Let Us Fight to Erase Your Charges & Clear Your Name

Down-to-earth, professional attorneys that put you first.

You should be considered innocent until proven guilty. However, this is rarely the case. Your liberties are on the line when you have been accused of criminal charges. Our Twin Cities criminal defense firm will work tirelessly to help you protect your future.

Eraser Law Helps You

  • Understand the severity of the charges against you
  • Prearrange bail
  • Analyze your potential defense options
  • Negotiate a plea agreement or pretrial diversion program
  • Prepare a powerful defense strategy to present at trial
  • Fight to appeal criminal convictions
  • Erase your criminal record

What We Bring to the Table

  • Free consultations
  • Real connections with your legal representative
  • Reliable communication you can count on
  • 15+ years of experience
  • Extensive knowledge of state and federal criminal laws

What Were You Charged With?

We’re ready to take your case, no matter what you’re facing. We’ll defend against the following crimes:

  • DUI/DWI DUI is driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol; DWI is driving a car with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit of 0.08%.
  • Assault Causing or attempting to cause bodily harm or fear of bodily harm.
  • Theft Stealing services, money, merchandise, or property through false pretenses.
  • Drug Crimes Drug possession, paraphernalia, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug cultivation, and more.
  • Expungement Virtually erase your record and rebuild your life.
  • Domestic Violence – The act of or threat of violence against a family member. Includes assault, strangulation, stocking, criminal sexual assault, and other charges.
  • Federal Crimes – Crossing state borders or large amounts of drugs or money are characteristics of federal crimes

We’ll Explain the Criminal Justice Process in Minnesota

The criminal process might intimidate you, but we’ll be with you.

Police Open Up an Investigation

Law enforcement officers will open up an investigation into the offense in question and gather evidence to present to the county attorney’s office.

Prosecutors Review the Evidence

Once prosecutors have had a chance to review the evidence gathered by the police, they will determine whether formal criminal charges should be filed against the suspect.

Generally, the prosecuting attorney will only file charges when they believe there is sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A Criminal Complaint is Issued

A criminal complaint is a written statement of the criminal charges against you. A formal criminal complaint will be filed that includes the facts demonstrating probable cause and must be signed by a judge.

Indictment

Depending on the crime you have been accused of, a grand jury may hear your case before formal charges occur.

If a grand jury hears your case, they must determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to proceed with the charges against you. If so, the grand jury will issue an indictment.

Arraignment

Your first appearance in court is commonly referred to as an arraignment. Here, you will be read your rights and appointed a public defender if you have not selected a private criminal defense attorney. Your arraignment will be your opportunity to enter your plea of “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.”

The Judge Will Set Bail or Other Conditions

The judge will determine whether bail should be set in your case. If the judge determines bail is appropriate, they will set the bail amount or other conditions of release.

This might include random drug testing, a no-contact order, or other appropriate restrictions. Alternatively, the judge may also elect to revoke your right to bail.

Pre-Trial Hearings

Pre-trial conference hearings occur when your attorney attempts to work with the prosecuting attorney to settle your case outside of court. During this hearing, you could obtain a plea agreement or enter a pretrial diversion program.

Trial

If your hearing is unsuccessful, you will go to trial. A jury can hear your case of up to 12 of your peers. The prosecution will present evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Your attorney will also have the opportunity to present evidence to refute the prosecution’s case and introduce reasonable doubt in the jury’s minds. Alternatively, you may elect to have your case heard by a judge alone in a bench trial.

Sentencing

Should the jury find you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you will be sentenced under state sentencing guidelines.

This could include jail or prison time, fines, probation, and other restrictions at the court’s discretion. If you plead guilty at your arraignment, you may immediately be sentenced and avoid a trial entirely.

We’ll Let You Know What You’re Up Against

Under Minnesota law, there are three different levels of criminal offenses as follows:

  • Misdemeanors – Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail
  • Gross misdemeanors – Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to 365 days in jail
  • Felonies – Felonies are punishable by a minimum of one year and one day in a state-level prison

That said, the severity of your penalties varies widely depending on the crime. Generally, if you are convicted of a criminal offense, you could face jail or prison time, restitution, community service, probation requirements, and other penalties.

Specific Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Minnesota

Here are some of the consequences you could face if you are convicted of specific types of crimes under Minnesota law:

  • DWI/DUI: DWIs result in up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine—DUIs could result in up to one year in jail and pay fines as high as $3,000 for first-time offenders.
  • Assault: 20 years in prison; fines as high as $20,000.
  • Theft: Misdemeanor theft warrants up to one year in jail and fines up to $3,000. Felony theft warrants fines up to $100,000 and up to 20 years in prison—first-degree felony theft results in 40 years in prison and fines of $1 million.
  • Domestic Violence: Assaulting a family member results in up to one year in jail; fines as high as $3,000. Causing the death of a family member warrants life in prison.

 

Charged with a Crime? You Have Options

Your case isn’t too far gone. We’ll examine every detail and look for ways to reduce or dismiss the charges against you, which may include one of the following:

  • Insanity – You were suffering from a mental incapacity preventing you from understanding the difference between right and wrong while the crime was being committed.
  • Self-Defense – You used a reasonable amount of force to protect yourself or others from the threat of violence or harm.
  • Constitutional Violations – Failing to read Miranda warnings, failure to obtain a warrant, coercing a confession, illegal search and seizure, and breaking the chain of custody of evidence are all constitutional violations.
  • Innocence – Witnesses and other compelling evidence could prove someone else is responsible for the crime.
  • Plea Agreements – Non-violent, first-time offenders may negotiate for a pretrial diversion program, reduced charges, or a complete dismissal.
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I never hesitate...

… to refer colleagues and friends to Chad’s services, as he offers a robust depth of knowledge and natural “bedside manner” — a combination rarely seen among attorneys.

Alex Thiele ★ ★ ★ ★ ★