St. Peter, Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney

Whether you are being accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, facing criminal charges can be stressful and frightening. If you have been charged with a crime in St. Peter, Minnesota, it is essential to contact a trusted and experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. You have the right to fight the charges against you and a lawyer can help you fight strategically and vigorously for your rights.

At Knutson + Casey, we are dedicated to providing our clients in St. Peter, Minnesota with the highest quality of criminal defense. Our passionate legal team has helped thousands of clients in St. Peter and the neighboring areas protect their rights and achieve favorable outcomes for their cases. Our experienced attorneys understand every case is unique and are proud to provide every client with a personalized defense strategy. 

Common Criminal Defense Cases in St. Peter, Minnesota

If you have been charged with a crime you should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of the crime. The skilled attorneys at Knutson + Casey have extensive experience defending both misdemeanor and felony cases. Some common cases we defend in St. Peter include:

  • Domestic violence
  • Sex crimes
  • Drug crimes
  • Juvenile crimes
  • Traffic violations
  • DUI/DWI
  • Arson
  • Probation violation
  • Violent crimes

This is not an exhaustive list, and you may find yourself charged with another crime that requires the expertise of a highly-qualified criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney will review your case and ensure you understand your options and the charges against you. 

What Are Your Legal Rights after Being Charged with a Crime?

If you have been charged with a crime, you may feel emotional and overwhelmed. However, it is essential to remember your rights during this trying time. You have critical rights as a criminal defendant that begin the moment of your arrest and extend through your case and trial. Upon your arrest, the police officer should read you the following rights:

  • You have the right to remain silent
  • Anything you say could be used against you in court
  • You have the right to legal representation
  • If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to your case

It is essential to invoke your fifth amendment right to remain silent until you consult with your lawyer. Many criminal defendants believe that cooperating and answering the police’s question could help their case; however, this is almost always damaging. Details you may find unimportant could end up being vital pieces of evidence against you in court. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect you from incriminating yourself and develop a robust strategy moving forward. 

Potential Penalties Criminal Defendants May Face

The severity of penalties for criminal convictions varies widely depending on the severity of the crime in question. While felonies carry the gravest penalties, you should be aware of potential penalties if you were charged with a misdemeanor. A criminal conviction can have long-term impacts on your life, including:

  • Fines of up to thousands of dollars
  • Imprisonment
  • Probation
  • Community service time
  • A permanent and public criminal record
  • Drug/alcohol rehabilitation
  • Counseling

In addition to the penalties issued during sentencing, individuals convicted of felonies could lose some of their fundamental rights. Minnesota does not allow convicted felons to vote or own firearms. Many people who have been convicted of crimes also face challenges when looking for housing and employment. The lawyers at Knutson + Casey understand what is at stake in your case and will fight tirelessly in your defense. 

Contact a Trusted St. Peter Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with a crime in St. Peter, Minnesota, you do not have to fight your charges alone. At Knutson + Casey, we combine the strength of a big firm with the attention to detail of our personalized approach to every case. Our expert legal team has a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients across southern Minnesota. When you work with our legal professionals, you can rest assured that our attorneys will be aggressive and passionate advocates for your rights. Schedule a free consultation with one of our legal experts today by calling (507) 344-8888 or completing our contact form