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Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Legal problems can cause anxiety, put stress on interpersonal relationships, and ruin your reputation. The experienced, aggressive attorneys at Milavetz Law believe that the details of your story matter. We will stand up and fight for you — even if nobody else will.

Our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have many years of experience helping people navigate the complexities of the Minnesota legal system.

You need and deserve high-caliber, dedicated legal representation to protect your interests and assets during this difficult time. We represent clients in a range of misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. We serve clients from nine convenient office locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Types of Cases a Criminal Defense Lawyer Handles

The criminal defense attorneys at Milavetz Injury Law, P.A. in the Twin Cities have an extensive history of achieving superior results for clients. We have represented clients in criminal cases, including:

  • White-collar crimes
  • Domestic abuse
  • Title IX defense
  • Personal injury
  • Drug crimes
  • Sex crimes
  • DWI (driving while intoxicated)

Our qualified lawyers will immediately begin exploring the details of your case to develop the most efficient defense framework, working diligently for you to achieve the best possible outcomes.

White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses, including embezzlement, fraud, forgery, and identity theft. Dealing with these types of crimes in court can be complex, as they typically involve analyzing a large amount of data and documents. It’s important to have an attorney with experience in this area.

Domestic Abuse

We represent clients in charges ranging from degradation, isolation, intimidation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, harassment, stalking, economic abuse, and emotional abuse. Domestic abuse cases typically bring personal details to light, so having a skilled lawyer with the ability to defend and support you is crucial.

Sex Crimes

The mature, professional attorneys at Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., represent clients throughout Minnesota for sex crime charges, including child pornography, criminal sexual conduct, engaging in prostitution, prostitution, and sexual harassment.

Title IX Defense

The criminal defense lawyers at Milavetz Injury Law, P.A. deeply understand the responsibilities of educational institutions for protecting students from sexual harassment and sexual violence — including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion — which are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Drug Crimes

Drug charges in Minnesota for distribution, sales, or possession carry harsh penalties compared with other crimes on a similar level of offense. Drug charges can haunt you for the rest of your life and keep you stuck in the legal system. It is crucial to have a criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of navigating drug crimes. These charges are often life-changing and people accused of drug crimes should be vigorously defended in court.

DWI

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, in Minnesota, more than 25,000 people are arrested for DWI every year. You may be charged with a felony if you are arrested for your fourth DWI in a 10-year period, have been convicted of a felony DWI before, or have a prior felony conviction of criminal vehicular homicide or injury relating to impaired driving.

Four Types of Criminal Charges in Minnesota

There are four levels of criminal offenses in Minnesota, including:

  • Petty misdemeanor
  • Misdemeanor
  • Gross misdemeanor
  • Felony

Petty Misdemeanor

Technically, a petty misdemeanor in Minnesota criminal law is not a crime. Rather, it is a minor violation prohibited by a statute. The maximum sentence is a fine of up to $300. Examples include jaywalking, speeding, and minor traffic violations.

Misdemeanor

misdemeanor charge in Minnesota carries a maximum fine of $1000 and a maximum jail sentence of 90 days. Common misdemeanor charges include driving with no license, disorderly conduct, and running a stop sign.

Gross Misdemeanor

Gross misdemeanors in Minnesota are crimes that are more serious than common misdemeanors but less serious than felonies. They carry a maximum fine of $3000 and a maximum jail sentence of up to one year. Examples include repetitive DUIs and repetitive physical assault.

Felony

Felony charges in Minnesota are serious criminal charges, such as murder and manslaughter, that can result in imprisonment for more than one year. People convicted of felonies can face life in prison. Various other penalties may result in addition to time spent in jail or prison.

Minnesota Statute of Limitations for Criminal Cases

Minnesota provides certain time limitations for criminal prosecution to commence, depending on the crime at hand.

Statutes of Limitations in Minnesota:

  • Lawsuits involving health care providers: 4 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.076)
  • Lawsuits affecting title to real estate: 40 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.023)
  • Legal malpractice: 6 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.05, subd. 1(5))
  • Property damage: 6 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.05, subd. 1(4))
  • False imprisonment: 2 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.07(1))
  • Assault and battery: 2 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.07(1))
  • Recovery of real estate: 15 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.02)
  • Medical malpractice: 4 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.076)
  • Wrongful death: 3 years (Minnesota Statute § 573.02, subd. 1)
  • Product liability: 4 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.05, subd. 2)
  • Trespass: 6 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.05, subd. 1(3))
  • Judgments: 10 or 20 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.04)
  • Personal injury: 6 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.05 1(5))
  • Fraud: 6 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.05, subd. 1(6))
  • Foreclosures: 15 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.03)
  • Slander: 2 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.07(1))
  • Libel: 2 years (Minnesota Statute § 541.07(1))

There are no statutes of limitations for the most serious felony crimes.

What To Do if You're Arrested

If you are arrested in the state of Minnesota, the police officer will inform you of your Miranda rights, giving you the right to remain silent. Use that right.

When arrested, take these steps:

  • Don’t speak to the police, besides common pleasantries, except to ask for your lawyer.
  • Be respectful to the officers.
  • Follow the officers’ instructions.
  • Ask to call Milavetz Injury Law, P.A. at 763-560-0000.

Trust our legal experts to speak to the police for you. We’ll help you avoid any incriminating responses and ensure that your rights are not being violated. We are your attorneys, dedicated only to achieving the best results for you.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?

Your attorney will support and represent you throughout the process. Having a knowledgeable Minneapolis-St. Paul criminal defense lawyer at your side is paramount to your ability to beat the charges against you.

Legal services include:

  • Being present in court during questioning, helping you avoid incriminating answers
  • Negotiating on your behalf, possibly having your charges dismissed or significantly reduced
  • Providing information about the charges against you and possible penalties
  • Expediting your case
  • Managing all necessary paperwork on your behalf

From discovery to a jury trial, your criminal defense attorney will be by your side to ensure your best interests in court.

Why choose the criminal defense attorneys at Milavetz Injury Law, P.A.?

Since 1963, the criminal defense lawyers at Milavetz Injury Law, P.A. have maintained a stellar legacy throughout Minnesota for protecting individuals’ freedoms and standing up for the rights of our clients. We believe in equal rights for all, and that your rights are the core of a free world. We proudly continue building our reputation for outstanding results in court through attentive service and the diligent pursuit of justice.

For more than 50 years, our top-rated criminal defense law firm has accumulated numerous accolades, including:

  • Minnesota’s Top Personal-Injury Lawyers (Minnesota Law & Politics)
  • Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyers (Minnesota Law & Politics)
  • Top Personal Injury Recoveries (Minnesota Law & Politics)
  • 3000 Leading Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in America (Law Dragon)
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers (The National Trial Lawyers)
  • Lawsuits of the Year (Minnesota Law & Politics)
  • Attorney of the Year (Minnesota Lawyers, 2009)
  • Guest appearance on the Nancy Grace Show
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • AV Preeminent peer review rating
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Avvo Clients’ Choice Award
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers
  • Avvo 10/10 rating

Additionally, our attorneys have authored featured articles in prominent law journals and spoken at legal and community events.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact our attorneys today for a free consultation. Chat with a representative online or call us at 763-560-0000.

Discuss Your Legal Questions With A Member Of Our Team

Practice Areas

Minneapolis Office Location

305 North 5th Avenue, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 339-0140

Client Reviews
Alan Milavetz

Content Reviewed by:

Alan Scott Milavetz

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