Allegations of domestic abuse in Minnesota should never be taken lightly. These allegations can significantly impact someone’s life – which is why everyone must understand what domestic abuse is and how Minnesota handles it.

 

There’s no doubt that domestic violence is an emotional topic, but understanding how Minnesota views it can help you navigate your case’s complexities with the help of an experienced attorney. Read on to find out what you need to know about domestic abuse in Minnesota.

 

Domestic Abuse in Minnesota

 

In Minnesota, it’s illegal to cause fear of physical harm or death, or to inflict physical harm on someone in your household or in your family. This distinguishes acts of domestic abuse from other acts – that the victim is someone in your household or family.

 

Who does the state consider an official member of the household or family? If the victim fits into one of these groups, an act against them may qualify as domestic violence:

 

• Those you are related to by blood
• Anyone you are currently married to or have been
• Children and parents
• Those with whom you’ve shared a dwelling or currently share a dwelling
• Anyone you share a child with
• A woman who is pregnant by you
• Anyone with whom you’ve been involved or are involved in a sexual or romantic relationship

 

In most cases, the charge you are looking at for domestic abuse is domestic assault.

 

What Is Domestic Assault?

 

Domestic assault under the law in Minnesota is an assault against someone in your family or household. There are various ways to commit domestic assault:

 

• Inflicting harm on a household or family member
• Causing the fear of harm or injury through your actions
• Attempting to cause harm to a household or family member
• Domestic assault often begins with a disagreement that escalates until the crime occurs

 

 

Different Levels of Domestic Assault

 

In Minnesota, domestic assault is what is called an enhanceable offense. Where domestic assault is concerned, penalties can be enhanced if the criminal actions occur for ten years.

 

In general, there are three levels of domestic assault in the state. They are:

 

Misdemeanor

 

Often charged in first-time offenses or in cases where there has been no record or conviction of a similar crime within the past decade.

 

Gross Misdemeanor

 

Anyone with at least one prior conviction for domestic abuse in the past ten years can face this level of crime.

 

Felony

 

If you have two or more convictions for domestic abuse in the past 10 years, then you can face felony charges.

 

Strangulation

 

It’s important to note that in cases where strangulation of the victim took place, it will be a felony charge. Strangulation is defined as blocking breathing or airflow by putting pressure on the throat or neck of another.

 

If strangulation is a part of the offense, it’s automatically a felony, even if you have no prior convictions. Strangulation can send you to prison for up to three years and make you responsible for fines of as much as $5,000.

 

Penalties for Domestic Assault

 

While every case of domestic assault and abuse has its own set of unique circumstances that inform the sentencing, there are set penalties under the laws for domestic assault.

 

For a misdemeanor, a person can face up to three months in jail and be fined up to $1,000. For gross misdemeanors and felonies, the judge decides the penalties. This can result in significant time behind bars, court-ordered therapy, and a no-contact order.

 

Domestic Abuse and Firearms

 

In Minnesota, domestic abuse is a crime taken very seriously. To help protect victims, those convicted have to give up firearms used in the crime – and the state also has the power to restrict firearm ownership for them in the future.

 

 

If you do not give up your firearms, you can face additional criminal charges that can result in up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $3,000.

 

As you can see,  domestic abuse has numerous consequences in Minnesota. That’s why, if you’re charged, you need an experienced attorney on your side.

 

 

About the Author:

 

Christopher Keyser is an AV-Preeminent rated criminal and DWI defense attorney based in Minneapolis who is known for fighting aggressively for his clients and utilizing innovative tactics to get the most positive results. He has been featured in numerous media outlets due to the breadth and depth of his knowledge and has been named a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Minnesota Bar Association. Mr. Keyser is Lead Counsel rated, and he has received recognition for his criminal law work from Avvo, Expertise, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and more.