| What type of crime have I been charged with? | | | | -Jail or prison time |
| There are four different levels of offenses in | | | | -Fines |
| Minnesota: the Petty Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor, | | | | -Community Service |
| Gross Misdemeanor, and Felony. They are defined by | | | | -Electronic Home Monitoring |
| the possible sentence you could receive if you were | | | | -Probation conditions, such as: |
| convicted of the offense. | | | | --No-contact orders |
| -A Petty Misdemeanor is a non-criminal offense | | | | --Education requirements (Anger Management, DWI |
| punishable by a maximum $300 fine. You cannot go to | | | | Education, Victim Impact Panel Attendance, etc.) |
| jail for a petty misdemeanor. | | | | --Abstinence from chemical use (alcohol and drugs) |
| -A Misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, | | | | In addition to jail time and fines, there are other possible |
| and/or a $1000 fine. | | | | consequences (collateral consequences) if you plead |
| -A Gross Misdemeanor is punishable by up to one | | | | guilty or are found guilty at a trial. |
| year in jail and/or a $3000 fine. | | | | -Traffic offenses and DWI offenses may result in your |
| -A Felony is punishable by over one year in prison and | | | | driver�s license being suspended or revoked. |
| or more than a $3000 fine. | | | | -If you are convicted of a felony, you will not be |
| It is beneficial to find an attorney or lawyer that are | | | | allowed to possess a firearm under state and federal |
| experienced in defending people charged with all levels | | | | law. |
| of offenses. | | | | -Conviction of certain offenses can require you to |
| I have been charged with a crime. What are my | | | | register with the State as a predatory offender. |
| rights? | | | | -Conviction of certain offenses may result in |
| You have an absolute right to have an attorney | | | | suspension or revocation of certain professional |
| represent you. | | | | licenses. |
| You do not have to talk to police about the crime you | | | | If your decision is ultimately to plead guilty, lawyers or |
| have been charged with. If you choose to talk to police | | | | attorneys can negotiate the best possible outcome for |
| you have a right to have an attorney with you when | | | | you and can help you understand or avoid the |
| you do so. A lawyer or attorneys can assist you in | | | | collateral consequences of a conviction. |
| making that decision. | | | | What can a criminal defense attorney do for me? |
| You have a right to a trial by either a judge or a jury | | | | The legal system is complicated and confusing. A |
| depending on the charges. | | | | criminal defense attorney or lawyer can: |
| -At the trial, the State would have to prove your guilt | | | | -Represent you while your case is being investigated |
| beyond a reasonable doubt. If you choose to have a | | | | and try to prevent criminal charges |
| jury trial, all members of the jury would have to agree | | | | -Challenge evidence against you and make sure |
| that you are guilty. | | | | illegally obtained evidence or inadmissible evidence is |
| -The State must bring their witnesses against you into | | | | not used at your trial |
| court and you have a right to question those | | | | -Determine whether you have any legal defenses to |
| witnesses. | | | | the crime you have been charged with that could |
| -You have the right to subpoena witnesses to come | | | | result in the charges being dismissed or an acquittal at |
| into court and testify on your behalf. | | | | trial. |
| -You have the right to either testify at your trial or | | | | -Negotiate with the prosecutor to get you the best |
| remain silent. If you choose to remain silent, neither the | | | | outcome possible if you decide to plead guilty to the |
| prosecuting attorney nor the judge may comment to | | | | charges. |
| the jury on your decision. | | | | The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is |
| You have a right to a pre-trial hearing where you can | | | | it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an |
| contest the evidence that the State wants to use | | | | attorney for individual advice regarding your own |
| against you at the trial. | | | | situation. |
| These are very important decisions that a lawyer or | | | | A criminal defense attorney or lawyer in Minneapolis |
| attorney can assist you with. | | | | MN at a local law firm can provide you with an |
| What will happen if I am convicted? | | | | experienced criminal defense lawyer or attorney in |
| If you are convicted of a crime the court will impose a | | | | Minnesota. |
| sentence that may include any of the following: | | | | |