Minnesota Assault Lawyer

Standing Up for the Accused in Anoka & Minneapolis

Assault is a common charge in Minnesota courts. Because it is considered a crime involving violence or potential violence, even the lowest levels of assault charges can lead to serious consequences. These can include jail time, fines, or probation with restrictions and terms you will have to follow or face additional probation violation charges. Minnesota law categorizes assault into five degrees with first degree assault being the most serious and charged as a felony.

When facing any assault accusation, it is imperative that you have a competent and committed criminal defense attorney in your corner as soon as possible to give you the best chance of a potential case dismissal, reduced charge, reduced sentencing, or other favorable outcome.

At Midwest Defense, we provide dedicated criminal defense representation based on intensive investigation into your arrest and the circumstances of your case, analysis of the evidence to uncover weaknesses on the part of the prosecution, and the search to put the prosecution’s case into reasonable doubt.

Throughout the entire legal process, we will provide the knowledgeable counsel you need, a fierce protection of your constitutional rights, and the fighting spirit necessary to help you achieve a positive outcome and a protection of your freedom and future.

Charged with assault? Get sound legal advice in a complimentary consultation with our Minnesota assault attorney. Contact us at (651) 808-0335.

What is Assault in Minnesota?

Assault occurs when a person does the following:

• Intentionally inflicts or tries to inflict bodily injury or death against another person
• Puts the other person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death

It is vital to understand that physical contact with the other person is not necessary to be charged with assault. Just threatening the other person without making contact can lead to an assault charge.

Assault charges are categorized according to their severity of the injuries suffered by the alleged victim. The more serious the charge, the more serious your potential penalties will be. Other circumstances can also affect your charges, such as whether you used a weapon, whether the alleged victim was part of a protected class of people, such as a police officer, firefighter, or other public servant, or whether the alleged victim is considered vulnerable because of being a minor, elderly, or disabled.

Levels of Assault in Minnesota

Fifth-degree assault is the lowest level of charge and is charged as a misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines assessed by the court.

Fourth-degree assault can lead up to a year or more in jail and often involves assault against police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other protected individuals. In some cases, it may be charged as a felony carrying two to three years of incarceration and fines ranging from $4,000 up to $6,000.

Third-degree assault involves causing substantial bodily injury, assaulting a minor when you already have a past history of child abuse, or assaulting a child under the age of four. It carries up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Second-degree assault is committed by using a dangerous weapon or by using a dangerous weapon and causing substantial bodily injury. Depending on the circumstances, it carries penalties of seven up to 10 years in prison and/or fines ranging from $14,000 up to $20,000.

First-degree assault occurs when great bodily harm is caused or deadly force is used against law enforcement or other public servants. It carries up to 30 years in prison and/or fines of up to $30,000.

The degree of injury caused is a deciding factor in how you are charged in assault cases. “Substantial bodily injury” generally means fractures, temporary disfigurement, or the temporary impairment of some part of the body. “Great bodily harm” generally means injuring someone to the point where death could follow or causing serious physical loss or impairment or permanent disfigurement.

Turn to Midwest Defense for a Dedicated Defense

Assault charges can seriously derail your life and, in the end, leave you with a permanent criminal record that can hamper future opportunities in employment, housing, financial aid, and more. You need serious and competent legal representation to fight back and to do so as quickly as possible. Our firm can provide a strategic defense that could make the difference between a conviction or a dismissal, acquittal, or other positive result.

Reach for committed legal assistance at (651) 808-0335 today. Available 24/7.