Minnesota Domestic Assault Defense Lawyer
One accusation can change everything we defend your rights and your future.
What Counts as Domestic Assault in Minnesota?
Domestic assault includes either causing fear of immediate bodily harm or intentionally inflicting bodily harm on a family or household member. This applies to spouses, partners, former partners, parents, roommates, and individuals who share a child.
Penalties for Domestic Assault
Minnesota domestic assault is an enhanceable offense meaning penalties increase significantly with prior qualified domestic violence-related offenses.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 90 days jail and $1,000 fine.
- Gross Misdemeanor: One prior DV-related conviction within 10 years. Up to 1 year jail and $3,000 fine.
- Felony: Two or more prior DV-related convictions within 10 years. Up to 5 years prison and $10,000 fine.
What to Do If You’re Charged With Domestic Assault
Taking the right steps immediately can protect your future and strengthen your defense:
- Do not make statements to police or the alleged victim anything you say can be used against you.
- Follow all no-contact orders, including DANCO or OFP restrictions, even if the other party wants contact.
- Document your version of events as soon as possible while details are fresh.
- Save messages, call logs, photos, or evidence that may counter the accusations.
- Contact a defense attorney immediately to begin building a strategy and protecting your rights.
What Happens After a Domestic 911 Call?
In many Minnesota domestic cases, the chain of events starts with a 911 call. Once that call is made, several things typically happen very quickly. Police are dispatched, statements are taken, and someone is often arrested or removed from the home. The decision about whether to arrest is made by officers on the scene not the alleged victim and mandatory arrest policies mean that officers often err on the side of making an arrest. Andrew helps you understand what those first minutes and hours mean for your case. He reviews police reports, body camera footage, and 911 recordings to identify inconsistencies, self-defense issues, and overreactions that can change the outcome of a domestic assault charge.
Assault
Drug Crimes
DWI / DUI
Expungement
Implied Consent / Test Refusal
Probation Violation
Sex Offenses
Theft Crimes
Interference With a 911 Call
Traffic Offenses
Criminal Vehicular Homicide
Criminal Vehicular Operation
Gun Rights & Firearm Restoration
DANCO & OFP Violations
Domestic Assault
White Collar Crimes
Federal Crimes
Juvenile Crimes
Minnesota Domestic Assault FAQ
Can I be charged even if there was no injury?
Yes. Minnesota allows domestic assault charges based solely on causing fear of harm, even without physical injury.
Can the alleged victim drop the charges?
No. Once police file a report, the case becomes State of Minnesota vs. the defendant. Only prosecutors control charges.
Will I lose my gun rights?
Possibly. Domestic assault convictions can trigger firearm bans or forfeiture depending on the circumstances.
What if the allegations are false?
False or exaggerated allegations are common. We examine statements, evidence, motives, and inconsistencies to challenge credibility.
Can the alleged victim drop domestic assault charges?
In Minnesota, the decision to move forward with a domestic assault case belongs to the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. Even if the other person wants to "drop" the charges, the state can decide to continue. A skilled defense lawyer can present evidence, context, and mitigation that the prosecutor may not otherwise see, which can lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or more favorable resolutions.