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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 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 attorney who will fight on your behalf.

Work With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal defense attorneys 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 Attorney

It’s in your best interest to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney; 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. Your criminal defense attorney will:

  • 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.
  • Determine a sentence that works best for you and argue the case for it. He or she 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Expert Criminal Defense in Minnesota

At 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 and efforts to fight aggressively for your rights. Your day in court will forever shape the rest of your life; have someone experienced on your side. Contact us today to get started.