Edina Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Edina Aggravated Assault Attorney

Facing an aggravated assault charge is a serious matter. It can have a drastic effect on both your criminal record and personal life. As an Edina aggravated assault lawyer, Ronnie Santana has unique insight into how prosecutors approach cases and knows how to combat their strategies and represent you in the most efficient way.

What Is Aggravated Assault in Minnesota?

Aggravated assault charges are more serious than simple assault allegations. In Minnesota, an aggravated assault usually refers to an assault that caused severe bodily injury or involved a dangerous weapon. These are felony-level charges, so a conviction can come with long-term consequences.

An aggravated assault conviction can affect more than just your criminal history. Your employment, housing applications, immigration status, and even your ability to perform daily tasks can be impacted by an aggravated assault charge. For this reason, you need to take these charges seriously from the time of your arrest and work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Edina who can protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy.

Examples of Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is a charge that can result from a variety of circumstances, including those that happen in the heat of the moment or when two parties simply misunderstand each other. When considering aggravated assault charges, Minnesota law accounts for the nuances of what happened and whether a weapon or serious bodily harm was involved.

Minnesota experienced a 6.9 percent decline in violent crime in 2023. Violent crime in the seven-county Twin Cities Metro Area fell 8.2 percent. Violent crime in greater Minnesota fell 3.4 percent. There were 9,986 aggravated assaults in Minnesota in 2023, which was 3.4 percent lower than in 2022. Some common examples of aggravated assault include:

• Striking someone with a weapon during an altercation, such as a bat or a knife
• Causing serious injury during an altercation or attack, such as a traumatic brain injury
• Assault with the attempt to commit another crime, such as planning to attack someone during a robbery
• Assault on a protected person, such as an elderly individual

These cases illustrate that aggravated assault does not necessarily mean premeditated or malicious violence. Many are the result of conflicts, disagreements, or bad decisions. The law requires each case to undergo thorough analysis before decisions are made about guilt or sentencing.

Assault Charges in Minnesota

Aggravated assault penalties vary by the specific charge and circumstances of the alleged incident. For instance: 

• Second-degree assault. This involves using a dangerous weapon. Penalties include several years in prison and hefty fines, depending on the severity of the alleged harm.
• Third-degree assault. This involves causing significant bodily harm. Conviction carries felony penalties, including years of incarceration.

Prosecutors in the City of Edina, as in many Twin Cities metro area cities, take pride in prosecuting violent crimes to the maximum extent possible. The cases might take place at a private home, at a bar or restaurant near Southdale Center, or in a neighborhood or community dispute that gets out of hand in Centennial Lakes Park or another public place.

Your case may involve allegations of physical injury, a threat with a weapon, or both. Every case presents unique circumstances, and the outcome relies heavily on the evidence presented in each trial. The potential consequences are severe, which is why having the guidance of an experienced Edina aggravated assault attorney is so important.

About Santana Law, PLLC

Ronnie Santana, criminal defense attorney, knows how local Hennepin County prosecutors investigate and prepare aggravated assault cases because he used to be a prosecutor. He turns to that experience when investigating whether the state’s evidence is sound, the witnesses are credible, and the facts support felony-level charges.

Ronnie Santana is bilingual and is proud to be of Hispanic descent, representing the Hispanic community of Minnesota right here in Edina, Bloomington, and throughout the Twin Cities.

Ronnie Santana understands how intimidating the criminal justice system can be for Spanish-speaking clients, which is why he takes extra special care to represent his clients in both English and Spanish to ensure that they feel heard, respected, and supported every step of the way.

FAQs

Is Aggravated Assault a Felony in Edina, MN?

Yes, aggravated assault is generally charged as a felony in Edina, Minnesota. The severity of the offense can vary depending on certain factors like the use of a dangerous weapon or the infliction of great bodily harm. Since a felony conviction can result in prison time, significant fines, and other long-term consequences, it’s important to talk to a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Can a Claim for Aggravated Assault Be Filed Against Me in Edina?

Yes, in addition to criminal prosecution, you may also face a civil claim if you are charged with aggravated assault in Edina. An alleged victim may file a claim against you for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Civil cases are separate from criminal cases, so it is possible to be both criminally convicted and civilly liable for the same assault.

How Long Do Aggravated Assault Cases Take in Edina, MN?

The length of time an aggravated assault case in Edina takes depends on a number of factors. Multiple aspects, such as court scheduling, the case evidence complexity, and trial decisions, determine the duration of an aggravated assault case in Minnesota. It is possible for the entire process to last anywhere from months to over a year. Every case is different, and only a defense lawyer can provide an accurate time frame for your case.

What Is the Maximum Punishment for Aggravated Assault in Minnesota?

The maximum sentence for aggravated assault in Minnesota is based on the degree of the charge. A second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, for instance, could be punishable by up to seven years in prison or more if severe bodily harm can be proven. Felony aggravated assault charges can also result in substantial fines, as well as long-term repercussions for your personal and professional life.

Hire an Aggravated Assault Lawyer With Santana Law, PLLC

If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault in Edina or anywhere in the Twin Cities, call Santana Law immediately and protect your rights. Founder and former prosecutor Ronnie Santana can fight aggressively to secure your future. Contact Santana Law, PLLC, to set up a private meeting with an Edina aggravated assault attorney who knows the system and can stand up for you at every stage of the proceedings.