Minnesota’s Criminal Offense Levels
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Minnesota, it’s crucial that you understand Minnesota’s Criminal Offense Levels as they relate to your charges. Jack Rice can help.
Understanding Minnesota’s Criminal Offense Levels
It’s important to take every criminal charge seriously. No matter what level of offense you’ve been accused of, a conviction can have lasting impacts on your life. In the case of certain crimes, like DUI, you may already be experiencing consequences before your hearing or trial. But in most cases, you will have been released from jail and are stuck waiting to see how things pan out.
While you’re in the process of building your defense, it can be challenging to understand your charges and how to best proceed with your case. Minnesota criminal laws can be confusing for the average person, and a charge can quickly be elevated from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor or felony due to aggravating circumstances. At Jack Rice Defense, we believe every defendant should have a solid understanding of their charges, including the offense level and the consequences that come with a conviction. What follows are the Minnesota criminal defense levels, crimes that fall into each category, and an explanation of the severity of the consequences at each level.
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Petty Misdemeanors in Minnesota
A petty misdemeanor is technically not a crime, but it can still impact your future. They may show up on background checks and could prevent you from being hired for certain jobs – for example, jobs that require you to drive may not hire employees with too many speeding tickets.
Even though a petty misdemeanor often results in a citation and fine, you have a right to bring your case to court and be seen by a judge. If you choose to contest your petty misdemeanor you are granted several rights, including:
The right to be represented by a Minnesota criminal defense attorney
The right to be assumed innocent
The right to subpoena witnesses whose testimony can help your defense
The right to cross-examine witnesses such as the police officer who issued your ticket.
Examples of petty misdemeanors include speeding tickets and other traffic violations, possession of a small amount of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Minnesota Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanors one of the most common Minnesota criminal offense levels. Still, you should never brush off your charge just because many Minnesotans face misdemeanors. If found guilty you may face up to 90 days in jail and/or a hefty fine of up to $1,000. Judges tend to be hesitant to put first-time offenders behind bars for a misdemeanor, but this type of conviction can lead to incarceration if you end up being found guilty of a misdemeanor in the future. If you plead guilty you’ll also face the possibility that your conviction will show up on background checks. This can make it much more difficult to get a job or rent a home and may disqualify you from other opportunities.
Common misdemeanors include DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, and some domestic violence crimes. Your charge can be elevated to a gross misdemeanor if there are aggravating factors; the specifics will depend on your charge.
First-time DUIs are always a misdemeanor unless there are aggravating factors. This means many Minnesotans who have never been accused of a crime will suddenly find themselves in court after an alleged DUI. If this is the challenge you’re currently facing, it’s vital to hire a criminal defense attorney who has extensive knowledge of the Minnesota levels of offense.
Gross Misdemeanors in Minnesota
When you are charged with a gross misdemeanor, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can begin working to lessen the consequences of your charge right away. You will have to attend a bail hearing to be released from jail, so your lawyer will make sure the set bail amount is fair. If you can afford to post bail you won’t have to stay in jail as you await trial. Your defense attorney will also make sure you are aware of important court dates so you don’t violate the terms of your release.
It’s important to show up for your case with a strong defense. Gross misdemeanor convictions have even worse consequences for defendants than a “regular” misdemeanor. They carry the potential of up to a year in jail or a $3,000 fine. In addition to the challenges you may face when trying to get a job or a mortgage, you may be prohibited from visiting certain countries due to your convictions.
Gross misdemeanors generally consist of misdemeanor charges that have been elevated due to the severity of the alleged crime. Violent crimes, repeat DUIs, sex crimes, and many other charges can potentially become gross misdemeanors.
Felony Charges in Minnesota
A felony is the most severe criminal charge a defendant can face. Punishments for a felony conviction will vary based on state sentencing guidelines. In some cases, the defendant may be facing incarceration for the rest of their life. The stakes are clearly high when you’ve been charged with a felony.
Examples of felonies include kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct, and homicide. Certain crimes that are usually misdemeanors (like assault) can also be elevated to the felony level if the alleged crime was especially violent or destructive to others. In the case of an assault, you may be facing a first-degree felony charge if the prosecutors allege you caused permanent damage or disfigurement to the victim. This means a bar fight or argument between spouses can quickly turn into a felony if the situation escalates. It’s easy to see how any of us could make a mistake that may drastically affect the course of our life. Don’t delay; hire a Minnesota criminal defense lawyer right away if you even suspect you will be charged with a felony.
Facing Criminal Charges in Minnesota?
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Minnesota, Jack Rice Defense can help you protect your rights and create an effective defense. Jack Rice is a Criminal Law Specialist who has experience defending clients against both misdemeanors and felonies, including federal crimes. As soon as you’re charged with a crime, contact Jack Rice Defense to learn more about your rights and defense options.
