Felony Attorney in Minnesota

Under Minn. Stat. 609.02, subdivision 2, a felony is a crime for which imprisonment of one year or more may be imposed. This classification concerns the authorized punishment, not a promise that every conviction results in prison.

Yes, felony charges may be reduced through plea negotiations, evidentiary challenges, dismissal motions, or diversion programs, depending on facts, prior record, and prosecutorial discretion in court.

Yes. A felony defense lawyer can review evidence, protect constitutional rights, challenge unlawful procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and work toward reduced charges or dismissal.

There is no single timeline for every felony case. Evidence review, motions, negotiations and court scheduling affect the process. Under Minnesota Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.09, after a plea other than guilty, a party may demand a speedy trial; trial must then start within 60 days unless the court finds good cause for a later date. That trial-start rule is different from the total time to resolve a case.

Yes, a felony conviction in MN remains on your criminal record permanently unless it is later sealed or expunged under state law after meeting strict eligibility requirements.

Minnesota published new Sentencing Guidelines effective August 1, 2026, for felony offenses committed on or after that date. The applicable version generally depends on the offense date, not simply the date of sentencing. Ask your attorney to check the statute for your charge, its effective date and the applicable guidelines before estimating a sentence. The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission publishes the current guidelines and approved modifications, along with prior editions.