Domestic Violence Lawyer in Minnesota

Domestic violence includes physical harm, threats, stalking, harassment, or interference with emergency calls involving family or household members under the law.

Yes, dismissal is possible, but the alleged victim cannot personally drop the criminal charges. Under Minnesota Rule of Criminal Procedure 30.01, the prosecutor may dismiss a complaint or tab charge and must state the reasons; dismissing an indictment requires court approval. A request by the alleged victim does not itself end the case. An attorney can assess the evidence and available grounds for dismissal.

Courts consider domestic abuse allegations and evidence when determining custody, parenting time, and the child’s best interests.

Penalties depend on prior convictions and injury severity, ranging from up to 90 days in jail for misdemeanors to several years in prison for a felony domestic assault conviction.

There is no single timeline for every domestic assault case. The charge level, evidence review, contested motions, negotiations and court scheduling affect how the case proceeds. Ask your attorney about the next hearing and any deadlines in your case. For felony and gross misdemeanor cases, Minnesota Rule 11.09 generally requires trial to start within 60 days of a demand made after a plea other than guilty, unless the court finds good cause for a later date. That is a trial-start rule, not a promise that the entire case will finish within 60 days.