Shakopee Criminal Defense Lawyers

There is no uniform cost when it comes to hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Shakopee. Every lawyer has the opportunity to set their own fee structure. The factors that go into determining what a lawyer charges can include their experience, name recognition, and client list.

Often, defense attorneys will bill by the hour. That means they will track the amount of time they spend on a case and charge their hourly rate. Other attorneys might agree to take on a case for a flat fee. You can learn about what an attorney charges during a free consultation.

It is helpful to think of the cost of legal counsel not as an expense, but as an investment. Hiring the right attorney could be the difference between avoiding a conviction and facing life-changing consequences.

The types of penalties that can come with a conviction are as numerous as the criminal charges recognized under state law. While any risk of incarceration should be taken seriously, some offenses have much greater consequences than others. For example, misdemeanors could lead to as much as a year in jail, but felonies could lead to you spending the rest of your life behind bars.

There are other penalties outside of the risk of incarceration. You could be hit with steep monetary fines or lose your driving privileges. A conviction for a sex crime could lead to mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Never forget that these consequences occur when you are found guilty of a crime. If you are able to have your case dismissed or win at trial, you can never be punished for these allegations. Our firm is ready to help you fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

One of the best possible outcomes when facing criminal charges is having your case dismissed by the state. Getting the charges dropped might be possible, but this outcome is never guaranteed. There are two parties with the power to bring your case to an end without the need for a trial.

The prosecutor handling your case has the power to drop your charges. However, they are usually facing significant pressure to secure a conviction. Dropped charges are only common in situations where the evidence needed to convict you is lacking. Your lawyer might be able to negotiate a dismissal after having some evidence excluded from trial.

The judge overseeing your case could also dismiss your case forever. Your attorney could file a motion to dismiss, but they will need grounds that make it impossible for the state to proceed with its case.

You are the only person who can determine if they need the support of legal counsel following an arrest. Despite this fact, there are serious risks that come with acting as your own attorney. There are numerous deadlines written into the law, and missing them can have devastating consequences for your case.

There are also major challenges that come with trying a case. The support of an attorney could manage every aspect of your defense, from negotiating a plea bargain to handling your case at trial.

Plea bargains are a common tool used to resolve criminal charges in Shakopee. In fact, most cases will never go before a jury. While negotiated plea agreements are common, it is never safe to assume an offer from the state is in your best interest. Prosecutors care about clearing their caseloads, but they will always pursue a conviction when possible.

Our attorneys can help you evaluate a settlement offer to determine if it is in your best interest. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a better deal with the state. Your lawyer could also advise you when it might be time to take your case to trial.