
addressing municipal law issues through the League of Minnesota Cities’ website.
We utilize an in-house network server with cloud-based emails, up-to-date
computers, and the latest Microsoft Office products. Outlook is utilized for our
email communication as well as calendaring court dates and other tasks.
Our prosecution department is virtually paperless. All police reports, complaints,
and other documents are retained electronically. Instead of paper files, our attorneys
bring Microsoft Surface tablets or laptops to court. This allows them to access all
court files electronically and obtain up-to-date criminal record checks on
defendants. By switching to a paperless prosecution system, it has allowed us to
save time preparing and managing our cases, and helps us save paper and reduce
our office supply expenses.
We are a registered user with MNCIS, the Minnesota Court Information System.
Our firm also has access to the Minnesota Government Access (MGA) system,
which is an updated and enhanced version of MNCIS. We are proficient in e-
Charging and have met all BCA requirements since its adoption many years ago.
7. Statement of 2021 Billings
For fiscal year 2021, municipal prosecution work comprised approximately twenty
percent of the firm’s overall billings.
8. Malpractice / Ethics Claims & Coverage
There have been no malpractice claims or ethics complaints against any of the
members of the prosecution team. There are no actions pending or currently under
review by the State Board of Professional Responsibility, and we are not aware of
any matters that are likely to lead to the filing of a malpractice claim or ethics
complaint against our prosecution team. The firm carries malpractice insurance
through Minnesota Lawyer’s Mutual, with current limits of liability of $7,000,000
per claim and a $7,000,000 annual aggregate (see attached Declarations page).
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9. Compliance with Federal & State Laws
GDO Law complies with all Federal and State laws respecting civil rights and equal
opportunity employment.
B. CURRENT PROSECUTION CLIENTS
City of White Bear Lake – City Prosecutor from 1997 to present
City of Gem Lake – City Prosecutor from 1997 to present
City of Lino Lakes – City Prosecutor from 2012 to present
City of Saint Paul Park – City Prosecutor from 2016 to present
City of New Brighton – City Prosecutor from 2018 to present
City of Isanti – City Prosecutor from 2019 to present
Minnesota State Fair – Prosecutor from 2021 to present
Salem Township (Olmsted County) – 2016 to present
Kalmar Township (Olmsted County) – 2016 to present
Haverhill Township (Olmsted County) – 2018 to present
Cascade Township (Olmsted County) – 2019 to present
City of Cambridge – 2022 to present
C. REFERENCES & CLIENT CONTACTS
John Swenson Public Safety Director for Lino Lakes 651-982-2301
john.swenson@ci.lino-lakes.mn.us
Julie Swanson Police Chief for White Bear Lake 651-429-8551
jswanson@whitebearlake.org
Jessica Danberg Police Chief for St. Paul Park 651-459-9785
jdanberg@stpaulpark.org
Tony Paetznick Public Safety Director for New Brighton 651-288-4102
tony.paetznick@newbrightonmn.gov
Travis Muyres Police Chief for Isanti 763-444-4761
tmuyres@cityofisanti.us
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D. CITY / CITY ATTORNEY RELATIONSHIP
As the City Prosecutor, we serve at the appointment and direction of the City Council. We
are open to client input from both the police department and city staff regarding the
performance of our prosecution work on the City’s behalf. As the prosecutor, however, we
are bound by the code of ethics governing our profession to make an independent judgment
regarding the prosecution of any particular matter, without regard to political concerns. In
terms of communication, we will generally respond to emails or phone calls from city staff
or police department personnel the same day, and no longer than 24 hours of any request.
E. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
GDO Law does not believe that it has or currently represents any clients whose
representation may conflict with our ability to provide legal services to the City of Scandia.
We do not currently represent any real estate developers in the Cambridge area. Should we
identify conflicts of interest arise on any prosecution matter, we are able to resolve such
conflicts by referring these matters to other prosecuting agencies. Our office does not have
any professional or personal relationships with City Council members or the City of
Scandia staff.
F. PROSECUTORIAL PHILOSOPHY REGARDING PUBLIC SAFETY
As city prosecutors, our cases involve misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses for
domestic violence-related cases, DWIs, thefts, traffic, and code violations. We approach
these cases as follows:
1. Domestic Violence-Related Cases
Our firm attaches the highest importance to domestic violence-related cases. We
attempt to obtain qualified domestic violence-related convictions whenever
possible so that subsequent offenses are “enhanced,” or charged out at a gross
misdemeanor or felony level, ensuring that the full weight of the criminal justice
system is utilized to try and deter this behavior. We also try to discern the root
cause for domestic violence in a case, and try to tailor the probationary conditions
to require mental health or chemical dependency counseling as appropriate.
2. DWI Offenses
We also place great emphasis on the prosecution of DWI cases, and do not plea
bargain these offenses below the mandatory minimum sentences set forth in the
DWI statutes unless the circumstances of the case dictate otherwise. Due to our
tough stance on DWI cases, we conduct contested hearings and jury trials in DWI
cases on a regular basis.
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3. Code Violations
We are very experienced with handling code or ordinance violation cases. The goal
in these cases is compliance, not punishment. We will work closely with the code
enforcement department to resolve these cases. For most first-time offenders we
will dismiss the case if the code violation is resolved early on. For repeat cases and
those cases requiring a trial, we will seek a stayed jail sentence, with a condition of
probation that the violation be resolved to the City’s satisfaction within a short
period of time to avoid jail. Our experience is that very few code violation cases
end in trial. In at least two recent cases, however, offenders have served jail time
for repeated violations, which has resulted in speedy resolution of the violations.
G. POLICE TRAINING
Understanding that the law is continuously changing, we provide ongoing training to our
police departments, typically in conjunction with the departments’ training schedules.
Areas covered include the ever-changing law relating to DWIs, the handling of domestic
violence-related cases, testimony by officers at hearings, and other selected topics. Our
firm has extensive experience providing formal training to law enforcement.
H. COMPENSATION & CONTRACT TERM
The contract shall be for a three-year term, although either party may cancel the contract
at any time and for any reason, upon a 90-day written notice to the other party. We propose
charging a flat fee of $27,500 per year for the term of the contract. This is for all prosecution
services, including the preparation for and attendance at arraignments, pretrials, jury trials,
court trials, and appeals relating to all petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and gross
misdemeanor offenses within the City limits. There will be no extra fee for our copying
costs, postage, travel time, staff time, periodic training sessions with the police department,
or for online research fees.
Attorney time spent on vehicle forfeitures would be charged at $120.00 per hour. There
would be no charge for appeals. However, if the City is the Appellant because it lost at the
trial court, the defendant’s attorney is entitled to recover attorney fees for their work on the
appeal, regardless of the outcome, and the City would pay these fees. Any appeal work in
such cases would only be done with advance approval from the City.
Detailed monthly billing statements outlining work performed will be issued to reflect
attorney time spent in one-tenth hour increments on all hourly fee work for forfeitures. The
firm will advance and obtain additional reimbursement from the City for any out-of-pocket
costs, such as witness fees, service of process fees, couriers, and appeal costs, although
these costs should be minimal.
ATTORNEYRESUMES
ROBB L. OLSON
HEATHER A. MONNENS
C. MATTHEW MOERTEL
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Robb L. Olson
(651) 426-1533 i robbolson@gdolaw.com
BAR MEMBERSHIP
Minnesota State Bar, 1984
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1984
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Minnesota State Bar Association
Anoka County Bar Association
AWARDS & HONORS
Tubman Family Alliance
Nominated for award for work as an advocate for victims of domestic violence
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Acknowledged for outstanding work in prosecuting misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor DWI offenses
in White Bear Lake
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, MN
Juris Doctor, cum Laude, 1984
Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK,
Bachelor of Arts, Magna cum Laude, 1981
Major: Theological and Historical Studies
WORK EXPERIENCE
GDO Law, White Bear Lake, MN
Managing Partner, 2010 to present
o City Prosecutor for White Bear Lake, New Brighton, Gem Lake, Lino Lakes, St. Paul Park, Isanti,
Minnesota State Fair, and four townships in Olmstead county.
o Represent private clients in the areas of family law, estate planning, and probate.
o Qualified Rule 114 Neutral, Minnesota Supreme Court ADR Neutral Roster
Tubman Family Alliance, Minneapolis, MN
Volunteer Attorney, 2013 to present, representing victims of domestic assault in Order for Protection
cases.
Robb Olson Law Office, PLLC, White Bear Lake, MN
Partner Attorney, 2006-2010
o City Prosecutor for cities of White Bear Lake and Gem Lake.
o Represented clients in the areas of family law, estate planning, and probate.
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Meslow & Olson, PLLC, White Bear Lake, MN
Partner Attorney, 1996-2006
o Practice focused on criminal prosecution for the cities of White Bear Lake and Gem Lake, estate
planning, probate, and family law.
TeamVantage Molding, Inc., Forest Lake, MN
President/Owner, 1987-1996
o Grew small family business from $2 million in sales to become an $8.5 million supplier of precision
plastic components to original equipment manufacturers such as 3M Company, Illinois Tool
Works, and Alliant TechSystems; sold business to investor.
Fabyanske, Westra, Thomson & Hart, PA Minneapolis, MN
Associate Attorney, 1984-1987
o Practice focused primarily on construction litigation, real estate and corporate law.
U. S. Army, 1975-1978
o Attained rank of Specialist 5 in the Finance Corp.
o Honorably discharged, used GI Bill to finance education.
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Heather A. Monnens
(651) 426-3249 i heathermonnens@gdolaw.com
BAR MEMBERSHIP
Admitted to Minnesota State Bar
October 2010
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Board of Trustees, Merrick Inc., Secretary
21st District Ethics Committee Investigator
Minnesota State Bar Association
Ramsey County Bar Association
EDUCATION
William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN
Juris Doctor, May 2010
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona, MN
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, May 2007
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
GDO Law, White Bear Lake, MN
Partner, December 2011 – present
o Serve as the city prosecutor for the cities of White Bear Lake, New Brighton, Gem Lake, Lino Lakes, St.
Paul Park, Isanti, and Minnesota State Fair.
o Prosecuted thousands of cases through all stages of criminal litigation including first appearances,
contested omnibus hearings, court trials, jury trials and probation violation hearings.
o Drafted legal memoranda and presented oral arguments before the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
o Represent clients in family law cases involving divorce, custody, parenting time, division of assets, and
spousal maintenance.
Mower County, Austin, MN
Freeborn County, Albert Lea, MN
Judicial Law Clerk, August 2010 – December 2011
o Drafted over 150 memorandum decisions and orders for four district court judges.
o Attended various court sessions including criminal and civil trials, custody hearings, probate, juvenile,
child protection matters, and civil commitments.
o Conducted legal research for criminal, civil, child protection, and family issues.
Washington County Public Defender’s Office, Stillwater, MN
Certified Student Attorney, June 2008 – May 2009
o Interviewed clients in jail to gather case information for their initial appearance in court.
o Represented clients in court by entering their initial plea to the court and arguing conditions of release.
o Read juvenile case files, researched pertinent laws, and developed defenses.
Tubman Family Alliance, Minneapolis, MN
Domestic Abuse Advocate, January – May 2008
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ͳʹ
C. Matthew Moertel
(651) 426-3249 i mattmoertel@gdolaw.com
BAR MEMBERSHIPS
Admitted to Minnesota State Bar
October 2017
EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, WI
Juris Doctor, May 2017
Honors: Dean’s List, Fall 2015, Fall 2016
Distinctions: Criminal Law Concentration
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Bachelor of Arts, May 2013
Majors: History; Political Science
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
GDO Law, White Bear Lake, MN
Associate Attorney, January 2022 – Present
o Serve as the city prosecutor for the cities of White Bear Lake, New Brighton, Gem Lake, Lino Lakes, St.
Paul Park, Isanti, Cambridge, and Minnesota State Fair.
o Prosecuted hundreds of cases through all stages of criminal litigation including first appearances,
contested omnibus hearings, court trials, jury trials, and probation violation hearings.
o Represent clients in family law cases involving divorce, division of assets, and spousal maintenance.
Minnesota Judicial Branch, St. Paul, MN
Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Joy D. Bartscher, November 2019-December 2021
o Acquired a thorough working knowledge of Minnesota’s substantive and procedural criminal law
o Successfully navigated the transition to conducting court virtually as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved
while working with Judge Bartscher as the presiding Judge of the Criminal Division
o Took a leading role among law clerks in assisting court administration in developing and piloting new
procedures to meet the challenges of the pandemic
o Analyzed legal issues before the Court and provided insight to Judge Bartscher in issuing orders. Drafted
over 200 orders and legal memoranda.
Wisconsin State Public Defender, Eau Claire, WI
Staff Attorney, May 2018-November 2019
o Represented indigent clients across a variety of cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, civil
commitments, juvenile delinquency, CHIPS, child support, and probation violation hearings
o Negotiated, worked collaboratively, and developed professional relationships with prosecutors and
corporation counsel in Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties
o Litigated a variety of evidentiary motions
o Maintained a holistic, compassionate, client-centered practice, and went above and beyond to ensure
client needs were met
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ͳ͵
Hennepin County Public Defender, Minneapolis, MN
Law Clerk, May 2016-August 2016
Wisconsin Innocence Project, Madison, WI
Student Attorney, June 2015-May 2016
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Eagle Scout Troop 212, Vadnais Heights, MN (September 2008)
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All other terms and conditions remain the same.
Words and phrases that appear in all capital letters have special meaning.
Please refer to the Definitions section of the coverage form.
MLM-0019 (06-18) Page 1 of 1
Named Insured Endorsement Number
Duea, Olson & Tiede, PLLC d/b/a GDO Law 1
Policy Number Policy Period Effective Date
19859 18 1/1/2022 - 1/1/2023 1/3/2022
Prior Acts Retroactive Date Endorsement
It is understood and agreed the PRIOR ACTS RETROACTIVE DATES for the following INSUREDS are listed below. The
PRIOR ACTS RETROACTIVE DATES are effective 12:01 a.m. at the address of the NAMED INSURED.
INSUREDS PRIOR ACTS RETROACTIVE DATES
C. Matthew Moertel 1/3/2022
$2,171.00 ADDITIONAL PREMIUM
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