Diligent Assault Charges Lawyers in St. Paul, MN

There is not a uniform cost when it comes to hiring a lawyer to handle your St. Paul assault case. Each lawyer has the opportunity to set their own fee structure, which is often based on their experience and notoriety.

The way these attorneys bill for their fees can also differ. It is not unusual for criminal lawyers to bill by the hour. This means tracking every hour they spend on your case and multiplying it by the lawyer’s hourly rate.

Other attorneys might agree to work on a flat-fee basis. To get a clear picture of what a lawyer might charge in your case, it could benefit you to schedule a free consultation.

There are consequences to be aware of in every assault case. If you are found guilty, it is possible that you are at risk of incarceration or steep monetary fines. While these statutory penalties are serious, there are other factors that could be in play longer after you have served any jail term.

For example, assault convictions can come with collateral consequences. These include things that happen after a conviction that are not directly linked to the criminal code. Some common examples include losing out on employment or housing opportunities due to your criminal record.

It is vital to remember that these consequences will only impact you following a conviction for assault. If you are able to beat your charges, you are not at risk of spending any time behind bars. Negotiating a plea bargain might help you reduce the impact of a conviction as well.

When you are charged with assault in St. Paul, there is always the possibility that those charges could be dropped. That said, the decision to dismiss your case is in the hands of two very different parties: the prosecutor and judge in your case.

The prosecution is unlikely to drop your charges without a reason. While they are known for aggressively pursuing assault convictions, they are likely to consider strong evidence that could make it difficult to secure a conviction.

A dismissal is still an option even if the prosecution refuses to consider it. However, your final opportunity involves filing a motion to dismiss with the judge overseeing the case. A judge will also not dismiss a criminal charge without a good reason. One common example involves situations where your constitutional rights were violated.

No one can tell you whether or not you need a lawyer for an assault case in St. Paul. While that decision is your alone, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits that come with acting as your own lawyer.

Acting as your own attorney means that you might save money on legal fees. However, when your freedom is at stake the potential costs that come with handling your own case could greatly outweigh what you manage to save upfront.

An attorney could assist you with many aspects of the case, starting with investigating your arrest and determining if your rights were violated. They could help you negotiate a plea bargain and—most importantly—take the lead if your case goes to trial. Given that a single misstep at trial could make the difference between conviction or acquittal, it could be in your best interest to rely on the judgment of attorney Gerald Miller.

Plea bargains are commonplace in assault cases. If you have been charged with assault, there is a decent chance that prosecutors in St. Paul will make a plea offer that would bring your case to a close.

The reality is that some plea bargains are worth considering. When the evidence of guilt is strong, one of the best ways an attorney can help is by negotiating a plea bargain the reduces the penalties you face as much as possible. However, the decision to plead guilty to a crime is yours alone to make.