Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

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.

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 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