As is the case in many other states, crimes in Minnesota are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Each one of these has different offense classes that fall under its umbrella. The penalties associated with each crime increase the more serious a defendant's charges are.
A suspect takes a gun into a Minneapolis police interrogation
A 28-year-old Minneapolis man is facing weapons and other charges after he was discovered in possession of a gun in an interrogation room at the Minneapolis Police Department's First Precinct.
How are assault charges different from charges for battery?
The terms assault and battery are often used interchangeably on television shows and by individuals to describe those who either threaten to or actually inflict physical harm on another person. To law enforcement and prosecutors in some states, though, they're two distinct criminal offenses.
Pros and cons of plea bargaining
You were arrested, bonded out and now face going to trial on criminal charges. At some point in the court proceedings, you may be approached by your criminal defense attorney to "cop a plea." Is it in your best interests to do so?
The 3 different aspects of plea negotiation
While almost everyone is familiar with a plea deal, many don't realize that there are actually three aspects of one that can be negotiated. This includes the facts, charge and sentence.
Why do courts offer plea bargains?
Typically, a plea bargain means you have to plead guilty. If you do so, you are offered a sentence that is not as harsh as the one you may have received otherwise. You may be able to plead your way into lesser charges.
A conviction for domestic assault can affect child custody
Parents who may have been charged with domestic assault may struggle to retain custody of their children if they're convicted of such a crime.
Understanding what domestic violence is
Domestic violence, abuse or assault are crimes that you often hear talked about in public service announcements or in the media as a crime that's committed by an individual against his or her love interest. What you may be surprised to know though is that violence committed against a love interest is not the only reason that you can be charged with domestic assault though.
Can you force your spouse not to testify against you?
You get arrested, and the authorities say that your spouse was a witness to the crime. They want him or her to testify against you. Naturally, you would rather not have your spouse involved in any way. Can you force your spouse not to testify?
What is overcharging?
If you are facing several criminal charges in Minneapolis, one of the first things that might come to mind is overcharging. You might not be familiar with the term. But it describes an overzealous tactic that some law enforcement agencies and prosecutions in Minneapolis and across the country use to ensure a conviction. According to The Atlantic, criminal “defendants are more likely to plead guilty when they are faced with multiple overlapping charges.” Keep in mind it does not happen everywhere. There are many factors that lead to overcharging.
