What are the Different Levels of Charges I Could Face in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, there are four different levels of charges that a person can face. While each is categorized based upon severity and potential punishment, only three are considered criminal charges, meaning you could face possible jail time. If you are facing charges in Minnesota, a good first step is to sit down with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
“Petty misdemeanors are generally traffic tickets and other minor offenses. The other categories could put you in a jail or prison cell.”
Different Levels of Charges
Petty Misdemeanors: Petty misdemeanor are the lowest level offenses you might face in Minnesota. These are most often traffic tickets, sound ordinances, equipment violations and other types of offenses that can be resolved with only a fine. The maximum fine is $300 with no possibility of a jail sentence.
Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors are the lowest level of criminal offenses in Minnesota but are still serious. These typically include first time DWI offenses, first time simple assault cases, shoplifting and some low level drug offenses. While misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, there are many jobs, careers and other situations that can be put at risk because of any criminal offense including misdemeanors.
Gross Misdemeanors: Gross misdemeanors can expose you to more serious ramifications. They typically apply to second and third offense DWIs, assault charges and more serious thefts and other kinds of offenses. Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
Felonies: Minnesota’s most serious criminal charges are felony offenses. These kinds of offenses include rape, child molestation, child pornography, criminal sexual conduct charges, strangulation and murder. Felonies in Minnesota are punishable by more than one year in prison and fines of up to $100,000. This doesn’t even include possible registration requirements depending upon the charge.
“Sometimes, the level of offense doesn’t matter. Any criminal offenses can result in a worse case scenario for a career, a job, a relationship.”
There are many factors that can impact a criminal charge include prior convictions, enhancability, individual case circumstances and more. In fact, aggravating factors and well as mitigating facts should be considered as the case progresses. Regardless, consulting with an experienced minnesota criminal defense attorney can help you understand what you might be walking into. In fact, it might make all of the difference in the world.
Jack Rice is a nationally known and respected criminal defense attorney. He is a former prosecutor, former CIA Officer and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.