Minneapolis Misdemeanor Lawyer

Misdemeanor Attorney in Minneapolis, MN

Facing a misdemeanor in Minneapolis can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t have a firm understanding of how criminal law functions in Minnesota. Luckily, you don’t need to face your charge alone. An experienced Minneapolis misdemeanor lawyer from Santana Law, PLLC, can not only help you understand your rights and what legal options are available, but also stand by your side and represent you throughout proceedings.

​Santana Law, PLLC: Your Minneapolis Criminal Defense Team​

At Santana Law, PLLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of Minnesota residents. Our lead attorney, Ronnie Santana, began his career as a prosecutor, which gives him a unique advantage as a defense attorney here in Minneapolis. By leveraging his knowledge of criminal justice from multiple perspectives, his powerful negotiation skills, and his passion for justice, he is able to provide superior criminal defense services for those who need them most.

​Defining Misdemeanors in Minneapolis

​A misdemeanor in Minneapolis is the mildest type of criminal charge, aside from a basic traffic ticket. In Minnesota, there are three classes of misdemeanors, each of which comes with different maximum sentencing guidelines. The following are the main forms of misdemeanors in Minnesota and their corresponding consequences:​

1. Petty Misdemeanors. Petty misdemeanors in Minneapolis can be punished with fines of up to $300.
2. Misdemeanors. A basic misdemeanor has a maximum jail sentence of 90 days and a maximum fine of $1,000.
3. Gross Misdemeanors. Gross misdemeanors are the most serious form of misdemeanor in Minnesota and carry fines of up to $3,000 and up to 364 days in jail.

Common Misdemeanors in Minneapolis

​Serious crimes involving violence, like assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, or grand theft, are always tried as felonies in Minnesota. Less serious or less violent matters are generally considered misdemeanors. Examples of common misdemeanors seen throughout the state include:

• Shoplifting or petty theft
• First-time DWI
• Public intoxication
• Reckless driving
• Trespassing
• Simple assault
• Indecent exposure
• Disorderly conduct
• Vandalism

The severity of your charge will impact how it is categorized. Generally, less violent crimes are considered less severe. This means a petty theft charge may only be charged as a simple misdemeanor, whereas a second assault charge against the same victim may result in a gross misdemeanor. It’s important that you consult a skilled Minneapolis misdemeanor lawyer to ensure you understand the charges against you and how you can fight against them.​

Penalties for Misdemeanors in Minneapolis

After peaking in 2020 and 2021, crime is trending down in Minneapolis. However, that doesn’t mean that it has gone away completely. In 2025, 677 assault offenses, 499 vandalism cases, and 868 thefts were recorded throughout the city.​

If you were charged with a misdemeanor in Minneapolis, the judges at the Hennepin County District Court must adhere to specific sentencing requirements. This simply means they cannot give you a jail sentence that is longer than the state-mandated maximum. The following are potential results from a Minneapolis misdemeanor case:​

• Continuance for Dismissal. A continuance for dismissal or diversion allows the prosecutor to agree to drop charges if the defendant completes relevant terms. These may include paying a program fee, attending an educational program, and remaining crime-free for a certain period. Because there is no plea deal required, you won’t have the record of a conviction.
• Fines. Petty misdemeanors are fine-only offenses, making them technically violations rather than crimes. You could face a fine of up to $300. For regular and gross misdemeanors, fines are higher. You could also have to pay restitution to any victims of your crime if convicted.
• Jail. Regular and gross misdemeanors are punishable with jail time. Gross misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of 364 days, while simple misdemeanors have a maximum of 90 days.
• Intermediate sanctions. A judge can also sentence you using intermediate sanctions, such as court-mandated counseling or treatment, community service, home detention with electronic monitoring, or probation. You could also be mandated to perform work service in a restorative justice program.

Why Should You Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Minneapolis?

​No matter how severe the charge is you’re facing, it’s crucial that you hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can assess your case and work toward an optimal outcome. When you work with our dedicated criminal defense lawyer, Ronnie Santana, you can trust him to work tirelessly to protect your future. His comprehensive legal knowledge, insight into local Minneapolis courts, and litigation skills allow him to fight back on his clients’ behalf.​

Meet Our Founding Attorney – Roonie Santana Ronnie Santana is the founding attorney at Santana Law PLLC,serving Minneapolis and surrounding areas with dedicated felony criminal defense representation. With extensive experience handling serious felony charges, he provides strategic, aggressive advocacy focused on protecting your rights, limiting exposure, and pursuing the best possible outcome. Ronnie’s client-first approach ensures every case receives personal attention and a strong defense. View Profile

FAQs

​What Happens If You Are Charged With a Misdemeanor in Minnesota?

​What happens when you get a misdemeanor in Minnesota depends heavily on the details of your case. If you’re facing a petty misdemeanor charge, such as a traffic violation or littering, you could face a fine of up to $300 and no jail time. However, gross misdemeanors can result in fines of up to $3,000 and up to a year in jail. It’s important to hire a misdemeanor lawyer to ensure you understand the exact weight of the charges against you.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Minnesota?

​Generally, a misdemeanor stays on your record in Minnesota until you apply and are approved for an expungement. However, the Gopher State recently passed a Clean Slate Law that automatically expunges certain crimes. After a waiting period of two years for petty crimes and regular misdemeanors or four years for gross misdemeanors, certain charges may be automatically expunged from your record.

​What Are the Different Kinds of Misdemeanors in Minnesota?

The levels of misdemeanors in Minnesota include petty misdemeanors, basic misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors. Petty misdemeanors are the least serious offenses and include charges like possession of small amounts of marijuana. Basic misdemeanors include crimes like first-offense DWIs and simple assault. You could be charged with a gross misdemeanor if you get a second DWI or are accused of assaulting the same person twice.

​When Should You Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Minneapolis?

When you or someone you love is charged with a misdemeanor in Minneapolis, it’s important that you hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as you’re aware of the charges against you. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can intervene in your case and begin protecting your rights. Because many misdemeanor cases involve simple offenses, a skilled lawyer can fight to get your charges reduced or even completely dismissed.

Your Minneapolis Misdemeanor Lawyer

​If you’re looking for a skilled Minneapolis misdemeanor lawyer, look no further than Santana Law, PLLC. Lead attorney Ronnie Santana has spent years practicing the law, both as a former prosecutor and as a defense attorney. You can trust him to use those skills to fight for you. Contact the office to schedule a consultation today. We offer services in both English and Spanish.

Minneapolis,MN Felony Legal Resources

• Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission
• Hennepin County District Court – Criminal Division
• Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure – Appendix of Forms
• Criminal Case FAQ – Hennepin County District Court

About Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and home to a diverse population, multiple universities, and a busy urban core. With more than 400,000 residents and thousands of commuters traveling in daily, the city sees a wide range of criminal charges—from DUI and drug-related offenses to assault, theft, and felony-level allegations. Criminal matters arising in Minneapolis are typically handled through the Hennepin County District Court, located downtown, with law enforcement actions led by the Minneapolis Police Department, Metro Transit Police, University of Minnesota Police, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

Because Minneapolis includes entertainment districts such as Downtown East, North Loop, Uptown, Dinkytown, and Stadium Village, the city frequently experiences arrests tied to nightlife-related incidents, disorderly conduct, traffic stops, and alcohol-related offenses. The city’s proximity to major highways—including I-94, I-35W, and Hwy 55—also contributes to an increase in traffic and vehicle-based criminal allegations such as reckless driving, DWI, and vehicle-related drug offenses.