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Misdemeanors can include repeat violations and assaults, fifth-degree assault cases, third and second-degree DWI and DUI offenses, shoplifting and other petty theft crimes, and more.
A misdemeanor can have ramifications in your professional and personal life, affecting housing, career opportunities, and professional licenses.
Sterle Law has extensive experience with misdemeanor cases in Minnesota, with a high success rate of defending our clients from misdemeanor charges so they avoid these potential life consequences.
We aim to protect our client’s interests by ensuring customized approaches to each case and personalized attention from our team, who will guide you through the process of fighting misdemeanor charges.
Should you face potential financial concerns, we happily offer competitive rates and flexible payment options to ensure we can help all those who need assistance in fighting misdemeanor charges.
We provide a guide on the classes of misdemeanors and the legal process below as a reference for anyone facing misdemeanor criminal offenses.
There are three types of misdemeanors under Minnesota law. While the consequences of a misdemeanor are less than a felony, there are still serious ramifications. The three types of misdemeanors are:
A misdemeanor charge for a first-time DWI offense or theft of $500 worth of property, for example, will result in a 90-day jail sentence and up to a $1,000 fine.
Most traffic violations are considered petty misdemeanors, but not legally a crime. Offenders must pay a $300 fine.
A gross misdemeanor may be a second DWI in 10 years or theft of property worth $500-$1,000, and a conviction will result in one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
In addition to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $3,000, convictions for gross misdemeanors may also impact your ability to secure a mortgage or other loan, obtain a job, travel to other countries, and there is even risk of deportation for non-U.S. citizens.
There is a five-step legal process in the state of Minnesota. Arming yourself with the knowledge of the process and utilizing Sterle Law will prepare you for the legal system:
A criminal complaint will be filed once the prosecution has enough evidence to charge you with a crime.
A complaint can be filed while you are in police custody, by a warrant for your arrest, or by a summons to appear in court.
The charges against you, as well as your rights, including the right to a criminal defense attorney, will be formally read during your arraignment. At this time, you will have the opportunity to plead not guilty, guilty, or no contest to the criminal charges.
A plea of guilty or no contest will result in sentencing on the spot, and the judge will set bail and conditions for your release at this time.
Criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors work together during a pre-trial conference to resolve the case without going to trial.
Potential resolutions may include you pleading guilty as charged, pleading guilty to an amended charge (a charge that is different than your original charge), your case being dismissed, or you agreeing to participate in a diversion program in exchange for the dismissal of your case upon its completion.
If the case is not settled out of court, you have the right to a jury trial or the right to have a judge hear your case.
The prosecutors must prove you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and the jury must unanimously agree to a decision of guilty or not guilty.
The prosecutor and the criminal defense attorneys must present their positions on appropriate sentences during the sentencing hearing.
Victims of any alleged crime may also have an opportunity during this time to enter a victim impact statement.
Your case information, Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines, the prosecution’s and defense’s sentencing suggestions, and victim impact statements will all be considered when determining your sentencing.