Top Burnsville, MN Domestic Violence - Criminal Lawyers Near You
Catherine is an aggressive trial attorney that is experienced in complex criminal cases.
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Aggressive Criminal Defense When You Need It. Our Firm’s Respected Brother-Sister Team Of Attorneys Can Protect Your Rights If You’re Facing DWI/DUI Criminal Charges.
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COMPASSIONATE, ASSERTIVE AND READY TO DEFEND YOU! If you have been charged with a crime, call Mike to privately discuss your case. Experienced and Professional.
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Trust Your Future To A Renowned Defense Lawyer In Minnesota - More Than 100 State And Federal Cases Tried And Won
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AGGRESSIVE. EXPERIENCED. RESULTS - Respected by Prosecutors & Judges. Call Today.
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We Are a Twin-Cities Law Firm Handling DWI, Criminal Law Matters for Clients in Need of Aggressive Representation and Excellent Customer Service.
W2750, 332 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
7380 France Ave S, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55435
860 Blue Gentian Road, Suite #209, Eagan, MN 55121
80 South 8th Street, Suite 4910, Minneapolis, MN 55402
20856 Holyoke Ave, PO Box 369, Lakeville, MN 55044
333 South Seventh Street, Suite 3020, Minneapolis, MN 55402
2619 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Suite 103, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
331 2nd Avenue South, Suite 895, Minneapolis, MN 55401
33 South Sixth St, Suite 4750, Minneapolis, MN 55402
2000 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2119
33 South 6th St, Suite 3800, Minneapolis, MN 55402
3800 American Blvd. West, Suite 1500, Bloomington, MN 55431
92 Lake St. S., Forest Lake, MN 55025
7701 Golden Valley Rd, Ste 270923, Minneapolis, MN 55427
400 S 4th St, Suite 310M, Minneapolis, MN 55415
3900 Northwoods Dr, Suite 250, Arden Hills, MN 55112
14501 Granada Dr, Suite 200, Apple Valley, MN 55124
6465 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55426
2915 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55405
2085 County Road D, Suite A-200, Maplewood, MN 55109
510 North 1st Avenue, #305, Minneapolis, MN 55403
332 Minnesota Street, Suite W1610, St. Paul, MN 55101
212 2nd Street East, Suite 104, Jordan, MN 55352
366 Jackson Street, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55101
331 2nd Avenue South, Suite 705, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Burnsville Domestic Violence - Criminal Information
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What Is Criminal Domestic Violence?
Criminal domestic violence occurs when a spouse or partner commits an act (or willfully threatens with the reasonable capacity to commit an act) of violence against the victim. Sexual abuse, spousal rape, intimate partner violence, battery and assault are all in territory nearby to criminal domestic violence, and charges spurring from such allegations often take these forms as well.
Under the expanded protections afforded to victims of domestic violence via the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), emotional abuse, economic abuse (controlling finances to control behavior and force compliance from the victim) and psychological abuse can all be considered to be forms of domestic violence.
What Is The Difference Between Civil vs. Criminal Domestic Violence?
While criminal domestic violence, and charges pertaining to any number of offenses beneath that legal umbrella, are heard in criminal court, there are civil remedies available.
Civil courts are generally called upon, in alleged situations of domestic violence, to produce a restraining or protective order in favor of the alleged victim. Such an order may call for the defendant to maintain a physical distance from the victim and other family members, and violation of this civil order can result in immediate criminal charges.
Criminal domestic violence cases have a much higher burden of proof to clear. The onus is placed on the plaintiff to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that acts of abuse did occur. Civil courts have a much lower standard of proof in terms of awarding protective orders or restraining orders, but it is a common defensive strategy employed by alleged victims to set such boundaries before proceeding to a criminal case if deemed necessary.
Is Criminal Domestic Violence a Felony?
Acts of criminal domestic violence can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the specific nature of the charges as well as the jurisdiction. Cases heard in federal court are almost always prosecuted as felony charges.
At the state level, domestic violence charges can range from misdemeanor offenses to felony offenses. In some states, both third degree and second degree domestic violence charges are classified as misdemeanors, with first degree domestic violence and domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature (DVHAN) being classified as felonies.
It should be mentioned that domestic violence charges could also be classified as sexual abuse, battery, aggravated battery, or similar, rather than as strictly related to domestic violence.
What Is the Penalty for First-Degree Criminal Domestic Violence?
Federal domestic violence charges typically relate to the underpinning crime, although protections afforded via VAWA allow for additional charges to be appended to larger offenses. Battery, aggravated battery and sexual abuse charges can lead to 20 years to life in prison if you are found guilty of more serious offenses.
At the state level, punishments in response to first-degree (or aggravated) criminal domestic violence typically range from two years behind bars to up to 10 years imprisonment.
What Are Other Penalties for Criminal Domestic Violence?
With third and second degree domestic abuse charges being more common than first-degree or aggravated domestic abuse charges, penalties are less severe than those listed above. Domestic battery is sometimes listed as a first degree misdemeanor with a potential punishment, for those found guilty, of up to one year in county jail. Probation and a fine of up to $1,000 may also be a penalty for domestic violence.
How Can a Lawyer Help With Criminal Domestic Violence Charges in Minnesota?
All charges of domestic violence — felony or misdemeanor — should be taken seriously. A conviction could result in a sizable jail or prison sentence in addition to substantial fines and restitution.
An experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with case law pertaining to domestic violence can help guide you through the facts and discuss the material evidence to craft the best case possible.
An attorney can also often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors.