Diplomatic Assault Charges Lawyers in Fridley, MN

If you have been charged with assault, it is reasonable to wonder what a defense lawyer might cost. While lawyers have developed a reputation for being expensive, it is a good idea to get a clear picture of what your defense might cost by asking these questions during a free consultation.
The way attorneys handle their fees can vary. Many defense attorneys bill by the hour, although some instead choose to charge flat fee for their work. In either case, attorneys will generally charge more based on their experience and name recognition.

Attorneys handling criminal cases often bill by the hour. These attorneys could also require something known as a retainer, which involves paying a fee upfront and an attorney holding in in trust to draw from as they perform legal work. Other lawyers take criminal cases based on flat fees.

Criminal charges and criminal convictions are two very different things. While there are serious consequences that come with being found guilty of assault, it is vital to remember that your conviction is never guaranteed. You have the right to fight back, and many people are able to have their charges dismissed. Others even manage to win at trial.

If you are found guilty of assault, you face the potential for time behind bars. First-time offenders facing misdemeanor charges often unlikely to face additional jail time, but felony charges or an extensive criminal history could result in time behind bars. There are also monetary fines to consider.

In addition to the penalties tied to the assault statute, you are also at risk of facing collateral consequences upon conviction. Collateral consequences are not written into the statute. Instead, they include things like losing your job or facing custody disputes due to your assault conviction.

When it comes to having assault charges dismissed, you have two options in front of you. First, you could push the prosecution to drop your case voluntarily. Second, you could file a motion with the court that asks the judge to dismiss the charges against you. In either case, having an attorney by your side could help.

The prosecutor will not dismiss the case against you out of the goodness of their own heart. They may, however, consider dismissing the case against you should you show that the evidence against you is weak.

If the state will not drop your case, the judge might agree to do dismiss it. This will only happen in cases where there are legal grounds that preven the case from moving forward.

No one can tell you that you need a lawyer; that decision is your to make. However, there are serious risks that come with acting as your own lawyer in any criminal case. If you are found guilty, you could face time behind bar and other serious consequences that might impact your quality of life.

Having an attorney by your side through this process could help in many different ways. Your attorney could advise if a plea offer made by the state is worth considering. They could also review the evidence against you and provide you with a clear assessment of your chances of conviction. During this process, your lawyer could answer any questions you might have about the criminal justice system.

There is no obligation for the prosecutor to offer you a plea bargain in your assault case. However, it is common for the state to attempt to resolve these cases through a negotiated guilty plea. Prosecutors are known for their large caseload, and pleading out assault charges is one of the ways they are able to manage their time.

That said, not every plea offer made by the state is worth taking. This is especially true when a prosecutor believes you are not represented by counsel. Having an attorney on your side could ensure you get a reasonable plea offer from the state.

Accepting or not accepting a plea offer is your decision to make. However, our team of attorneys could review the facts and help you understand if accepting a plea is in your best interests.