Four Minneapolis Assault Attorneys, One Powerful Law Firm
Kyle Dreger
Gerald Miller
How Can Our Assault Attorneys in Minneapolis Help You?
Ordinary Assault
Aggravated Assault
Domestic Assault
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.
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