Being faced with misdemeanor charges can be frightening, particularly if you’ve never interacted with Minnesota law enforcement. It can be tempting to forgo a lawyer’s advice in that situation based on a fear that you think calling an attorney might make you look guilty.
Fortunately, calling a criminal defense lawyer is not a sign of guilt, no matter what local police officers may say. Instead, when you have an attorney on your side, you can more effectively fight to have misdemeanor charges dropped and removed from your record. You can discuss how an attorney may be able to assist you in your misdemeanor case with an attorney from the Knutson + Casey team.
There are three classifications of misdemeanor crimes in Minnesota: gross misdemeanors, standard misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors. You may face any of these charges if you’re accused of the following:
As noted, standard misdemeanor charges tend to imply criminal behavior that is less severe than what might merit a felony. These crimes can still be violent in nature, and have a significant impact on your future. A misdemeanor charge of assault for example may affect future crimes you are charged with, your employability in certain fields, and you ability to go into certain educational programs.
The consequences of a misdemeanor charge vary depending on a variety of things, some of which being the charge’s specific categorization and the accused’s criminal record. For example, Minn. Stat. §609.02 states that gross misdemeanors carry the threat of a year in jail and fines of up to $3,000. Comparatively, standard misdemeanors put you at risk for 90 days in jail and $1,000 fines.
The consequences associated with a misdemeanor charge can grow more severe if you have a pre-existing criminal history. While the prosecution may not use your criminal record as evidence of ongoing misconduct, a court may charge you with a more serious offense if you have a pre-existing criminal history.
Petty misdemeanors are the only form of misdemeanor that doesn’t come with the risk of jail time. Fines for petty misdemeanors tend to cap at $300 in Minnesota.
Hiring a criminal defense attorney has many benefits to a person charged with a misdemeanor charge. They can review the evidence the state has against you, gather additional evidence from witnesses and bystanders, and they can make any legal challenges that may arise. A criminal defense attorney can assist you in getting the charges dismissed, reduced, or negotiate a favorable plea deal for you. If a plea agreement is not what the person is hoping for, the criminal defense attorney can also assist in preparing and participating in the trial.
The attorneys at Knutson + Casey can potentially assist you in getting your criminal record expunged. You can learn more about our available services in a free case consultation with our criminal defense attorneys.
A criminal record can make it more difficult for Minnesota residents to secure employment. There are some employers that require extensive background checks to be eligible for employment.
If you’ve only faced misdemeanor charges and not convictions, your ability to find work may be based on your own merits. The same can be said for individuals who’ve had their misdemeanors expunged from their records.
That said, it’s in your best interest to avoid a misdemeanor conviction entirely. Fortunately, our experienced criminal defense team can help you do just that.
Popular culture would have you believe that calling a lawyer in the face of a misdemeanor is a bad idea. However, contacting an attorney is not indicative of guilt. Our criminal defense lawyers have trained for decades to address charges just like yours. When you have us on your team, you have a greater chance of keeping misdemeanor charges off of your record.
It’s time for you to contact a criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis. You can schedule a consultation with Knutson + Casey to learn more about how we advocate for clients facing misdemeanor charges. Call (507) 344-8888 or complete our online contact form today.