Bloomington Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Aggravated Assault Attorney In Bloomington, MN

While facing assault charges at any level can have lasting impacts on your life, an aggravated assault conviction in Minnesota can be even more serious. With your livelihood and future at stake, it’s crucial that you seek help from a knowledgeable Bloomington aggravated assault lawyer who can help you better understand your rights and the legal options available to you. At Santana Law, PLLC, our criminal defense team is prepared to advocate for you during aggravated assault cases.

Aggravated Assault in Minnesota

Bloomington ranks in the 39th percentile for safety for violent crimes. This means that it’s considered to be less safe than 61% of other Minnesota cities. For aggravated assaults specifically, the crime rate is 174 per 100,000 people. In 2023 alone, there were 782 aggravated assaults reported in Minnesota. Because Bloomington isn’t among the safest cities in Minnesota, local law enforcement can be tough on crime, especially aggravated assault.

The Various Degrees of Assault in Bloomington

Assault is categorized into five degrees based on the seriousness of the crime. Regardless of how severe your charge is, it’s critical that you hire an aggravated assault lawyer who can protect your rights and your future. The penalties for assault in Minnesota are as follows:

• Fifth-Degree Assault. This is a misdemeanor and is the least severe assault charge you can receive in Minnesota. You can be charged with fifth-degree assault even if you threaten to harm someone but do not actually do it. Penalties can include up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. However, you can be charged more severely if you have a prior domestic violence-related conviction.
• Fourth-Degree Assault. This is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota, but it can be elevated to a felony depending on the circumstances of your charge. This degree of assault involves attacks on specific people, such as law enforcement or school officials. Offenders can face up to three years in prison and fines up to $6,000.
• Third-Degree Assault. This applies to situations where an offender causes serious physical injury or if the charge is a repeat offense involving a minor. Third-degree assault is considered a felony in Minnesota, so those convicted can face up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Assault. This involves the use of a dangerous weapon during an assault. Penalties include a prison sentence of up to seven years and/or fines up to $14,000. If the act resulted in substantial injury to the victim, the penalties increase to time in prison up to 10 years and/or fines up to $20,000.
• First-Degree Assault. This is the most serious type of assault charge you can receive in Minnesota. It involves causing intense bodily harm or using deadly force against protected individuals. If convicted, you can spend up to 20 years in prison and pay fines up to $30,000.

Both fourth and fifth-degree assault can be charged as simple assault or aggravated assault, depending on the severity of the crime that occurred. Additionally, other charges can be elevated to aggravated assault when the crime occurs against protected or vulnerable individuals, assaults motivated by bias or hate, and repeat offenses. You should discuss the exact details of your aggravated assault charge with a lawyer to ensure you understand your rights.

Your Trusted Bloomington Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Santana Law is dedicated to providing strategic, compassionate legal care to clients throughout Bloomington and beyond. Our founding attorney, who was also a former prosecutor, has committed his career to protecting the rights of Minnesota residents and is prepared to take on any case, no matter how complex it may seem.

As a bilingual Bloomington aggravated assault lawyer, Ronnie Santana understands how cultural experiences intersect with the criminal justice system, and he uses his knowledge and experience to help as many people as possible. Regardless of who you are or where you’re from, our firm is devoted to providing superior legal defense when you need it most. If you or a loved one is facing aggravated assault charges in Bloomington, do not wait to ask our team how we can help.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Strongest Defense Against Aggravated Assault Charges in Bloomington?

A: If you’re facing aggravated assault charges in Minnesota, it’s important to have a strong defense strategy and an even stronger lawyer. The specific details of your strategy are going to be contingent on the circumstances of your case and are also going to be shaped by your Bloomington aggravated assault lawyer. Your lawyer understands which defenses may work better than others and can use the specific details of your case to fight for you.

Q: What Is the Average Sentence for Aggravated Assault in Bloomington?

A: If you’re convicted of aggravated assault in Bloomington or elsewhere in Minnesota, your exact sentencing is going to depend on the details of your case and the severity of your charges. First, second, and third-degree assault are all considered aggravated assault, but fourth and fifth-degree charges can be escalated, too. You can expect to spend anywhere from a few months to up to 20 years in prison for aggravated assault.

Q: Can You Go to Prison for Aggravated Assault in Minnesota?

A: Aggravated assault charges in Minnesota come with mandatory minimum sentences that vary depending on the degree of your charges and any additional aggravating factors. With that said, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal on your behalf and fight for alternative forms of sentencing. Whether or not you’re able to get alternative sentencing options depends on the charges you’re facing and the details surrounding them.

Q: Is Aggravated Assault a Felony or a Misdemeanor in Minnesota?

A: Aggravated assault is charged as a felony in Minnesota. Felony convictions in Minnesota come with harsher penalties, longer sentences, and a higher risk of impacting your future employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships. However, working with a skilled Bloomington aggravated assault lawyer can help increase your chances of obtaining a fair outcome or even getting your charges reduced or dismissed.

Hire an Aggravated Assault Lawyer in Bloomington That You Can Trust

Don’t shoulder the stress and emotional toll that comes with facing a criminal charge alone. At Santana Law, PLLC, our legal team is devoted to protecting the rights of Minnesota residents and is prepared to fight for you during complex aggravated assault cases. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, contact the office to set up an appointment with a trusted Bloomington aggravated assault lawyer today.