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.
We’re ready to take your case, no matter what you’re facing. We’ll defend against the following crimes:
The criminal process might intimidate you, but we’ll be with you.
Law enforcement officers will open up an investigation into the offense in question and gather evidence to present to the county attorney’s office.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Under Minnesota law, there are three different levels of criminal offenses as follows:
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.
Here are some of the consequences you could face if you are convicted of specific types of crimes under Minnesota law:
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:
… 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.