Criminal Defense

In most states, there is a difference between manslaughter and murder. In Minnesota, if an individual causes the death of another, they may face manslaughter or murder charges, depending on the facts and circumstances. The state will analyze the circumstances surrounding the homicide and determine whether to file murder or manslaughter charges. Manslaughter and homicide are distinct types of...

The courtroom doors open, court staff call out names, and you know you’re in the right place because your name was called, but now you’re nervous. This is really happening. You’ve never stood in front of a judge before, and nobody handed you a script. You don’t know if you’re supposed to speak, where to walk, or who to...

The phone rings, and a detective introduces themselves in a calm, almost friendly tone. They explain they’re just trying to get your side of the story, that it will only take a few minutes, and that talking now might clear things up before they go any further. It sounds like the fastest way to make an uncomfortable situation disappear....

A Minnesota expungement can seal certain criminal records from public view, but not every record qualifies, and not everyone needs to file a petition to get one. Minnesota now automatically expunges some eligible records. For cases that require a petition, the process generally takes at least four to six months. That makes it worth figuring out what relief is...

Were you recently charged with a weapons offense? Knives are a popular means of self-defense, and perhaps you thought the knife you were carrying was legal but are facing a weapons charge. Or you are simply trying to educate yourself on Minnesota knife laws, including the different types of knives and their legality in the state. No matter your...

Key Takeaways Minnesota’s Castle Doctrine allows you to use force without retreating when defending yourself inside your own home. Minnesota does not have a Stand Your Ground law, meaning you must retreat if it’s safe to do so before using force in public. Minnesota allows self-defense when a person reasonably believes force is necessary to prevent bodily harm or...

The argument got out of hand. Now there are police reports, charges, and a legal process moving faster than you can process what just happened. The person at the center of this is someone you love, or loved, and the collision of those feelings with the reality of a possible felony charge is tough to understand.  You can be...

Criminal Sexual Conduct Laws Cover An Extremely Broad Amount of Behavior Criminal sexual conduct offenses are charged in degrees of seriousness, ranging from extremely serious felony first-degree offenses to gross misdemeanor fifth-degree offenses. The level of offense depends on the nature of the circumstances, the allegations, the amount of available evidence supporting the allegations, and the prior history – if any...

The right to bear arms is a fundamental aspect of our culture and legal framework in the United States. However, firearm regulations, like many laws, vary widely from state to state. For Minnesota residents who want to exercise their Second Amendment right, navigating the state’s gun laws can feel like being stuck in a corn maze. A common question...