Minnesota Serious Felony Defense Attorney
Serious felony charges in Minnesota, including assault, robbery, burglary, and sex offenses, carry the possibility of years or decades in prison.
What's At Stake
Significant prison sentences, lifetime consequences including sex offender registration for certain offenses, loss of civil rights, and permanent barriers to employment, housing, and education. The stakes in a serious felony case are among the highest in the legal system.
How We Respond
We conduct thorough independent investigations, retain expert witnesses when needed, challenge the state's evidence at every stage, and prepare for trial from day one. Our approach is to treat every case as if it will go to trial, because that preparation is what produces the best outcomes at every stage.
What To Do Right Now
Exercise your absolute right to remain silent. Do not discuss the case with anyone, including cellmates, family on jail phones, or in letters. Contact a defense attorney immediately. The decisions made in the first hours and days of a serious felony case can determine its outcome.
Common questions about serious felony charges.
In Minnesota, a felony is any offense punishable by one year or more in prison. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine. Felony convictions carry more severe collateral consequences, including loss of firearms rights and effects on professional licenses. A person convicted of a felony loses the right to vote only while incarcerated for the offense.
The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines provide a framework for sentencing felony offenders based on the severity of the offense and the offender's criminal history. The guidelines produce a presumptive sentence, but judges can depart upward or downward based on aggravating or mitigating factors. An attorney can evaluate your guidelines score and advocate for a favorable outcome.
No. Many serious felony cases are resolved through plea negotiations. However, preparing for trial from the beginning is the most effective way to achieve a favorable plea offer or, if necessary, a successful trial outcome. We evaluate every case individually and advise our clients on the risks and benefits of each option.
Facing charges? We can help.
Contact VanMeveren Law Firm for a confidential consultation.
Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.