If I’m Charged with a Violent Crime in Minnesota and I’m Guilty, Can a Lawyer Help?

If you have been charged with a violent offense in Minnesota, including murder, and you actually did it, you may still have options. Some think that it is pointless to hire an attorney. After all, since you did it, the only real option is to go to the prosecutor, take responsibility, plead guilty and hope for mercy from the Court. Right? This may be a common belief from some friends, family and others with no experience in the criminal justice system.

After many years on both sides of the aisle as both prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, I can tell you without question that simply saying you did it to the police or the Court may be the worst thing that you can possible do. Consider that the State can’t compel you to admit or plead and they also have the burden to prove that committed any crime at all. If you are charged with a serious violent crime in Minnesota, even if you did it, sit down with a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and experienced St. Paul Violent Crimes Lawyer to consider the next steps that you should take.

“If you simply admit, even if you did it, you walk into a negotiation from a position of weakness, not one of strength and that may actually matter.”

What about Plea Agreements?

When negotiating plea agreements, prosecutors regularly assess their cases based upon the likelihood of a conviction. In other words, if their case is really strong and easy to prove, they have no reason to negotiate a positive outcome with you. They may likely hit you much harder. It is also important to remember that victims may drive those same prosecutors to seek even more harsh criminal sentences. At the same time, without those same admissions, the State has a more challenging case.  After all, if they don’t have all of the evidence, they may be more willing to consider alternatives and lesser charges and sentences. Based upon this, what do you think will happen if you go to the police and prosecutor and “I did it.”  That’s the problem.  Its game over. You see, “Honesty is the best policy” may be the worst thing you can do.

Having a lawyer beside you at this time may be critical.  They can tell you about your rights, assess the State’s case, talk about possible sentences and what is coming next.  In the end, especially if you did it, it is far better to consider negotiating from a position of strength with the prosecution than a position of weakness in order to seek a far more favorable outcome. Of course, this doesn’t even mention the possibility of something called “supression of evidence.” 

Is it Possible to get my Case Dismissed?

Remember, while the State has the burden of proof in your case, they also have the obligation to do everything correctly as part of their investigation.  In fact, if they fail to do this, an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney may be able to suppress evidence. This means that the State may have to dismiss or it may severely weaken the State’s ability to prosecute. This is all true regardless of whether you did it or not.  As you can see, this shows why you want experienced Minnesota criminal defense lawyer your side even if you are guilty of the crime. 

“Many assume that with violent offenses you will benefit from honesty and you might. However, it is how and when you make those admissions that sometimes matters most.”

If you are facing violent criminal charges including murder charges in Minnesota, even if you did it, consulting with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney may be the best decision you’ll ever make. You can learn about your rights, some ideas about the strength of the State’s case, what may happen and where you go next. Some violent criminal charges including murder could put you in prison for a very long time, if not for life. Having somebody fight for your rights at this stage can make all of the difference. 

Jack Rice is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, MN.  Jack is also a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former prosecutor, and former CIA Officer. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.