The criminal justice system is complex. The state charges people with various offenses. Like every other state, Minnesota has laws governing criminal offenses. Understanding Minnesota’s most common criminal charges can help people navigate the legal landscape. Knowledge of the legal system is necessary whether they face charges or simply want to stay informed. Of course, there are complex major crimes, but there are also more common offenses that people should be aware of.
A skilled Minnesota criminal defense attorney can assist you in navigating the landscape of common criminal charges in Minnesota, whether misdemeanors or felonies.
Theft
According to Minnesota Compass, theft, or robbery, is Minnesota’s most common criminal charge. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the stolen item. Theft can include taking physical property, writing checks for which you do not have the funds, using fraud to take funds or property, and using additional means. The Minnesota Court rules outline specific punishments for the various forms of theft.
- Misdemeanor theft involves items valued under $500. Misdemeanor theft can result in fines of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
- Grand theft involves items exceeding $1,000 and may be considered a felony. Depending on the property’s value, felony theft can lead to years in prison.
DWI (Driving While Impaired)
Driving while Impaired (DWI) is one of the most frequent crimes charged under Minnesota law. It is a crime for anyone to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or an intoxicating substance that would make a person reasonably believe they could be impaired.
A felony DWI may happen if:
- The driver has a fourth DWI in 10 years.
- The driver has a previous felony DWI conviction.
- The driver has a felony conviction for an impaired driving-related criminal vehicular homicide or injury.
A felony DWI sentence can include seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine, while a misdemeanor offense may result in up to a year in jail. Repeat offenses can result in harsher penalties, including longer license suspension, mandatory treatment programs, and even felony charges.
Assault and Domestic Violence
Assault charges in Minnesota are categorized based on severity, from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the nature of the incident and injuries sustained by the victim. There are five degrees of assault charged in Minnesota.
- First-degree assault involves great bodily harm or the use of deadly force. It is a felony. The penalty is a minimum mandatory 10-year prison sentence, but the charge can carry a 20-year sentence.
- Second-degree assault involves assault with a dangerous weapon. The sentence for this crime depends on the severity of the victim’s injuries but typically can include a prison term of up to 7 years.
- Third-degree assault leads to substantial bodily harm or assaulting a minor, even if there is no substantial bodily harm. If convicted, a defendant can face up to five years in prison.
- Fourth-degree assault may be a gross misdemeanor or a felony. It happens when someone assaults a public servant while they are carrying out their duties. The maximum sentence is one year in prison.
- Fifth-degree assault is considered simply assault. It is a misdemeanor involving the infliction or attempt to inflict bodily harm. Simple assault may become a gross misdemeanor if the person commits domestic assault twice within three years. It becomes a felony if the person is convicted of domestic assault three times in ten years.
Contact 29th and Law Today
Facing criminal charges in Minnesota can be overwhelming, but understanding the legal consequences of common offenses is the first step toward building a defense. Skilled legal counsel from 29th and Law can assist you if you or someone you know has been charged with a crime.
It’s crucial to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the process and help protect your rights. Please contact us or call (218) 770-9764. We look forward to assisting you with your case.