Many convictions have direct and collateral consequences. Assault is a good example. As part of an assault probation, a person might be required to undergo random drug testing, complete an anger-management program, or participate in community service. A criminal conviction may also affect immigration status and family law matters such as child custody and visitation rights. Edina Assault
For assault cases in Hennepin County, the Law Office of Lauren Campoli focuses on the weakest link in the prosecution’s evidence chain. If we can create reasonable doubt on one part of their case, the whole thing collapses like a house of cards. That’s what you need when you need an assertive and visionary Minneapolis assault lawyer in Hennepin County.
Edina Assault
Edina Assault
Types of Assault in Minnesota
In the ancient common law, assault (or battery as it was known) was basically a harmful or offensive touch. Modern Minnesota law takes this concept further. It divides assault into five categories, as follows:
- Fifth-Degree Assault: This crime is also known as Assault By Contact or ABC. The imminent threat of injury carries a sentence of up to 90 days in jail.
- Fourth-Degree Assault: In many assault cases, the most frequently-charged offense is simple assault, which carries a maximum one-year jail sentence and no mandatory minimum sentence. Physical injury is not an element of this offense, but an injury, like a bruise or red spot, makes the case easier to prove in court.
- Third-Degree Assault: Some assault enhancements include allegations of an underage victim, a prior assault conviction, or serious bodily injury. Generally, SBI refers to a first aid-type injury. The maximum punishment is five years in prison.
- Second-Degree Assault: The use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime, whether or not the weapon injures the alleged victim, could result in up to seven years in prison. The maximum sentence increases to ten years if the defendant causes SBI.
- First-Degree Assault: If the defendant caused Great Bodily Harm, which is defined as putting someone in the hospital, the defendant could face up to 20 years in prison.
When a defense is available, as outlined below, our Edina assault lawyers can often reduce assault charges.
Possible Edina Assault Defenses
Serious assaults are specific intent crimes. So, voluntary intoxication may be a defense. Legally, intoxicated individuals cannot for the necessary criminal intent.
The lack of evidence may also be an issue, especially when it comes to SBI and GBH. Many times the alleged victim may leave the scene in an ambulance but only have sustained SBI and not GBH.
This lack of evidence comes up in other areas as well. Often, a key witness is either unavailable or unwilling to testify at trial.
Call Lauren Campoli Today For A Free Consultation
Assault charges are taken seriously in the Edina area. Contact the Law Office of Lauren Campoli for a consultation with an experienced assault lawyer. We handle matters in Hennepin County and nearby jurisdictions. Call us today at 612-810-0060.
PRACTICE AREAS
› Assault
› Domestic Violence
› DWI Defense
› Juvenile Offenses
› Drug Crimes
› Theft and Property Crimes
› Homicide
› Federal Crimes
› Title IX Defense
› Expungement
› Sex Crimes