Available 24/7/365 Ashburn

Accomplished Domestic Assault Lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota

50+

Years Of Collective Experience

10,000

Cases Successfully Resolved

100%

Criminal & DWI Defense

175+

Five Star Google/BBB Reviews

Four Minneapolis Domestic Assault Attorneys, One Powerful Law Firm

Attorney Kyle Dreger

Kyle Dreger

Attorney Gerald Miller

Gerald Miller

How Can Our Domestic Assault Attorneys in Minneapolis Help You?

Protected Relationships

Prohibited Conduct

Restraining Orders

Using Domestic Assault Convictions in Family Court

According to one estimate, one in four women are the victim of relationship violence at some point during their lives. Even if that statistic is inflated, there is no doubt that domestic violence is one of society’s most serious problems. In addition to violence, these incidents usually involve betrayal and abuse of power. Many people consider these things just as bad, or even worse, than the abuse itself.

A cornerstone of criminal defense is that there are almost always two sides to the story. That principle is very important to us at Gerald Miller, P.A. If you face domestic assault charges, we offer a vigorous defense. If you need protection, we offer assistance in this area as well. Our team does not take sides. Our team stands up for individual rights.

Protected Relationships

Any experienced Minneapolis Domestic Assault Violence lawyer will confirm that almost all domestic assault cases involve husbands and wives. And, in most of these cases, the alleged abuser is the husband and the alleged victim is the wife. Common law marriages are not legal in Minnesota. Therefore, these relationships always involve two people who are legally married.

Dating violence is a distant second. Frequently, these alleged victims only file charges in extreme cases. The law protects these relationships, but a situation like “dating partners” is rather hard to define. The couple need not be engaged, but one or two dates usually does not constitute a relationship.

Relationships created by blood or marriage are also protected. That includes two people who had a child together. These incidents are rather rare because although these relationships are often contentious and
abusive, extreme violence is rather uncommon.

Prohibited Conduct Defense

The domestic violence law does not just prohibit physical violence. It applies to all of the following:

  • Physical Harm: Technically, physical injury is not a requirement. However, unless the alleged victim sustained a noticeable injury, it’s hard to prove that an assault occurred. It’s even harder to prove the assault
    was intentional and not accidental.
  • Imminent Fear of Physical Harm: A verbal threat might not be sufficient. Additionally, the threat must be credible. If the alleged abuser does not own a gun, threatening to shoot the alleged victim is not an imminent
    threat of physical harm.
  • Terroristic Threat: This category covers a wide range of behavior, such as criminal sexual conduct, direct interference with an emergency call, and false imprisonment (e.g. blocking someone’s path or confiscating
    someone’s car keys).

As mentioned, prosecutors must not only prove the conduct. They must prove the conduct was intentional (which is not the same thing as malicious). And, they must prove these things beyond a reasonable doubt. When hiring an attorney, remember that the defenses provided by a Minneapolis Domestic Assault Violence lawyer may be different from those provided by a Minneapolis Assault lawyer. Pick wisely!

Restraining Order Defense

Most police officers are legally required to inform alleged victims of their right to a restraining order. This additional step does more than offer more protection. It undercuts a common defense, which is the alleged victim fabricated the assault to cause problems for the alleged abuser.

Restraining orders are not just pieces of paper. They impose additional restrictions and additional penalties. Most restraining orders include provisions for financial support payment and/or surrender of firearms. Additionally, violating a restraining order is a very serious offense.

Finally, restraining orders allow alleged victims to put third parties, like daycares and schools, on notice about the issues.

Using Domestic Assault Convictions in Family Court

Domestic assault convictions have no lookback period or statute of limitations. Theoretically, any conviction could adversely affect any future family law matter, especially a child custody dispute. The conviction is especially relevant if the child the subject of the suit witnessed the assault or was the victim.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this context, domestic violence is either physical violence or the imminent, credible threat of physical violence. Emotional and other non-physical violence could be the subject of a restraining order, which is a related procedure.

Simple domestic violence is usually a misdemeanor. Extreme domestic violence, such as criminal sexual conduct or violence which results in serious bodily harm, is usually a felony. Minnesota lawmakers recently eliminated the marital CSC immunity provision.

You just asked a mouthful. In most cases, alcohol is one of the most prominent contributing factors. Domestic abuse usually involves underlying emotional issues as well, such as abuse of power and betrayal of trust.

Technically, alleged victims are witnesses in these criminal cases. Witnesses can ask prosecutors to drop charges, but only prosecutors have the authority to do so. In fact, if any witness, including an alleged victim, refuses to cooperate, the state could issue a subpoena.

Most domestic assault cases, including violation of a protective order, are misdemeanors (up to six months in jail) or gross misdemeanors (up to a year in jail). Many other domestic assault cases are felonies, and some are very serious felonies.

How We Make A Difference For You

See What Our Clients Say

Kyle Hawes
Kyle Hawes
20:03 12 Mar 24
Brodie Hacken is the best lawyer in MN he's a fighter yet controlled and calculated from my initial meeting with Brodie I knew he was fighting for me when you have serious charges call Gerald Miller Law ask for Brodie Hacken you won't regret it he is a really really good Lawyer on top of the Criminal defense world 🌎 knowledge and results are crucial when everything is on the line. Thanks Brodie and Gerald for the help in this matter!!! 😁
Panou Yang
Panou Yang
19:10 11 Mar 24
I highly recommend going to Gerald Miller for any legal advice. Especially I cannot thank my attorney Kyle Dreger enough for what he has done for me throughout all my cases for these past year or so. Respond right away doesn’t matter what time of the day it is and answer every questions that I was confused about and was really patient with me. He definitely help me got over a very difficult, stressful time and got my cases all cleared up. I’m just very thankful for everything he does to help me in any way the best as he can so I highly recommend going to Gerald Miller.
Reid Monson
Reid Monson
16:05 11 Mar 24
Kyle Dreger and his team did a phenomenal job guiding me through a rather daunting part of my life and I will forever be grateful to get the result I received. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and most importantly the ability to keep me calm in a stressful situation is top notch. I would recommend the team at Gerald Miller P.A to anyone and will be doing so going forward! I can't thank them enough!
Amir Lal
Amir Lal
22:06 06 Mar 24
Thanks for the best Lawyer Mr Gerald Miller,He is the best of the best for my case and give me great advice
Marcelo
Marcelo
22:28 23 Feb 24
I assisted a friend with a vehicle-related legal case and couldn’t be more delighted to have worked with Tyler Dahlen. Tyler is a top-notch lawyer who helped us in the best way possible. Tyler was always responsive, followed up on emails and calls, and scheduled meetings to provide updates and discuss further steps, showing respect, commitment, and professionalism at all times. We genuinely felt we were in good hands.The case was completed with successful results, and we can’t be grateful enough. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Tyler or with this A+ law firm in the future
Breanna Danielson-Strahm
Breanna Danielson-Strahm
20:26 12 Jan 24
Kyle helped me reduce my DUI to exactly what we wanted! He’s has been very friendly, amazing, and supportive through this whole scary process!

See More Testimonials

Keeping You Informed

Latest Blog Posts

How to Beat a Domestic Violence Charge in Minneapolis

Author: William Bailey

Few criminal offenses stir the emotions more than allegations of domestic violence. For better or fo

READ MORE >

Is Domestic Violence a Felony in Minneapolis, MN?

Author: William Bailey

Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense that can carry steep penalties in the State of Minne

READ MORE >

What Does Domestic Violence Mean in Minnesota?

Author: Kyle Dreger

Domestic violence (or domestic assault) is a criminal act that occurs between family members, spouse

READ MORE >

 

Get A Free Consultation

Acting quickly will minimize the impact. Don’t wait act now!








     
    Table of Contents