Bloomington Misdemeanor Lawyer

Misdemeanor Attorney In Bloomington, MN

Facing a misdemeanor charge in Bloomington, Minnesota, can be a terrifying experience. A simple mistake has the ability to impact the rest of your life. Instead of gambling with your personal freedoms and rights, turn to a Bloomington misdemeanors lawyer who understands the legal landscape of the area.

Even though a misdemeanor charge might have less severe penalties than a felony charge, these penalties can still affect your future negatively.

At Santana Law, we have the legal knowledge necessary to help you fight a misdemeanor charge. Located in the heart of Hennepin County, our firm understands how the courts work when it comes to these cases.

Ronnie Santana is a former Minnesota prosecutor who is highly skilled at defending you against these charges, as he has stood on the other side in the past. He is familiar with the tendencies of the judges and prosecutors alike and is ready to fight for your freedoms.

Types of Misdemeanor Charges in Bloomington, MN

Whether you have been arrested following a physical dispute at a bar in the Twin Cities or you were charged for shoplifting at the Mall of America, it is important to understand the kinds of misdemeanor charges you could face and the penalties involved. In Minnesota, misdemeanor charges can be broken down into three main categories, including the following:

• Petty misdemeanor. In Minnesota, a petty misdemeanor is an offense that is illegal yet does not count as an actual crime. In most cases, the penalties for this charge can include a fine of no more than $300 and no jail time needing to be served.
• Misdemeanor. This charge, typically penalized by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, can include trespassing, disorderly conduct, or theft of property under a certain dollar amount.
• Gross misdemeanor. These are the most serious of misdemeanor charges and can cause you to suffer penalties of up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both. A common gross misdemeanor can include getting a second DWI charged to your record within 10 years of the first.

At Santana Law, we defend clients against several misdemeanor charges in Bloomington and the Twin Cities. The most common of these charges can include the following:

• Theft or shoplifting. You can face misdemeanor charges if you are arrested for theft or shoplifting. With the Mall of America being in such close proximity to Bloomington, this is a common enough charge. Instances of minor theft, such as thefts of property valued at less than $500, can count as a misdemeanor, whereas high-value thefts may be charged as a gross misdemeanor or even a felony.
• Trespassing. An individual who knowingly enters or remains on restricted property, such as residential areas in Bloomington or private business properties in Eden Prairie, without authorization may face misdemeanor charges.
• Minor traffic offenses. If you are found to be speeding or driving recklessly above a certain limit along Highway 169 or I-35W, you could face a petty misdemeanor charge.
• Assault. The charge of assault can arise if you are arrested for intentionally causing bodily harm to another. This can occur in bar altercations or arguments in the nightlife areas of the Twin Cities.
• Possession of a controlled substance. In Bloomington, it is illegal to possess certain controlled substances without the proper prescription from a licensed physician. In most cases, even small amounts can be charged as a gross misdemeanor.
• Driving while impaired. If you are arrested for a first, second, or third DWI offense, this can be charged as a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, depending on the factors involved in your arrest.

Why Santana Law Is the Right Choice for You

At Santana Law, we are passionate about defending you and listening to your side of the story. We understand that simple mistakes have the potential to knock your entire life off course, and we firmly believe that you deserve compassionate care, counsel, and trustworthy representation when it comes to your defense. We are passionate about securing your rights and freedoms, no matter what your misdemeanor charge involves.

Fluent in Spanish, our Bloomington criminal defense attorney is ready to serve individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences. Wherever you are from in the Twin Cities area, from Ramsey County to Hennepin County, and beyond, we are here to serve you. When you work with our team, you can expect the following legal services:

• Case evaluation. From the moment you walk into our office for your initial consultation, we are ready to listen to your side of things and review every detail of your case to discover any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you. When you hire Santana Law, you become our main priority, and we do everything in our power to protect your rights.
• Challenging evidence. At Santana Law, our experience as a criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor can allow us to scrutinize every piece of evidence and poke holes in the case against you. We can review all body cam footage, witness statements, photos or videos, and the police reports from your arrest for any inconsistencies.
• Negotiating your case. Depending on the case, we can then enter negotiations with the prosecution to seek a reduction in the charges brought against you or the sentencing you might face if you are convicted. This can help you reduce gross misdemeanor charges to standard misdemeanors, which carry lower fines and jail time.
• Court representation. If negotiations are not fruitful and your case progresses to a court trial, we are prepared to fight for you and defend you before a judge and jury. We have experience with the entities operating within the Hennepin County Government Center, where many of these cases will be handled, and are ready to present evidence that can work in your favor.

Don’t Let a Misdemeanor Charge Define You: Contact Santana Law Today

Facing a misdemeanor charge in Bloomington, Minnesota, or in the Twin Cities does not have to define your future. Whether you are facing theft charges from an arrest at the Mall of America or dealing with assault charges thanks to a simple misunderstanding outside Target Field after a game, Santana Law is here to serve you. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation.

Bloomington, Minnesota – Misdemeanor Defense Overview

In Hennepin County, misdemeanors—ranging from petty offenses to gross misdemeanors—are adjudicated primarily in municipal and county courts. Typical charges include simple assault, DUI, theft under $500, and minor drug offenses. Penalties range from a fine (up to $300 for petty misdemeanors) to up to 364 days in jail and/or fines up to $3,000 for gross misdemeanors.

Effective January 1, 2025, Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act automatically expunges many nonviolent misdemeanor convictions after a two- to five‑year crime-free period, reducing the burden of petitioning.

Additionally, a legislative tweak shortened the maximum sentence for gross misdemeanors from 365 to 364 days, preventing certain convictions from triggering deportation as “aggravated felonies” under federal immigration law.

These reforms empower Bloomington misdemeanor defense attorneys to help clients proactively clear their records and minimize long-term consequences. With automatic expungement now in place, defense strategies increasingly focus on achieving clean records and avoiding collateral damage—supporting successful transitions into housing, employment, and community life.