Minneapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm

Guidance for the Criminally Charged in Minnesota

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our award-winning Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys are passionate legal advocates. We get results. Whatever misdemeanor or felony charge you face, we may be able to help you. We represent clients in cases involving criminal charges across all areas of criminal law in Minnesota.

We understand what is at stake when our clients face criminal charges, and we are dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense both in and out of the courtroom. In the overwhelming and stressful experience of being investigated for or charged with a crime, our experienced Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers can explain each step of the criminal defense process to you, helping you to fully understand and assert your rights and options.

How We Can Help You

Veterans’ Defense

Those who have protected our country’s people and interests by serving in foreign and often dangerous locations may suffer psychological injury that lead to uncharacteristic behavior considered unlawful. Because of their unique experiences, veterans need defense from lawyers who recognize the intricacies of their situations and know what legal options are available to them. Our criminal attorneys in Minneapolis are both veterans who stand up for our nation’s heroes.

Assault

This offense involves the intended or actual infliction of bodily harm upon another. Under Minnesota law, there are five degrees of assault, and charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. Despite the offense you have been accused of, it is necessary to get a skilled Minneapolis criminal defense attorney on your side right away.

Criminal Sexual Conduct

Unlawful sexual contact or penetration is taken very seriously in MN. Depending on the situation, the penalties for a conviction can result in up to 30 years in prison. The stakes of being found guilty of criminal sexual conduct are too high not to retain skilled legal representation for your case.

Theft

In general, theft involves the unlawful taking of another person’s or entity’s property. Minnesota law specifies several types of conduct falling under this definition. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony theft, our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers are ready to fight for you.

Juvenile Defense

If a person under 18 years of age is accused of a crime, their case will move through processes that differ from adult criminal matters. Because the juvenile justice system is structured differently, it is imperative that you have a lawyer on your side who understands the nuances of this system. Our team at Brockton D. Hunter P.A. can effectively guide you and your child through their case and fight to protect your child’s future.

Drug Crimes

Both the state and federal governments have strict laws concerning conduct involving controlled substances. Possessing, selling, and transporting drugs (as well as a range of other activities) are prohibited and can lead to a misdemeanor or felony charge. A conviction can ruin your life, which is why it is necessary to aggressively fight the accusation with the help of a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney.

DWI

Being found guilty of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can seriously hamper the course of your life. Not only can a conviction result in incarceration and/or fines, but also the suspension of driving privileges. When you call Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we will act quickly to defend you.

Domestic Assault

Harming or attempting to harm a family or household member is not a personal matter; it is a criminal one. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors take domestic assault crimes seriously and will work relentlessly to obtain a conviction. Our team is ready to be your champion, tirelessly seeking the best possible result on your behalf.

Expungements

Having an arrest or conviction on your criminal record can make it challenging to live the life you want. Career, educational, and other prospects can be severely hampered because of your criminal history. An expungement can seal the information from public access, allowing opportunities to open that had once been closed to you. Speak with our Minneapolis lawyers to learn more about pursuing this type of relief.

Federal Crimes

From mail and wire fraud to tax evasion and from identity theft to drug trafficking, various types of unlawful conduct fall under federal jurisdiction. If you have been accused of a federal offense, reach out to our team to learn about how we can defend you.

Felonies

Felonies are the most serious offenses. A range of violations is charged at this level, including murder, drug crimes, criminal sexual conduct, and robbery. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and build sound defenses to challenge accusations.

Homicide

An act resulting in another’s death can result in homicide charges. In MN, several different crimes are considered homicide, including murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide. These are serious matters requiring serious defense, and our team is ready to provide the legal representation you need.

White Collar Crimes

Typically, white collar crimes take place in business and government settings. Although they do not usually result in physical harm to another, they are still serious offenses that state and federal governments aggressively pursue. If you are facing charges, turn to Brockton D. Hunter P.A. for defense.

What Are Aggravating Factors in a Criminal Case?

Aggravating factors are circumstances that increase the severity and responsibility of criminal acts. If you are convicted of a criminal offense, your penalties may be harshened depending on the presence of aggravating circumstances in your case. Aggravating factors elevate the seriousness of your crime, and as a result, you will suffer more severe consequences.

Each crime carries specific aggravating factors. If you were convicted of a violent, property, sex, drug or other crime, remember to avoid depending entirely on Minnesota’ sentencing guidelines to determine what your penalties may be. These guidelines are simply guidelines; they are not the sole determination of your future.

While it’s beneficial to learn what punishments you may suffer if convicted, be mindful that what you see in the MN sentencing guidelines is not always what you get. A judge will use their discretion to evaluate the presence of aggravating factors in your case and how to punish you accordingly. They will refer to the state sentencing guidelines but are free to enhance your sentence as they see fit.

Understanding MN Aggravating Circumstances

Consider the following aggravating factors to better understand your potential legal penalties:

• Recidivism: This refers to your likeliness of reoffending or relapsing into criminal behavior. If a court detects recidivism in your case, they may impose harsher penalties.
• Prior criminal record: A conviction of one or more crimes in the past can enhance your sentencing.
• Tools used to commit the crime: If a firearm or dangerous weapon was used in the commission of a crime, you may suffer more severe punishments.
• Intent: A court may determine that your alleged crime was intentional and not by negligence or recklessness, thereby hurting your case.
• Lack of remorse: A judge and jury will examine you in court. Their perception of you and subsequent verdict may, in part, depend on whether you show regret for your alleged offense.
• Amount of harm to the victim: The amount of violence used in your alleged criminal acts can constitute as aggravating factors in your case.
• Committing the crime in front of a child: The presence of a child during the commission of your reported crime can result in stiffer legal penalties in your case.

To best avoid suffering the consequences of aggravating factors, our Minneapolis criminal defense attorney can aggressively defend your freedom and strategically negotiate for reduced or dismissed penalties on your behalf. Our proven ability to successfully advocate for our clients is demonstrated by our track record for favorable results.

Passionate Advocacy for Your Criminal Case

When you are faced with a criminal charge, you should be able to trust that you have a Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer by your side who cares about the job he or she performs. Since the beginning, Brockton D. Hunter has provided tenacious advocacy for clients who are criminally charged. Our reputation has been developed through years of helping individual clients deal with their specific cases.

Local Resources

• Minnesota Judicial Branch - Access Case Records
• Hennepin County District Court
• Hennepin County Jail
• Minneapolis Jail Inmate Search and Prison Information