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Knowledgeable Assault Lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota

50+

Years Of Collective Experience

10,000

Cases Successfully Resolved

100%

Criminal & DWI Defense

175+

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Four Minneapolis Assault Attorneys, One Powerful Law Firm

Attorney Kyle Dreger

Kyle Dreger

Attorney Gerald Miller

Gerald Miller

How Can Our Assault Attorneys in Minneapolis Help You?

Ordinary Assault

Ordinary Assault

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated Assault

Domestic Assault

Domestic Assault

Protected Classes Assaults

Protected Classes Assaults

Assault is one of the most commonly charged criminal offenses in Minnesota. Assault also has some of the worst direct and collateral consequences of any criminal charge in Hennepin County. Especially for enhanced or aggravated assault, a conviction could mean lengthy incarceration. Additionally, domestic violence convictions have severe consequences in and out of court.

At Gerald Miller P.A., our Minneapolis assault lawyers fully understand what is at stake and how frightening these charges can be. So, we scrutinize the facts and the law, looking for available defenses. Then, once we have the proper tools in hand, we never stop fighting for you.

Ordinary Assault Defense

Frequently, simple assault cases are verbal arguments that escalated to physical violence. Commonly, alcohol is involved as well. Legally, assault in Minnesota is intentional:

  • Causing fear of imminent bodily harm, or
  • Inflicting bodily harm on another.

As experienced Minneapolis assault lawyers, we know that  So, Section 609.224 criminalizes common-law assault, which is threatening someone, and common-law battery, which is hitting someone.

The state of mind is often significant. In this context, “intentionally” does not mean “maliciously.” It simply means “not accidentally.” On a related note, “bodily harm” is any physical harm, whether or not the alleged victim needed first aid. Emergency treatment cases are simply easier to prove in court.

Aggravated Assault Defense

Prosecutors usually upgrade simple assault to aggravated assault based on the type of weapon used, if any, and/or the amount of harm inflicted. Furthermore, certain people are in protected classes, as discussed below.

Use of a dangerous weapon usually supports aggravated assault charges. Pretty much any household object, like a golf club or beer mug, can be a dangerous weapon, depending on how it is used. Self-defense issues sometimes apply in these cases. It’s usually reasonable for a small guy to grab a baseball bat so he can defend himself against a larger assailant.

Domestic Assault Defense

Typically, domestic assaults are husband/wife assaults. Most local law enforcement agencies have mandatory arrest policies with regard to domestic assault. If officers respond to these calls, someone goes to jail that night. In almost all cases, that person is the husband.

A good Minneapolis assault lawyer will understand that domestic violence is broadly defined in Minnesota. Violence between current or former dating partners and any two people related by blood or marriage is usually domestic assault.

The good news is that domestic partners are not in a protected class and these assaults rarely involve weapons. So, they are normally misdemeanors. The bad news is that these changes significantly affect current and future family law matters.

Protected Class Assault Defense

Most government employees are in a protected class. These assaults are aggravated assaults, regardless of the weapon use or injury inflicted. The protect class list includes:

  • Police officers,
  • Sheriff’s deputies,
  • Firefighters,
  • Private prison guards, and
  • Probation officers.

Protected class aggravated assault charges only hold up in court if the alleged victim was a member of a protected class and this person was discharging official duty.

Many police officers moonlight as private security guards. These individuals are not in a protected class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Normally, an arrest is just an accusation. It’s not a conviction, so there are no gun ownership rights restrictions. However, Minnesota lawmakers recently approved a red flag law. Persons who are significant dangers to themselves or others, a category which could include an assault arrest, cannot purchase or possess firearms.

At common law, assault (swinging at someone) and battery (hitting someone) were separate offenses. These infractions are combined in Minnesota. Depending on the facts, assault or battery could be a misdemeanor or a felony.

Fifth-degree assault (ordinary assault) is usually a misdemeanor, although it could be a gross misdemeanor in some cases. The sentence for aggravated assault, which is always a felony, also varies, largely depending on the type of weapon used and/or the alleged victim’s injuries.

No. The alleged victim is technically a witness in an assault case, and witnesses do not have the authority to bring or drop charges. Only the state has such power. If an alleged victim or any other witness refuses to cooperate, prosecutors could issue a subpoena.

Getting out of jail is the first priority. At a subsequent pretrial hearing, the judge usually considers legal defenses, like a lack of evidence and self-defense. At trial, the judge or jury hears both sides of the story and makes a determination. Plea bargains, which could include a plea to reckless disorderly conduct or another lesser-included offense, resolve most assault cases.

How We Make A Difference For You

See What Our Clients Say

doqo
doqo
Hands down the best law firm for helping me with a genuine and meaningful outcome with my case, Kyle, Brian and their team worked hard in producing a successful outcome and they deserve praise. Constant updates, and making sure to complete personal assignments to help me with my case was critical and they helped steer me in the right path and they picked up my phone calls to answer any and all questions during anytime of the day which was fantastic.-Ahmed
Naomi
Naomi
Gerald is by far one of the most knowledgeable attorneys I have interviewed for my case. He gave me solid advice and spoke with integrity. He loves what he does and is passionate. He is the best defense attorney I spoke to. Very easy to understand, no question was unanswered and given more information that I never got from other attorneys.
naghsri immiddisetti
naghsri immiddisetti
They did great, it means a lot. They helped me right away with the questions and concerns. Annalise, you're the best, You answered my call in difficult situations all the time. Highly appreciated and highly recommended.
Samuel Takata
Samuel Takata
Black woman at front desk was quite rude to me, when I was dropping a delivery off.
Igor Kovalchuk
Igor Kovalchuk
Kyle just recently finished my case and i couldn’t be anymore happier. What an amazing experience overall. From picking up my phone call on Christmas Day, and answering all my questions and concerns, to helping me understand the process going forward, and just yesterday he got a verdict I’m an super happy with. I can not even put into words how much I loved working with Kyle. If anyone I know ever needs legal assistance, going forward I will highly recommend this Law-firm and Kyle specifically. Again, thank you Kyle for all your help.
anuta serbinenko
anuta serbinenko
Kyle’s work is amazing, he is true and honest about every detail. He truly is an amazing lawyer! I appreciate his hard work and dedication. Working with Kyle has made a huge impact on my life and future. Open and honest communication and his outstanding service to fight for you is top notch. Once again Kyle you do amazing work, I am grateful.

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