Getting convicted of assault in Minnesota isn’t just about a fine or jail time—it’s a storm of consequences that can ripple through every part of your life. Assault charges are serious business, and the penalties can hit harder than you might expect. Whether you’re facing accusations or already dealing with a conviction, understanding the potential fallout and enlisting seasoned professional help is essential.

 

The Criminal Penalties for Assault Convictions

 

Assault charges in Minnesota aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, the state has five degrees of assault, each with its own level of severity and consequences.

 

• First-degree assault is the most serious and involves causing great bodily harm or assaulting a peace officer with a deadly weapon. If convicted, you could face up to 20 years in prison.
• Second-degree assault involves using a dangerous weapon but without causing severe injury. Depending on the circumstances, you could face up to 7 years in prison.
• Third-degree assault is charged when someone causes substantial bodily harm, often requiring hospital care. A conviction could result in a 5-year prison sentence.
• Fourth-degree assault typically involves assaults against peace officers, medical workers, or teachers. This can either be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity.
• Fifth-degree assault is the least severe and covers cases where someone intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm or puts another person in fear of immediate bodily harm. It’s often charged as a misdemeanor but can escalate to a felony with repeated offenses.

 

Knowing the degree of assault you’re charged with is vital because it impacts the legal strategies that can be used to defend you. And while some cases may seem minor, even a fifth-degree assault conviction can leave a lasting stain on your record.

 

Immediate Legal Consequences

 

Now that you have a basic understanding of Minnesota’s assault laws let’s talk about what happens after a conviction.

 

• Fines: Depending on the degree of assault, you could be looking at fines ranging from a few hundred dollars for misdemeanor convictions to tens of thousands for felony convictions.
• Jail or Prison Time: This is where things get serious. As mentioned earlier, you could face anywhere from 90 days in jail (for lower-degree assaults) to 20 years in prison (for first-degree convictions). It’s also worth noting that parole or probation eligibility varies based on the degree of assault.
• Criminal Record: This is the ghost that follows you everywhere. An assault conviction will remain on your permanent criminal record, affecting everything from job opportunities to your social life. Employers, landlords, and even licensing boards can access this information, which brings us to the long-term consequences.

 

Long-term Consequences of an Assault Conviction

 

 

• Employment: Many employers hesitate to hire individuals with a criminal record, especially for positions involving trust or responsibility.
• Housing: Landlords may reject applications from those with a conviction, limiting your housing options.
• Education: Colleges might deny admission, and you could lose access to financial aid.
• Firearm Rights: Felony assault convictions result in the loss of the right to own or possess firearms.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Courts may restrict custody or visitation rights, viewing the conviction as a sign of unfit parenting.
• Professional Licenses: A conviction could result in the suspension or revocation of licenses in fields such as law, healthcare, or finance.
• Social and Personal Impact: Relationships can be strained, and the stigma of a conviction may lead to social isolation.

 

Contact Keyser Law P.A. for Experienced Criminal Defense Representation

 

Dealing with an assault charge can drastically impact your life. To safeguard your future, it’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side. The Keyser Law, P.A. legal team has extensive experience handling assault cases in Minnesota. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the best possible result. If you or a loved one is facing an assault conviction, don’t hesitate to call 612-338-5007 today or fill out this online form for a consultation and begin building your defense.