A misdemeanor may not seem like a serious offense, but it is one that can result in a criminal record that may cause difficulties in life. For instance, you may apply for a job that doesn’t want there to be any negative marks at all on your record. Although you may serve no jail time and just have to pay fines, the consequences reach much further.

This is why you should secure the representation of an experienced St. Paul criminal defense lawyer. Although a Minnesota misdemeanor offense may not seem like a “big deal,” many individuals find that it is in the long-term. Your Minnesota criminal defense attorney can work hard for you to either have the charges dismissed or to ensure that the consequences are not as serious as they could be.

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REPUTABLE MINNESOTA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Unfortunately, many individuals simply sit back and accept the charges against them because they don’t feel that a Minnesota misdemeanor offense is serious enough to warrant the cost of an attorney. The fact is that there are many people who have had difficulty finding meaningful employment or finding a place to live because employers or landlords do not want a single criminal offense on the records of their employees or tenants. It also depends on the type of offense. Common misdemeanor offenses can include:

  • Simple theft
  • First-time DWI
  • Trespass
  • Fifth degree assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Obstructing legal process

These are just some of the types of Minnesota misdemeanor crimes that a person can be charged with. An offense, such as a theft or a DWI offense, could have more of an impact on a landlord or employer’s decision than a trespass offense.

FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS

One of the reasons why it is important to secure a St. Paul criminal defense attorney is because you have rights and they need to be protected. It can be easy for law enforcement to violate your rights. It can also be easy for you to self-incriminate yourself without the advice of an attorney on what you should or should not say. In some cases, it may be possible to reduce a charge to a petty misdemeanor, which constitutes a fine of up to $300 with no jail time, or have the charges dismissed altogether. The maximum penalty for a Minnesota misdemeanor is a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail. While jail time can be avoided or reduced in many cases, the maximum sentence could be realized without the proper representation.

CONTACT A ST. PAUL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Misdemeanors may not seem serious enough to warrant the representation of a St. Paul criminal defense attorney. Many times, a misdemeanor can seem like a slap on the wrist. However, they can result in a criminal record and up to 90 days in jail in addition to the fine. If you or a loved one has been accused of a misdemeanor, a better outcome can be secured by our Minnesota criminal defense lawyer. To learn more about your rights and options, call Arechigo & Stokka at 651-222-6603 to schedule a free consultation.