Criminal and Traffic Defense

We will work hard to protect your rights and will aggressively pursue your defense. Call now for a FREE, no obligation half hour phone or in-person consultation!

Need it done now? We handle emergency and short notice cases.

What should I do if I am charged with a crime?

How you handle a criminal charge is a very important decision that can have long term consequences. You should get some kind of legal advice before making that decision. If you plead guilty to a crime and then decide that you shouldn’t have, it is almost impossible to change your plea after the fact.

It is important that your constitutional rights are fully protected and that you get the most reliable and honest legal representation possible. Criminal charges are very serious matters and how you manage them WILL affect the rest of your life.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

A felony conviction can send you to prison for more than one year; a misdemeanor conviction can in some cases send you to jail for no more than one year. Felonies are taken more seriously by prospective employers and landlords; having a felony conviction on your record generally has much more serious consequences than a misdemeanor. However, some misdemeanor convictions can prevent you from obtaining certain types of jobs and housing.

Does everyone convicted of a crime go to jail?

No, a majority of people convicted of a crime do little or no jail time. Whether you go to jail depends on the severity of the crime you were convicted of, your criminal record, and other factors which can influence the judge’s decision.

I have heard of people getting off on technicalities; what does that mean?

The United States and Minnesota Constitution give us as citizens certain rights, including the right to not have our homes or vehicles searched without a valid reason and to not be pulled over in our vehicles or arrested without a valid reason.

If the police violate an individuals rights by entering their house, stopping them or arresting them without just cause, the criminal charges against the person will generally be dismissed.

I was charged with a DUI; what should I do?

DUI, driving under the influence, is one of the most common criminal charges. Many people who have not had experience with the criminal court system, are stopped and arrested for DUI. You will probably not learn from most lawyer web sites or advertising that the vast majority of people charged with DUI are pleading guilty or being convicted of DUI or an identical crime with the same consequences and penalties. No matter what attorney you get or how aggressive they say they are, the odds are that you will be convicted. This does not mean that getting an attorney is a waste of money. In some cases, the DUI charge can be beaten due to the violation of the driver’s constitutional rights, inaccurate testing, or other issues. Even when a defendant wants to plead guilty, an attorney can help one get through the process in a more efficient matter. In some cases, a charge can be reduced or other charges besides the DUI can be dismissed. An attorney can also negotiate a reduced sentence. Do not hire an attorney that promises to beat the DUI charge; it is never guaranteed and is very difficult.

We have 16 years of experience defending the following kinds of charges:

DUI

Drug charges

Sexual crime charges

Violent crime charges

Assault charges

Theft

Disorderly Conduct

Domestic Abuse/ Order for Protection

Disclaimer - -

We have tried to make this guide helpful for anyone charged with a crime, but the rules in our profession require that we tell you that this guide is not a substitute for an attorney or professional legal advice. Every individual situation is different and how the rules in this guide will apply to your situation may vary. You should receive competent legal advice from our office before making any legal decisions.