An assault charge in Minnesota can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony, and the consequences reach well beyond the courtroom. A conviction can carry probation conditions like anger-management programming, random testing, or community service. It can also affect immigration status, professional licensing, and family law matters such as child custody and parenting time. If you are facing an assault charge, the choices you make early matter.
At the Law Office of Lauren Campoli, we defend people accused of assault throughout Hennepin County and the greater Twin Cities. We examine the State’s case carefully, looking at the evidence, the alleged injuries, and the witnesses to find the weaknesses that create reasonable doubt. Every case is different, and every defense is built around the facts of yours.
The Degrees of Assault in Minnesota
Minnesota divides assault into five degrees, each with its own statute and penalties:
- First-Degree Assault, Minn. Stat. § 609.221. Assault inflicting great bodily harm (injury creating a high probability of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or lasting loss of function). Punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
- Second-Degree Assault, Minn. Stat. § 609.222. Assault with a dangerous weapon. Punishable by up to 7 years and a $14,000 fine. The maximum rises to 10 years and $20,000 if the assault causes substantial bodily harm.
- Third-Degree Assault, Minn. Stat. § 609.223. Assault inflicting substantial bodily harm, or assault against a minor in certain circumstances. Punishable by up to 5 years and a $10,000 fine.
- Fourth-Degree Assault, Minn. Stat. § 609.2231. Assault against a peace officer or other protected person, such as first responders and certain public employees. Most commonly charged as a gross misdemeanor, with enhancements in some cases.
- Fifth-Degree Assault, Minn. Stat. § 609.224. The most commonly charged assault: intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm, or acting to cause fear of immediate harm. A misdemeanor, with enhancements for prior convictions.
Defending an Assault Charge
The right defense depends on the degree charged and the evidence behind it. Common issues we examine include:
- Self-defense. Minnesota law permits the reasonable use of force to defend yourself or others. What the State calls assault is often lawful self-protection.
- Intent. The more serious assault charges require proof of specific intent. Where intent is genuinely in question, the State’s case may not hold.
- The severity of the injury. Degrees turn on precise legal definitions: bodily harm, substantial bodily harm, and great bodily harm. Whether an injury actually meets the charged threshold is frequently contestable, and it can be the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor.
- Weak or missing evidence. Alleged victims sometimes decline to testify, accounts conflict, or the physical evidence does not match the allegation. Gaps like these can support a dismissal or a reduction.
Where a defense is available, we work to get charges reduced or dismissed, and we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
Talk With a Minnesota Assault Lawyer
Assault charges are prosecuted seriously across Hennepin County and the Twin Cities. If you have been charged, get experienced defense on your side early. Contact the Law Office of Lauren Campoli at 612-500-7777 to discuss your case.
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