Blue Earth County Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges may be daunting and overwhelming, and with good reason. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, criminal charges can carry sentences ranging from fines and probation to prison time—sometimes for life. The majority of criminal charges will remain on your record for years and may negatively impact your chances at numerous opportunities. No matter the nature of the indictment, it is imperative that you find a criminal defense attorney who is both experienced and willing to fight for you with your best interests at heart.

Whether you are being investigated, charged, or arrested for a crime in Blue Earth County and are wondering where to turn for legal help, look no further than the team at Knutson + Casey. Our team of experienced Blue Earth County criminal defense attorneys are available to defend you in a court of law and get you the best possible outcome.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

Criminal defense attorneys work with a variety of crimes. Knutson + Casey has years of experience working on the following types of criminal defense cases and more:

• Assault
• Sex crimes
• Drug crimes
• Felonies
• Murder, homicide, manslaughter
• Fraud
• DWI
• Domestic violence
• Sexual and gender-based violence

The work of a defense attorney, whether court-appointed or private, is to:

• Represent the defendant at arraignments, hearings, and court trials
• Review, research and analyze the facts of the case
• Investigate the case against their clients and gather relevant evidence
• Question witnesses and present their findings to a judge or jury
• Asses the State’s case and potential outcomes including the likelihood of a particular judge ordering a different sentence
• Negotiate a plea bargain (or settlement) with the prosecutor, including reduced sentences, charges, or bail
• Advise their clients on the consequences of a conviction, plea, or criminal record

A defense attorney may also offer psychological support to the defendant by helping them cope and come to terms with the fears of being thrown into the criminal justice system.

3 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

The defendant may choose to represent themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney, known as pro se defendants. This option may seem appealing to defendants looking to avoid the costs and fees associated with hiring a defense attorney. There is also a possibility of qualifying for a public defender depending on the defendant’s income. However, public defenders are often underpaid and overworked which sometimes leads to them not having enough time for each defendant’s case.

The immeasurable costs of not having the best legal defense are minimal compared to the cost of an attorney. No matter how smart you are, you may be unable to represent yourself effectively. Below are three reasons why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential:

1. They Understand the Judicial System

The law may be confusing, even for someone who works in the judicial system every day. A criminal defense lawyer has studied and trained to understand the intricate workings of criminal law and associated court procedures. This puts them in a better position to identify any loopholes that may work in your favor.

2. They Have Exemplary Negotiating Skills

Seasoned Blue Earth County criminal defense attorneys at Knutson + Casey have creative ways of negotiating cases (and sentences) that a less experienced attorney would not know are available. They have the necessary relationships with the prosecutors and judges in Blue Earth County which assist in the process as well. They may be able to get your penalties lessened and keep you from jail, get your charges reduced to keep a felony off your criminal record, or even get your case dismissed altogether.

3. They Have Dealt With Similar Cases to Yours

An experienced criminal defense attorney has dealt with issues relating to criminal charges. They have experience handling cases that may be nearly identical to yours and, therefore, know what to expect and how to deal with curveballs. The criminal defense attorneys at Knutson + Casey have extensive trial experience, which shows they will fight to the end for their client’s innocence.

How Can a Criminal Record Affect Me?

Even minor criminal charges may alter your civil liberties and the quality of your life. They include:

• Child custody: A parent’s access or custody rights to their children may be restricted, especially in domestic violence or abuse cases.
• Employment: People with criminal records can have difficulty finding work, especially for employers requiring extensive background checks.
• Harsher penalties for subsequent crimes: If you are charged with a crime for which you received a past conviction, the court may issue harsher penalties for future crimes such as increased jail time.
• Driving and other privileges: Depending on the conviction, you may lose driving and firearm privileges or even hinder your ability to receive financial aid for school or to find housing in certain areas (especially if you have a sex offense on your record)

The penalties of criminal conviction vary depending on the seriousness of the crime.

Work With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney In Blue Earth County

Suppose you are being charged or investigated for a crime. In that case, it is crucial that you find an attorney who specializes in criminal defense and practices in the city or county where the charges are pending. The attorneys at Knutson + Casey have extensive experience in dealing with criminal defense cases ranging from DUI charges to homicide allegations.

Get the best legal representation for you or your loved one by requesting a free consultation with one of our criminal lawyers today. We promise to exhaust all the resources within our reach to fight aggressively for your rights and the best possible outcome. Get started by completing our contact form or calling us at (507) 344-8888.