Assault can include not only causing bodily harm but causing fear of bodily harm. Assault can be charged for something as minimal as a scratch on the arm or as serious as a gunshot wound. There are five different degrees of assault which are defined by statute (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th degree).

Assault can be punished with up to 20 years of prison and a $30,000 fine. Additionally, an assault conviction in Minnesota can have significant collateral consequences that go beyond the direct penalties imposed by the court at sentencing. Some examples of collateral consequences include the loss of right to possess a firearm, forfeiture of money or property, and loss of job opportunities because your criminal conviction. What penalties and collateral consequences you face will depend on your circumstances. 

If you look at the caption of the case, it will says the “State of Minnesota v. [Your name]”. It’s not a fair fight. It's one person versus the government. The resources that the State has can be enormous. For example, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has a staff of 460 people and a budget of $65 million. What is your budget? I’m guessing not $65 million. Even if the agency charging you is much smaller than Hennepin County, you are still going against a prosecutor's office and police force that is staffed and funded to put people in prison. As an individual against the government, you are an underdog. 

Just because you are charged doesn't mean you're guilty. You can take your case to trial. You can challenge the State's evidence and bring forth your own evidence. Do not expect for it to be easy. But you don't need to take your charges sitting down. 

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Hire a skilled criminal defense attorney. No matter what position you are in, a skilled criminal defense attorney can figure out the best strategies to mitigate the bad and maximize the good in your case. To protect your rights and advance your interests you want a zealous advocate on your behalf. Contact Subzero Criminal Defense and we can start working on your case as soon as today. (651-248-5142)