Previous
Next
Charlie Rooney

Charlie Rooney

J.D. from University of St. Thomas, Magna Cum Laude

Former prosecutor for County Attorney’s Office

Clerked for the Chief Judge of Hennepin County

Eric Nelson

Eric Nelson

Attorney of the Year (Minnesota Lawyer 2022)

Named one of the TOP 40 UNDER 40 by the National Trial Lawyers' Association

"Rising Star" from 2004-2013

"Super Lawyer" 2014, 2015 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019

View Profile
Debbie Lang

Debbie Lang

Top 100 National Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers' Association

Co-Editor of the Minnesota DWI Deskbook

Super Lawyer (2020-present)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2012, 2014-2017)

View Profile
Dave Risk

Dave Risk

Super Lawyer (2014-present)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008-2011)

J.D. William Mitchell College of Law magna cum laude graduate

View Profile
Christina Zauhar

Christina Zauhar

Up & Coming Attorney (Minnesota Lawyer 2017)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2017-present)

Member of Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice (2021-present)

Member of Minnesota Women Lawyers (2012-present)

View Profile
Marsh Halberg

Marsh Halberg

Top Six Criminal Defense Attorneys (Mpls/St. Paul Magazine)

Attorney of the Year (Minnesota Lawyer 2011 & 2017)

Super Lawyer (1997-Present)

Co-Editor of the Minnesota DWI Deskbook

View Profile
Lucas Dawson

Lucas Dawson

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2017-present)

Human Services Background Study Eligibility Task Force - Remedies Subcommittee Chair 2022

Human Services Background Study Eligibility Task Force Member 2021 - 2022

Requested speaker at Minnesota CLEs

View Profile
Zach Graham

Zach Graham

J.D. St. Thomas School of Law, cum laude

Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Achieved successful outcomes for clients in district court and on appeal

View Profile

WHAT AM I FACING NOW THAT I AM CHARGED?

There are four levels of offenses in Minnesota:

Petty Misdemeanor

(maximum penalty $300 fine)

Examples are minor traffic offenses such as speeding, stop sign violations and parking tickets. You cannot go to jail for this type of offense.

Misdemeanor

(maximum penalty 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine)

Misdemeanor cases include many first time DWI cases, small theft cases, assaults, disorderly conducts, more serious traffic offenses (reckless driving, careless driving, open bottle, etc.). The probation does not exceed two years.

Gross Misdemeanor

(maximum penalty one year in jail and $3,000 fine)

Gross misdemeanor offenses include many repeat DWI offenses as well as some first time offenses, forgery, intent to escape tax, fifth degree criminal sexual conduct, interference with a 911 call, obstructing legal process with force and mid- level theft cases.

Felony

(a sentence in excess of one year in jail and fines that vary based upon the case)

Felony cases are your most serious offenses and include offenses such as murder, burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, four-time DWI offenders (within ten years), drug offenses and most sexual assault cases.

A "crime" in Minnesota is defined as an offense you can go to jail for. As such, a petty misdemeanor is not a "crime" because you cannot go to jail. The other three levels of offenses are crimes.

How many times will I go to court?

It depends upon the type of case you are charged with. Petty misdemeanors involve a 2-step process, an arraignment and a court trial. You do not have the right to a jury trial. Your attorney may be able to file a waiver for you at the arraignment so that you do not have to appear.

The other three levels of offenses (misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and felonies) basically involve a 3-step process:

Arraignment/First Appearance

This is typically the first time you go to court. For misdemeanor offenses, your attorney may be able to file a waiver so you do not have to appear. If, however, you are charged with a gross misdemeanor or felony, you will have to appear for this first stage. Conditions of release are reviewed, you are sworn under oath to give your name and address and future court dates are set.

Pretrial/Omnibus Hearing

This is the settlement phase of your case. You may go to court more than once for a hearing during this stage. Issues involving discovery (receiving police reports, witness lists, etc.), motions, scheduling issues and settlement discussions are held at this point. Many cases are settled at the pretrial/omnibus hearing stage.

Trial

Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses allow a defendant the right to have a six-person jury or a court trial. Felony cases require a twelve-person jury or a court trial. The defendant is allowed to choose having a judge or a jury trial.

Are there other factors to consider in my case in addition to the potential of going to jail and paying fines?

There are many other factors that you should discuss with us that may be relevant to your case. For example, a conviction on a domestic assault case prohibits you from ever possessing a firearm - a major consequence for people that are hunters. The length and type of probation you might be on can have daily impact on your life. You may be required to go to alcohol treatment, anger management counseling, drug awareness classes, driver improvement clinics and other rehabilitative programs. We need to consider any driver's license, motor vehicle insurance and professional license consequences. How your case is handled might also effect a separate additional civil lawsuit that any alleged victim could bring against you as well.

Does it matter what attorney I choose?

Based upon the points listed above, it is very important for you to hire an attorney that you feel comfortable with. The attorney you choose can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our firm is highly respected within the legal community. The results our firm is able to obtain and all of our satisfied clients are the best testimony we have to your consideration of our law firm.

Contact us for a free consultation

US News AV Preeminent AV Preeminent

Top 100 Trial Lawyers Super Lawyers Minnesota Lawyer