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