Assault and Domestic Violence Attorneys in Minneapolis

Assault Charges in Minneapolis

Under Minneapolis law, assault is defined as intentionally causing or attempting to cause harm to another person. Assault charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged offense, whether a weapon was involved, and whether the victim suffered serious injuries. 

There are several degrees of assault charges in Minneapolis. First-degree assault is the most serious form of assault and involves causing great bodily harm to another person or assaulting someone with a dangerous weapon. A conviction for first-degree assault can result in up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000. 

Second-degree assault involves assault with a dangerous weapon, regardless of whether serious injury occurred. A second-degree assault conviction can lead to up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000. 

If you cause substantial bodily harm to another person, you could be charged with third-degree assault, which carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. 

A fourth-degree assault charge typically applies to assaults against certain protected individuals, such as police officers, firefighters, or teachers. A conviction can lead to up to one year in jail and fines of up to $3,000. 

Fifth-degree assault is the least severe form of assault and involves causing fear of bodily harm or attempting to inflict harm. It is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but repeat offenses or aggravating factors can elevate the charge to a gross misdemeanor or felony. 

The Consequences of an Assault or Domestic Violence Conviction 

 The consequences of an assault or domestic violence conviction in Minneapolis are serious and can impact many areas of your life, including: 

• Jail or Prison Time: Depending on the severity of the charges and whether you have prior convictions, you could face significant time behind bars, ranging from months to decades. 
• Fines: Penalties for assault and domestic violence can include hefty fines, potentially ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. 
• Loss of Custody or Visitation Rights: A conviction for domestic violence can result in the loss of custody or visitation rights with your children. In cases where both parents share custody, the court may place restrictions on your contact with your children. 
• Loss of Employment: A criminal conviction can make it difficult to maintain your current employment or secure future job opportunities. Certain employers may be unwilling to hire individuals with violent crime convictions. 
• Protective Orders: If convicted, you may face a long-term protective order (restraining order) that prohibits you from contacting the alleged victim or other family members, severely limiting your personal freedom. 
• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for assault or domestic violence will stay on your criminal record, which can have long-term effects on your ability to obtain housing, employment, and loans. 

Why You Need an Experienced Assault and Domestic Violence Attorney 

If you are facing charges of assault or domestic violence in Minneapolis, working with a skilled criminal defense attorney is essential to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome. At Sieben Edmunds Miller, we offer the experience and dedication you need to navigate these serious charges. 

An experienced attorney is crucial for several reasons. First, they will protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. Law enforcement and prosecutors take assault and domestic violence cases very seriously, often pushing for the harshest penalties. Your attorney will ensure that any evidence obtained illegally is challenged, preventing its use against you in court. Second, they will build a strong defense by carefully examining the facts of your case to create a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. This may involve questioning the credibility of prosecution witnesses, proving self-defense, or showing a lack of intent. 

In addition, your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. This might result in a plea deal or reduced charges, potentially minimizing the consequences of the allegations against you. Finally, if your case goes to trial, you need a seasoned attorney who can represent you effectively in court, present persuasive arguments, and fight for a favorable outcome.