- What is the cost of criminal defense for my criminal charges?
- What is the difference between a misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and a felony?
- The 'victim' wants the charges dropped. Will the case be dismissed?
- What are the possible outcomes of my case?
- What is suspended time or what does it mean if they stay my sentence?
- Should I talk to the police?
- Will I be able to own a gun?
- What is the cost of criminal defense for my criminal charges?
- Our fees are very competitive and we work with you to protect your rights and defend you. This includes investigating the facts, police, and witnesses to determine evidence that will prove your innocence. We charge a flat rate for criminal defense based on the complexity of your case. Our legal fees for criminal defense will cover your attorney's fees all the way throughout discovery, probable cause hearings, and pre-trial motions. There is an additional fee if you go to trial, but call our office to get a better idea of the fees we would charge to defend you.
- What is the difference between a misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and a felony?
- Petty Misdemeanors are punishable by up to $300 fine. You cannot be sent to jail for a petty misdemeanor. Although not criminal offenses, some petty misdemeanors may still look bad on your record.
- Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. These are serious crimes.
- Misdemeanors are a crime and are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Felonies are the most serious offenses. They are punishable by a year to life in jail and heavy fines, depending on the crime.
- The 'victim' wants the charges dropped. Will the case be dismissed?
- No. Once police are involved they are gathering evidence and when a criminal case is in the county attorney or prosecutor's hands they charge the crime acting for the state and the alleged "victim" is only witness testimony for the state as additional evidence. The victim cannot decide to drop the charges on their own. The state will continue to prosecute using the statements the victim already made to the police and may even impeach the victim if they were to testify differently on the stand. This type of issue is common in domestic assault situations when the police are called and the alleged victim does not want to pursue charges.
- What are the possible outcomes of my case?
- Each case depends on the facts and the law. When evaluating your case, we always look first for reasons the case might be dismissed. The witnesses or victim may be lying and evidence often can be suppressed. There may be contradicting evidence to show the state's evidence is unreliable. The case can be dismissed if a defendant qualifies for a diversion program and will remain law abiding in a plea agreement. Other times, the court might give a sentence but will not impose it. Sometimes you must go to a jury trial to prove your innocence. Whether these options will be available in your case depends on a number of factors. Call our office to get a better idea of possible outcomes you can expect in your case.
- What is suspended time or what does it mean if they stay my sentence?
- If a court suspends or stays a sentence of jail time, it means that a criminal defendant does not have to serve the jail time that is suspended or stayed, if they successfully complete each condition or term of probation, known as probation and monitored by the corrections or probation department. If they do complete court ordered terms of probation or violate a condition of the stay, the court may require them to serve the stayed jail time.
- Should I talk to the police?
- Always call your attorney before you speak to the police. The police are trying to find any evidence that may convict you and anything you say can and WILL be used against you. An attorney can protect your rights before you confess to something, or say something that you didn't mean to say.
- Will I be able to own a gun?
- If you are convicted of domestic assault, a drug or gang crime, any felony, or one of several other crimes, you cannot own or use a gun. Depending on the conviction, you may have to petition the court to restore your gun rights.
Contact a Twin Cities Lawyer Today
Contact our office today to set up a free consultation. You can reach a helpful and experienced Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, attorney today at 651-315-8755, Toll Free at 866-929-0453, or by sending us an e-mail online.
