Can I Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in Minnesota?
The answer is, Yes. In Minnesota, you could face real time for a misdemeanor and it is also a criminal offense. As such, you can’t just make a fine and they disappear. In addition, these generally never go away, can be serious, can put you in jail and really can give you the label of convicted criminal. If you are facing misdemeanor criminal charges in Minnesota, the first thing that you should do is sit down with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine what you are facing and how you fight it.
“Anytime you have to explain yourself regarding a criminal conviction, you are already in a bad place. This is what a misdemeanor criminal conviction can do for you.”
What are the Ramifications of a Misdemeanor?
If you are facing a misdemeanor in Minnesota court, this means that you could face:
Up to 90 days in jail;
Up to a $1000 fine;
Probation of a year or more;
Depending upon the charge, treatment programs, registration requirements, license ramifications and more.
What Kinds of Charges Could be Misdemeanors?
There are lot of different charges that might be misdemeanors. These include:
DWI;
Reckless Driving;
Careless Driving;
Driving after Suspension;
Driving after Cancellation;
Open Bottle;
Underage Consumption.
“While a misdemeanor may not seem too serious, in the long term, bringing an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney might be the best investment that you ever make.“
If you are misdemeanor criminal charges in Minnesota, the ramifications can always be more than simply jail/prison and fines. It is also about the amount of control the probation may be able to have over your life. In may cases, this may also pail in comparison to the impact that a criminal conviction at any level may have on your personal life, your relationships, your professional life, how it may impact a professional license, a drivers license, housing, education and more. All of these things should be taken into consideration when determining the next steps to address the charges themselves.
Go with the Best
Jack Rice is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul. He has decades of experience handling all sorts of misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and felonies. This comes from his time as a former prosecutor, a former U.S. CIA Officer, and as a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.