Arrested for Assault in Minneapolis or St. Paul?

Minneapolis Assault Defense Lawyer

Generally, an assault is a crime of violence against another person. In Minnesota, “assault” refers to the act of physical contacting another person causing bodily harm but it can also include an act causing “fear” in another person, with no actual physical touching.

 Acts commonly associated with an assault charge include hitting, pushing or shoving a person, grabbing a person’s arm or body, engaging in a bar fight, using an object to strike someone, intimidating or threatening someone, touching a person without consent (sexual or non-sexual), verbally or emotionally abusing someone with violent intentions, putting something in a person’s drink such as a date-rape drug or knowingly transmitting a disease to another.

How Serious is an Assault Charge?

If convicted of an assault charge, a defendant can face between 90 days in jail to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity level of the alleged offense.

 In Minnesota, there are six different assault charges (click the link to view the applicable statute):

  1. First-Degree Assault (maximum of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $30,000 fine)
  2. Second-Degree Assault (maximum of 7 years imprisonment and/or a $14,000 fine)
  3. Third-Degree Assault (maximum of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine)
  4. Fourth-Degree Assault (maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine)
  5. Fifth-Degree Assault (maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000)
  6. Domestic Assault (maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine)

Factors increasing these maximum sentences include:

  • Whether an alleged incident involves the use of a weapon, such as a gun or knife
  • Whether there was substantial bodily harm to the alleged victim
  • Whether the defendant has prior assault convictions

Our firm understands that assault charges are often unjustified. We understand that police reports can be inaccurate and that you have a good explanation for what happened. Sometimes a heated dispute with a spouse or domestic partner can be taken out of context. Sometimes a simple misunderstanding at a bar or club can turn into unwarranted assault allegations. And sometimes the police simply refuse to listen to your side of the story before arresting you. We understand these errors happen everyday and our assault defense attorney will help you tell your side of the story.

Our Promise

As your devoted legal representative, we will:

  • Be available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns

  • Investigate your case by reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses and hiring private investigators if necessary

  • Thoroughly explain the charges against you, the possible defenses and what the likely outcomes will be

  • Explain what to expect in court and attend all appearances with you

  • Spend invaluable one-on-one time with you to ensure you are fully informed on all aspects of your case

  • Zealously advocate to dimiss your case (if possible) and minimize any jail time, probation time or fines

  • Respect you, listen to you and genuinely care about your future

Contact Assault Defense Attorney Christopher W. Keyser directly at (612) 338-5007 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can also send us a direct email by filling out the “Free Consultation” box to the left of this page. Your important call or email will be answered promptly.

 

Keyser Criminal Defense represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.