Mankato Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges, whether misdemeanor or felony, carry a heavy weight that can stick with you for the rest of your life. If you’re facing criminal charges, you’re most likely scared or confused, and for a good reason. At a minimum, sentencing can include fines and/or probation. At most, it can include prison time—sometimes for life. The majority of criminal charges will remain on your record for many years, or permanently. No matter the charge, it’s imperative to speak with a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer who will fight on your behalf.

Have you been arrested or charged with a crime? Are you being investigated for suspicion of a crime in Mankato? Tell us your story. All you need to do is contact our criminal defense attorneys at 507-344-8888 to receive your free consultation with Knutson+Casey. 

BEING ARRESTED IN MANKATO IS JUST THE BEGINNING

When facing a criminal charge, an accused person can feel paralyzed by the uncertainty of what to do next—at a time when your case demands immediate attention. Before anything else, it’s important to remember that being arrested doesn’t mean you’re guilty. The prosecution will need to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction to stick.

To start planning your defense strategy, consult a qualified defense lawyer. This gives you the best chance of overcoming this hardship and moving on with your life. With a criminal charge on your hands, the stakes are high. Your case requires the services of a Manko, Minnesota criminal defense attorney who has helped people in situations like yours.

QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERS  

When someone is arrested or charged with a crime for the first time, many questions remain unanswered. The process of finding accurate information that considers your specific crimes and local/state laws can be quite challenging. During a consultation with our experienced Mankato criminal defense lawyers, we can help to ease your mind by answering frequently asked questions, such as: 

WHAT ARE MY LEGAL RIGHTS? 

Criminal defendants are legally guaranteed certain rights under federal law and rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court. Among these are the Miranda Rights, which are read by an arresting officer and must communicate the following: 

• You have the right to remain silent
• Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law
• You have the right to consult an attorney 
• If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. 

The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments also provide constitutional rights for defendants. These include: 

• Right to demand probable cause for searches and seizures
• Right to remain silent
• Right against double jeopardy
• Right to representation
• Right to a speedy trial
• Right to a public jury trial 
• Right to confront witnesses
• Right to a reasonable bail 
• Right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment 

HOW DOES A CRIMINAL RECORD AFFECT ME?

Criminal records can have detrimental effects on people. Even minor criminal charges are enough to take away your freedom and civil liberties. These may include:

• Subsequent criminal case: Having an existing criminal record can lead to a person facing more severe penalties and sentencing. 
• Child custody: Child custody rights may be restricted if a parent has a criminal record, particularly in cases of domestic abuse or violence. 
• Immigration: Immigrants with criminal records might be denied a green card, naturalization, and changed immigration status.
• Employment: A person with criminal convictions often has difficulty finding work. Employers usually require and perform extensive criminal background checks.
• Driving and other benefits: Criminal records can result in the loss of driving privileges, revoked right to own a firearm, difficulty receiving financial aid for school, difficulty finding housing, and much more. 

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN MANKATO 

Criminal defense lawyers have years of education and experience to help them with the finer nuances of criminal defense. No two cases are ever the same, and defense attorneys are trained to find and exploit the differences to your advantage. Through their years of trial experience, they have learned to find the small facts and arguments that can make big differences in the outcome. Criminal law is extremely complex, and there are many ways to reduce or negate charges.

That being said, a criminal defense attorney should never “promise” to get you an acquittal or similar outcome. It’s simply not possible to know that with 100% certainty, so it’s unethical to make such a promise. A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to use every tool available to mitigate your charges or attempt to get them dismissed. They fight for your rights as a person and stand on your side, even when other people might not.

Crime in Minnesota (1999-2014)

Source: Minnesota Department of Public Safety

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR MANKATO CRIMINAL ATTORNEY

It’s in your best interest to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer; you should never attempt to represent yourself. There’s a lot more to a criminal trial than just stating your case and calling on witnesses. Navigating the criminal justice system alone is unpredictable, frustrating, and overwhelming. Having an attorney represent you will improve your chances of having a fair experience with the justice system. The right criminal defense attorney will:

• Try to get the case or charges dismissed, by bringing motions at the Omnibus hearing or other hearings, for lack of probable cause or other legal challenges.
• Try to get the court to exclude evidence improperly obtained by law enforcement or the prosecution (County Attorney or City Attorney).
• Try to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor, known as a plea bargain. This may mean reduced sentencing, reduced charges, or dropped charges in exchange for something. For example, a prosecutor may reduce your jail time in exchange for extended probation.
• Obtain a fair sentence, or determine a sentence that works best for you and argue the case for it. They will explain to the judge why this sentence is fair and suitable. For example, your attorney may have your eight-month sentence reduced to four months in jail and four months of supervised probation or rehab, if the charges were related to drug use, or drug trafficking.
• Identify investigators that may be able to help your case. Private investigators will examine the crime, witnesses, and other information that may prove useful. In some circumstances, investigations may turn up evidence significantly beneficial for your case.
• Obtain information from witnesses that otherwise may be hesitant to come forward, as is common in criminal cases.
• Assist you in navigating the complexities of the legal system. For example, this could mean helping you understand the written and “unwritten” rules of court. Your attorney will also advise you on the different consequences for each type of plea and help you decide how to proceed.
• Work with you to recover your property, such as vehicles seized by the police.
• Work with you to fight license revocation, help get work release, and minimize jail or prison time.
• Finally, your attorney will help you emotionally through this time. There are a lot of feelings that go along with a criminal case, and your attorney can help you address them.

If your potential lawyer falls short of these criteria and does not perform these duties during and before the trial, it may be worth considering switching to a more promising and credible firm. At Knutson+Casey Law Firm, we believe that it is our duty as criminal defense lawyer to inform clients about the criminal justice system and the strengths and weaknesses of their cases so that they’re better prepared for court.

Ultimately, we strive to keep clients well-informed regarding the development of their cases while providing zealous advocacy every step of the way. Our Mankato criminal attorneys are ready to stand up for you and provide the highest quality legal services.

WHAT KNUTSON+CASEY LAW FIRM BRINGS TO THE TABLE

The Knutson+Casey Law Firm values the relationships we build with our clients. Forging strong, positive relationships based on transparency and honesty sets us apart. Here are four more reasons why you can trust us:

• EXPERIENCED GUIDANCE: Since 1992, we have served the Minnesota community. We understand the ins and outs of criminal law and know how to develop a defense strategy to protect you. Knutson Casey has won many jury trials for our clients, getting all charges dismissed.
• BIG FIRM POWER, SMALL FIRM FOCUS: Our firm is well-positioned to offer our clients the individualized attention and focus of a boutique firm and the extensive experience and resources of a big firm. Our clients rely on our knowledge of the law, our rigorous preparation, and our ability to formulate a solid case strategy.
• PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS: Our team works tirelessly toward producing the desired results for each case entrusted to us. At each stage of the litigation process, our attorneys focus on the product, rather than merely concentrating on the next step. Taking a goal-oriented approach allows us to work towards the client’s preferred outcome. We have built a foundation that thrives on client service. 
• INNOVATIVE APPROACH: Knutson+Casey Law Firm is proud to serve as a modern and innovative advocate, allowing us to deliver successful results for our clients in the courtroom. Our attorneys take a personal interest in your case and examine your situation from all perspectives to come up with creative solutions that benefit you. 

Our clients put it best. We invite you to review our client testimonials to learn about the client experience at our law firm. 

EXPERT CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN MINNESOTA

At the Knutson+Casey Law Firm in Mankato, Minnesota, we believe everyone has the right to a passionate and skilled defense team, no matter the charges. We have worked on criminal cases of all kinds, from misdemeanor DUI charges to serious homicide allegations. Though we can’t promise you a dismissal, we can promise that we’ll exhaust our resources to fight aggressively for your rights. Your day in court will forever shape the rest of your life. Have someone experienced on your side.

To request your free consultation with one of our criminal lawyers today, get started by completing our contact form or calling 507-344-8888.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties can I face if I am convicted of a crime?

It depends on the level of the crime you are convicted of. A Misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail, and/or a $1,000 fine. A gross misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. For a felony charge, an individual could be sentenced anywhere from 366 days in jail to lifetime imprisonment and could face fines over $3,000.

I have been charged for a crime. Should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

Yes. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to guide you through the criminal legal process, ensure any evidence presented against you supports the alleged crime, and make legal arguments on your behalf to dismiss the charges or secure the most favorable outcome for you under the circumstances.

When is the deadline to file for a criminal defense lawsuit?

When facing criminal charges, court dates will be provided by the court that you must attend to fight your case.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team

December 12, 2024

At Knutson+Casey, we take the time to understand each distinctive matter presented to us by a client in need of assistance. We make certain that our clients understand their options and can make informed decisions regarding the progress of their cases. We have 4 bar certified attorneys as well as 5 expert paralegals on staff to review all legal information and cases presented.