Minneapolis Violent Crimes Lawyers

Fighting For Your Rights & Future in Minnesota

Being charged with a violent crime in Minneapolis is an urgent and potentially life-altering matter. If you or someone you love has been charged with a violent crime, the time to act is now.

Violent crimes are among the most serious types of charges in our criminal justice system, involving severe penalties and potential prison time. A conviction for a violent crime carries devastating consequences, potentially restricting your rights and limiting personal and professional opportunities in life.

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we have decades of experience defending clients charged with serious crimes. Our team is backed by award-winning defense attorneys who understand what's at stake in violent crime cases and know how to help clients protect their rights, freedoms, and futures when facing charges from the state or federal government. 

Ready to discuss your defense? Call (612) 979-1112 or contact us online to speak with a Minneapolis violent crime lawyer. We serve civilians and veterans across the Twin Cities and beyond.

Violent Crime Cases We Handle

In Minnesota, most violent crimes are felony offenses – though some, including low-level assaults and certain domestic violence charges, can be prosecuted as misdemeanors. While penalties for violent crimes vary depending on classification, allegation severity, and other factors, all violent criminal charges come with serious penalties and lasting repercussions that can drastically alter your life.

Our attorneys have the experience to defend clients charged with a variety of violent crimes prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. Our deep understanding of Minnesota’s specific legal landscape allows us to provide a strategic advantage for our clients. With ever-evolving laws and legal precedents that can impact your case, it’s crucial to have a legal team that deeply understands current statues and anticipates new developments.

The criminal defense attorneys at Brockton D. Hunter P.A. can represent you in the following types of violent crime cases and beyond:

• Assault & Battery. Assault and battery charges in Minnesota range from First-Degree, involving great bodily harm or use of deadly force (often against law enforcement), to Fifth-Degree, which covers attempts or threats to cause fear of bodily harm. Charges escalate based on factors like the severity of harm, use of weapons, and the status of the victim (e.g., police officers, minors). In these cases, we tailor our defense strategies to the specific charge, focusing on reducing charges, challenging the evidence, and protecting our clients’ rights at every stage of the legal process.
• Domestic Assault. This encompasses any assault against a family member or intimate partner and often involves related charges such as violations of restraining orders or Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders (DANCO). Cases involving domestic violence are delicate matters, which is why we work to protect clients’ rights and reputations through strategic defense strategies and negotiated charge reductions or dismissals. 
• Kidnapping/False Imprisonment. Kidnapping involves unlawfully confining or abducting someone against their will, while false imprisonment is the unlawful restraint of another person without their consent. Both charges carry severe penalties. We investigate all circumstances to challenge allegations and explore possible defenses, including those related to consent or lack of intent.
• Terroristic Threats / Threats of Violence. Making threats of violence with the intent to terrorize another person can lead to serious charges, often classified as felonies in Minnesota. In these cases, we analyze the context of alleged threats and work to demonstrate that no genuine intent to terrorize existed.
• Robbery. Robbery differs from burglary in that it involves the use of force or threats to take someone’s property. Minnesota classifies robbery as Simple Robbery or Aggravated Robbery (First or Second Degree). For clients facing these charges, we challenge the prosecution’s case by questioning the alleged use of force and examining all available defenses.
• Rape/Sexual Assault. These charges include a range of sexual offenses such as child sex abuse, criminal sexual conduct, and rape. Penalties are harsh, with mandatory prison time and sex offender registration requirements. We handle these sensitive cases with the utmost discretion, challenging the evidence and working to protect our clients’ futures.
• Weapons/Firearm Offenses. These include charges related to the illegal possession of prohibited weapons (e.g., brass knuckles, machine guns, etc.) and possession of firearms by felons, as well as gun crime enhancements. We examine the legality of the search and seizure, the client's criminal history, and potential defenses to mitigate penalties.
• Manslaughter. There are two manslaughter charges in Minnesota: First-Degree Manslaughter, which involves intentional killings under circumstances that reduce the defendant’s culpability, such as heat of passion or self-defense, and Second-Degree Manslaughter, which generally involves reckless conduct leading to another person’s death. We build defenses based on the circumstances surrounding the act, work to demonstrate a lack of intent or recklessness, and explore options for lesser charges and penalties. 
• Homicide. As the most serious violent crime, murder charges demand an immediate defense. In  Minnesota, these charges may include First-Degree Murder (which involves premeditated killings or those committed during certain felonies), Second-Degree Murder (which applies when a killing is intentional but not premeditated, or when it occurs during the commission of a felony), and Third-Degree Murder (which involves actions that show a reckless disregard for human life, resulting in death).
• Violent Juvenile Crimes. The stakes are high when minors are accused of violent crimes, especially if the case is moved to adult court. Our firm makes it a priority to keep cases in juvenile court, where the focus remains on rehabilitation and protecting young folks’ futures.

Violent Crime Penalties in Minnesota

Penalties for violent crimes in Minnesota can vary significantly depending on the specific charge, the circumstances of the crime, and the defendant’s criminal history. Sentences can range from probation and fines for lesser offenses to lengthy prison terms for more severe crimes like first-degree murder. Additionally, factors such as the use of a weapon, the severity of injuries caused, and whether the victim was a public officer or a vulnerable individual can escalate the severity of the charges and penalties.

Some key factors that can influence sentencing include:

• Criminal History. Prior convictions can lead to harsher penalties, especially if the crime involves repeated violent behavior. Understanding an individual's background can also open avenues for more lenient sentencing or rehabilitation-focused resolutions.
• Aggravating Circumstances. The presence of aggravating factors, such as using a deadly weapon, targeting vulnerable victims, or committing the crime in a particularly cruel manner, can result in enhanced penalties. Our legal strategy involves mitigating these factors with evidence of positive character traits or by highlighting situational pressures that may have led to the alleged action.
• Mitigating Circumstances. Factors like a lack of prior criminal record, acting under duress, or cooperation with law enforcement may lead to more lenient sentencing. These factors can play a critical role in plea negotiations or influencing the court’s final decision.

In Minnesota, many violent crimes are subject to mandatory minimum sentences, especially for crimes involving firearms or repeat offenders. Additionally, violent crime convictions can carry lifelong consequences beyond imprisonment, which is why it’s critical to mount a strong defense. A robust defense strategy not only focuses on disputing the immediate charges but also forms preventive measures against future legal troubles.

Consequences of Violent Crime Charges

Being charged with a violent crime in Minnesota can lead to far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. 

In addition to penalties like imprisonment, fines, and probation, those convicted may face:

• Restraining Orders. Victims may obtain restraining orders that limit your ability to contact certain individuals, including family members or co-workers, or go to certain places.
• Immigration Consequences. Non-U.S. citizens may face deportation or denial of citizenship due to a violent crime conviction, as these charges are often classified as aggravated felonies.
• Loss of Rights. Violent crime convictions can result in the loss of important rights, including the right to vote, possess firearms, or hold certain professional licenses. These lost civil liberties can severely hinder personal development and civic engagement.
• Professional Consequences. Many employers and licensing boards take criminal convictions seriously, and a conviction can jeopardize your current job or prevent you from securing future employment. Therefore, professional guidance is critical to navigate these challenges.
• Criminal Record. A conviction will be a permanent part of your criminal record, which can affect housing options, educational opportunities, and personal relationships. Expunging convictions for violent crimes can also be challenging, so the guidance of experienced legal counsel throughout this process is imperative.

Given these severe consequences, it’s essential to have skilled legal representation to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system and protect your future.

Don't let a violent crime charge define your future. If you or a loved one is facing serious allegations in Minnesota, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Brockton D. Hunter P.A. today. Call us at (612) 979-1112 or use our online form to schedule a confidential consultation and build your strategic defense.