A misdemeanor charge in Minnesota is a serious matter that can have just as serious consequences if a conviction follows. It can upend your life, so fighting the charge is often your best option. Of course, many factors should be considered if, when, and how a misdemeanor is fought.
At Kaleb Larson Law, our criminal defense lawyer in Minnesota will review any misdemeanors charged in your case, explain what those charges mean, and advise you on your best legal options. Contact us at (612) 436-2200 today to schedule a consultation and get the best representation you need in your unique circumstances.
What Constitutes a Misdemeanor in Minnesota?
Misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are more serious than infractions but less severe than felonies. These cases are typically held in the lower courts, and convictions can sometimes be appealed to higher level courts.
Collateral Consequences of Misdemeanor Charges in Minnesota
The collateral consequences for misdemeanors are not as severe as those that follow convictions of felonies, but they should be considered.
Lifestyle-Based Collateral Consequences
A misdemeanor can impact your quality of life and impact your housing, transportation, and immigration situations.
-
Housing. In some jurisdictions, a misdemeanor can disqualify a person from affordable or subsidized housing programs.
-
Rentals. Some property owners and managers may choose not to rent a space to a person convicted of any or some misdemeanor offenses. If you currently rent, you and your family could be evicted if the misdemeanor is in violation of the contract or another rule, law, or agreement.
-
Driving. Some misdemeanors, like those specific to DUI & DWI offenses, can lead to the suspension of driving privileges.
-
Immigration. Some misdemeanors, like those specific to moral turpitude (e.g., prostitution, DWI, domestic assault, theft, etc.), can result in deportation or the denial of an immigration status adjustment.
-
Civil Rights. A domestic violence conviction, even if a misdemeanor, can result in the loss of your right to own or use a firearm.
Employment-Based Collateral Consequences
Some misdemeanors can have a deep impact on job opportunities or a career.
-
Public employment. You may have to provide the status of any misdemeanor convictions on an application, specifically when applying for positions for a public or government employer. This can include teaching positions to military positions. Lesser misdemeanors may not impact your eligibility, but more severe misdemeanors can affect public, government, or military employment.
-
Children and elderly. A misdemeanor can disqualify someone from working with vulnerable people, especially children and the elderly. Often it depends on the type of crime
-
Professional licenses. A misdemeanor can result in the loss or disqualification of a professional license, and this is true even when the crime is unrelated to the profession.
-
Associations. A person can be barred from certain memberships necessary for employment, like state bars, real estate associations, and medical boards.
-
Businesses. Business owners who are convicted of certain misdemeanors may be unable to obtain business loans, especially those from the Small Business Administration.
Education-Related Collateral Consequences
Misdemeanors may affect a person's ability to seek or continue their educational path.
-
Admissions. Some misdemeanor convictions may result in delays or denials of college applications.
-
Financial Aid. A college student or prospective student may be disqualified from financial aid if they have been convicted of drug charges, even misdemeanors of possession of controlled substances.
-
Housing. College students could be denied or removed from college housing for some misdemeanor charges, especially those related to assault or possession of chemical substances.
-
Discipline. When a current student commits a crime, especially if committed on campus, they may be disciplined by the school. Disciplinary action can result in additional penalties, like academic discipline, suspension, or expulsion.
Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Minnesota to Fight a Misdemeanor Charge?
The answer to this question is always a relative one, but if you seek to avoid any consequences of a misdemeanor conviction in Minnesota, then it is best to seek the representation of a qualified criminal defense lawyer. The following are a few reasons why you need a criminal defense lawyer.
-
Your charges could be reduced from a felony to misdemeanor. If the facts support a lesser charge, your attorney can argue the same using their negotiation skills on your behalf.
-
Your misdemeanor could become a felony. Felonies carry more serious consequences. A prosecutor could heighten charges at any time if their evidence meets the probable cause standard. Your attorney will want to show, in part, that the State does not have the legal requirements to charge the crime as a felony.
-
You want your rights protected. You have certain constitutional rights when you are arrested and charged with a crime. Your attorney will ensure your rights are upheld, and if they have been violated, your attorney can take proper action that could lead to a dismissal of charges.
-
You want less time in jail and/or reduced fines. Statistics show that those who fight misdemeanor charges tend to do less time in jail and pay less in fines. Often that is because the attorney has effectively represented their client.
-
You prefer legal guidance. If you want the benefits that flow from a qualified criminal defense attorney, then seeking help from our law firm may be in your best interests.
At Kaleb Larson Law, our criminal defense lawyer will help you in all of the above and more ways. The strategy we develop will be based on the law and persuasive argument as much as it will be based on the facts and any available defenses.
Contact a Kaleb Larson Law Criminal Defense Attorney in Minnesota Today
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Minnesota, it is in your best interest to retain a smart criminal defense lawyer who can help you get the best outcome in your unique situation.
At Kaleb Larson Law, our criminal defense team will defend your interests and uphold your rights as we represent your case. We take your defense seriously and use our resources effectively and efficiently. Contact us today by filling out our online form or calling us at (612) 436-2200 to schedule a consultation.