What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor, a Gross Misdemeanor and a Felony in Minnesota Criminal Court?
If you are facing criminal charges in Minnesota and you’re trying to figure out the difference between the three levels of charges, it really comes down to exposure. What this means is that each charge comes with a maximum amount of time you could serve in jail or prison and the maximum fine you might face. However, it is important to remember that every charge is different and the impact it might have on time and fines is only the beginning of the challenges you may face. If you are facing criminal charges, 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.
“Because a conviction could cost you for a lifetime, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be the best investment you ever make.”
What are the Different Levels of Charges in Minnesota?
Misdemeanors
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.
Gross Misdemeanors
If you are facing a gross misdemeanor charge in Minnesota court, this means that you could face:
Up to 1 year in jail;
Up to a $3000 fine;
Probation of two years or more;
Depending upon the charge, treatment programs, registration requirements, license ramifications and more.
Felonies
If you are facing felony charges in Minnesota court, this is the most severe charge and means you could face
Anywhere between a year and a day to life in prison, depending upon the charge;
Potentially enormous fines from $5000 to tens of thousands or even more;
Probation of 3 years or more;
Depending upon the charge, treatment programs, registration requirements, license ramifications and more.
“Because every charge is different, having a seasoned criminal defense attorney who can customize a defense for your case can mean everything.”
If you are facing serious 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 many cases, this may also pale 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.