Edina Felony Lawyer

Edina Felony Attorney

Facing felony charges in Edina or anywhere in the Twin Cities can be a frightening and confusing experience. You are facing the loss of your freedom, and a felony conviction can result in many years in prison, fines, and lifelong restrictions on your employment, housing, and civil rights. Edina felony lawyer Ronnie Santana, a former Minnesota prosecutor, offers aggressive and compassionate legal representation to those accused of serious crimes.

About Santana Law, PLLC

Attorney Ronnie Santana treats every client with respect and compassion. He can explain your options and ensure you understand the facts of your case and your rights, so you will never feel in the dark.

Attorney Santana has extensive experience in Dakota County, Ramsey County, and the greater Twin Cities metro area. He knows the local prosecutors and how they treat felony cases. Whether you are charged with possession of drugs, assault, burglary, or another serious offense, he can aggressively advocate for the greatest result for you, given the facts of your case. Ronnie Santana is a Spanish-speaking attorney.

Understanding Felony Laws in Minnesota

In Minnesota, a felony is any offense that is punishable by imprisonment for a year or more, or for life. Crimes with shorter maximum felony penalties are classified as gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, or petty misdemeanors.

A person can be charged with a felony for many different types of crimes, including violent crimes, drug crimes, burglary, theft, and even driving-related offenses on multiple occasions. Felony convictions are taken very seriously and can result in severe consequences.

Penalties

Minnesota law does not use classes or levels of felonies like many other states do. Instead, the Minnesota statute that defines each felony offense also includes the maximum potential penalty, including prison and fines. If the Minnesota statute that makes an act a felony does not specify a penalty, it is punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Common instances include:

• Life in prison for first-degree murder
• First-degree sexual offenses carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $40,000.
• Second-degree manslaughter carries a $20,000 fine and a maximum sentence of 10 years.
• Third-degree burglary carries a $10,000 fine and a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

A knowledgeable Edina felony attorney familiar with the intricacies of Minnesota’s criminal justice system is essential, as felony laws are complex and subject to frequent changes.

Understanding Felony Sentencing

Felony sentencing is not always the same. Judges consider multiple things when deciding a sentence, like the statutory maximum, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines grid, the offender’s criminal history score, and the unique facts of the crime. The Sentencing Guidelines assign each felony a severity level (1 to 11) and then use the defendant’s criminal history score to determine a recommended sentence range.

In 2023, the following offenses were sentenced to felony convictions in Minnesota:

• 4,937 person offenses
• 4,038 property crimes
• 3,878 drug crimes

Judges are normally required to sentence within the grid’s prescribed range, unless there are aggravating or mitigating circumstances. The presence of aggravating elements, including deadly weapon involvement or victim vulnerability, leads to a sentence range increase, although mitigating elements, such as an absence of prior criminal history, permit a sentence reduction.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for most felonies in Minnesota is three to nine years, depending on the crime. Some crimes, including murder or kidnapping, may be charged at any time. By acting quickly to secure representation, we can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Hire a Felony Lawyer

If you are under investigation or have been charged in Edina, the sooner you hire a felony lawyer, the better. An early aggressive approach gives your attorney an opportunity to review the evidence, suppress illegal searches and statements, and speak with prosecutors before charges are formally filed.

As a former prosecutor, Ronnie Santana understands how these cases progress and what evidence prosecutors use to build them. He leverages that experience to anticipate their tactics and protect your rights at every stage of the process.

FAQs

How Much Do Lawyers Charge for Felony Charges?

The cost of legal representation for felony charges can vary based on factors such as case complexity, attorney experience, and the amount of time needed for the defense. Felony cases are typically more serious and time-consuming, which can lead to higher legal fees. Most criminal defense lawyers discuss potential costs during an initial consultation.

Can a Felony Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Minnesota?

It may be possible to have a felony reduced to a misdemeanor in certain circumstances by the use of a “stay of imposition” or a plea agreement. This is very fact-specific and based on the type of crime committed, the defendant’s prior record, and other factors that go into a case. A skilled criminal defense attorney can advise whether a reduction is available in your case.

What Is a Felony Charge in Minnesota?

In the state of Minnesota, a felony is a type of criminal offense that is punishable by more than a year of imprisonment. Felonies can range from crimes of violence to drug trafficking to serious thefts and other crimes. Penalties for individual felonies vary depending on the nature and severity of the crime, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances found by the court.

What Can Felons Not Do in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a person who is convicted of a felony could lose the right to vote, the right to possess firearms, and the right to obtain or keep some professional licenses. It may also become more difficult for a person to get a job or housing. Some of these consequences can be removed after the sentence is completed or through restoration of rights, depending on the situation.

Contact Santana Law, PLLC

A felony conviction remains on your record for the rest of your life and can impact your ability to vote, own a firearm, find work, and find housing. Penalties for repeat offenses are frequently even more severe. When you work with an Edina felony lawyer with experience, you can be sure that they are knowledgeable about the local legal system as well as the letter of the law. Santana Law, PLLC, can help you in this process. Contact us today to get started.