Minneapolis Assault Defense Lawyer
Minneapolis assault defense lawyer Christopher Keyser is an aggressive trial attorney with a record of winning assault cases in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and throughout Minnesota. Mr. Keyser’s strategy for beating assault charges is simple: he reviews the evidence against you, creates an assault defense strategy, and then executes that strategy. In every Minnesota assault case, Mr. Keyser works to get charges dismissed and keep your criminal record clear. When a dismissal is not possible, he pushes the assault case to trial.
The key to successfully defending Minneapolis assault charges is a combination of knowing how the court system works, having solid relationships with prosecutors, and a willingness to bring the case to jury trial. Minneapolis assault defense lawyer Christopher Keyser was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star, a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, and has a Superb rating on Avvo.com.
Winning Minnesota Assault Cases
A small sample of recent assault victories:
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- Stearns County 2nd Degree Assault: Stay of Adjudication
- Ramsey County Assault: NOT GUILTY verdicts
- Washington County Domestic Assault: Case Dismissed
- Ramsey County Assault: NOT GUILTY verdicts
- Washington County Felony Assault: Charges Suspended and Dismissed
- Hennepin County Assault: NOT GUILTY verdicts
- Washington County Domestic Assault: Charges Suspended and Dismissed
- Anoka County Domestic Assault: Case Dismissed
- Ramsey County Domestic Assault: Case Dismissed
- Hennepin County Assault: NOT GUILTY verdicts
- Anoka County Domestic Assault: Case Dismissed
- Washington County Domestic Assault: Case Dismissed
Minneapolis Assault Client Testimonials
A happy client is the best form of advertisement. We have helped countless people beat assault charges throughout the Minneapolis, St. Paul area. But don’t just take our word. Read client testimonials of Assault Lawyer Christopher Keyser.
Minnesota Assault Defined
Minnesota defines assault as either “an act intended to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death” or “an attempt or actual infliction of bodily harm upon another.” Acts commonly associated with assault charges in Minneapolis and St. Paul include hitting, pushing or shoving a person, grabbing a person’s arm or body, engaging in a bar fight, using an object to strike someone, intimidating or threatening someone, touching a person without consent (sexual or non-sexual), verbally or emotionally abusing someone with violent intentions, putting something in a person’s drink such as a date-rape drug or knowingly transmitting a disease to another.
Degrees of Assault in Minnesota
Minnesota Fifth Degree Assault: This is a misdemeanor and the lowest level of assault in Minnesota. The maximum punishment is 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000.00 fine. This is the most common type of assault charge in Minnesota and usually involves a fight, intimidation or threats, and does not involve sibstantial or serious bodily harm. Read Minnesota’s Fifth Degree Assault Statute.
Minnesota Fourth Degree Assault: When a person assaults a peace officer, emergency room doctor, firefighter, natural resource employee, nurse, or another such individual, or commits an assault based on bias (such as race, gender, ethnicity, etc.). A fourth degree assault charge is a gross misdemeanor. It becomes a felony if demonstrable bodily harm is involved. A gross misdemeanor carries a maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000.00 fine. Read Minnesota’s Fourth Degree Assault Statute.
Minnesota Third Degree Assault: This is a felony level offense carrying a maximum punishment of 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000.00 fine. A third degree assault is an assault resulting in substantially bodily harm. Examples include broken bones or an injury causing scarring or permanent disfigurement. Read Minnesota’s Third Degree Assault Statute.
Minnesota Second Degree Assault: This is a felony level offense carrying a maximum punishment of 7 year in prison and/or a $14,000.00 fine. A second degree assault is an assault involving a deadly weapon like a knife or gun, and results in significant bodily harm. Examples include a shooting or stabbing incident resulting in injury. Read Minnesota’s Second Degree Assault Statute.
Minnesota First Degree Assault: This is a felony level offense carrying a maximum of 20 year in prison and/or a $30,000.00 fine. This is an assault resulting in great bodily harm, or an attack of a police officer involving deadly force. Read Minnesota’s First Degree Assault Statute.
Minnesota Assault Defenses
Common defenses to assault charges include self-defense, defense of another person, defense of property, necessity, intoxication, alibi, and false allegations. Because each Minnesota assault case presents different facts and circumstances, it is wise to seek the opinion of a Minneapolis Assault Defense Lawyer on possible defenses and the likelihood of success at trial.
Dismissing Minnesota Assault Charges
We understand that Minnesota assault charges are often unjustified or result from a misunderstanding. We understand that police reports can be inaccurate and that you may have a good explanation for what happened. Sometimes a simple misunderstanding at a bar or club can turn into unwarranted assault allegations. Sometimes the police simply refuse to listen to your side of the story before arresting you. We understand these errors happen and will help you tell your side of the story.
Contact our Minneapolis Assault Defense Lawyer Christopher Keyser at 612-338-5007 for a free consultation. We are the first step in putting your domestic assault charges behind you.
