A criminal charge here sets off both a court case and a Department of Public Safety license action within 7 days. Step in early to keep both cases from working against you.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Minnesota
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2024 Top 100
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Superb Rating
MN State Bar
Licensed
4,000+
Cases Handled
4.9/5 Stars
300+ Reviews
Why Choose Martine Law for Your Criminal Defense Case
Martine Law provides strategic defense under State law from consultation to resolution.
Experienced defense attorneys
Our attorneys have extensive experience defending criminal charges in statewide courts.
Client-focused defense
You receive clear explanations and a defense strategy built around the facts of your case.
Full case management
From the initial consultation through resolution, we guide you through every stage of the process.
Minnesota Criminal Defense Practices We Offer
Martine Law defends clients facing a wide range of criminal charges in courts statewide.
[ASSLT]
Assault Lawyer
Assault charges can involve injury claims, threats, weapons, or aggravating facts. We defend misdemeanor and felony assault cases across Minnesota courts.
[DV]
Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence cases may involve criminal charges and protective order proceedings. We handle both court tracks with focused defense strategy.
[DRUG]
Drug Charges Lawyer
Drug cases may involve possession, sale, trafficking, search issues, testing, and evidence handling. We challenge the facts behind every charge.
[DWI/DUI]
DWI / DUI Lawyer
DWI cases can involve criminal penalties, license consequences, and strict deadlines. We defend the charge and review the evidence behind the stop.
[FEL]
Felony Defense Lawyer
Felony cases are handled in Superior Court and carry higher sentencing exposure. We review the charge, evidence, and trial strategy early.
[SC]
Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sex crime allegations can bring serious penalties and long-term registration risks. Early defense review can shape how the case develops.
[MISD]
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Misdemeanor charges are usually heard in District Court and can still affect your record. We pursue dismissal, reduction, and resolution options.
[THEFT]
Theft Crimes Lawyer
Theft charges depend on value, intent, identification, and the facts behind the accusation. We challenge weak evidence and disputed claims.
[PO]
Protective Orders Lawyer
Protective order cases can restrict contact, housing, and daily movement. We prepare for hearings, evidence review, and court-ordered restrictions.
MINNESOTA COURT INTELLIGENCE
How the Courts Handle Your Criminal Case
Your rights, your timeline, and major stakes are all based on the court handling your case. Knowing how the system works gives you a real advantage from the start.
District Courts (Misdemeanors)
Handles all misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, including DWI, simple assault, and fifth-degree drug possession. You may request a jury trial for gross misdemeanor charges.
District Courts (Felonies)
All felony charges are also heard here, but it’s a separate process, including a probable cause hearing and full jury trial rights. Sentences follow the MN Sentencing Guidelines grid.
Prosecution Structure
Each county’s prosecutor decides charges and plea deals. A skilled MN defense lawyer helps position your case for better outcomes.
87
Counties served across Minnesota
30-90 Days
Typical timeline for lower-level cases
3
District, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court levels
1–11 Severity Levels
Felony sentencing levels under Minnesota law
What Do Your Criminal Charges Reveal?
Minnesota classifies offenses as petty misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies under the state’s Sentencing Guidelines. Your charge level decides which court handles your case, the penalty range, and the defense strategies available.
An experienced attorney can challenge how prior convictions are counted in your criminal history score, impacting directly the sentence range a judge may apply.
Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors
| Class | Max sentence | Common charges |
|---|---|---|
| Petty Misdemeanor | Fine up to $300 only | Minor traffic violations |
| Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days / $1,000 fine | Simple assault, disorderly conduct |
| Gross Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year / $3,000 fine | First-offense DWI, fifth-degree assault |
Major Felonies to Know
| Level | Sentence Range | Common Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Level Felony | 1 year + 1 day to 24 months | Fifth-degree drug possession, check forgery |
| Mid-Level Felony | 24 to 86 months | Third-degree assault, drug sales, theft over $5,000 |
| High-Level Felony | 86 months to life | First-degree drug sales, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and murder |
NOTE: Actual sentences depend on your criminal history score under the MN Sentencing Guidelines. An attorney can only challenge how prior convictions are counted in that score.
Why Choose Martine Law's Criminal Defense Attorney
Courtroom Experience
Martine Law attorneys are regular practitioners in courts statewide. We know local schedules, judicial preferences, and how individual courtrooms run.
Former Prosecutors
Our attorneys have worked inside County Attorney offices, giving direct insight into case weaknesses and how local prosecutors approach plea discussions.
Complete Defense
We do not hand cases off. The attorney who first reviews your case stays with you throughout the stage of the entire process.
Statewide Coverage
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington, and all its counties. We can appear wherever your case is filed.
How Criminal Charges Are Processed in Minnesota
Every criminal case in the state moves through the same stages. Knowing each step helps you make better decisions from the start.
Do You Have the Right Defense on Your Side?
From the moment charges are filed, prosecutors act fast. The sooner you decide, the better chances your attorney has to expand your options.
Let our attorneys identify your strongest defense strategy right away.
Unlawful Search or Stop
If officers lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, all evidence collected after that point may be suppressed under the state law.
Chain of Custody Violations
Gaps in documentation for drug and DWI cases can call lab results and physical evidence into serious question.
Miranda Rights Violations
Statements made after arrest without proper Miranda warnings may be ruled inadmissible at a suppression hearing.
Challenging Witness Credibility
We closely review identification procedures, witness motives, and statement consistency in court.
Lack of Intent as a Defense
In drug, theft, and fraud cases, showing no knowledge or criminal intent is a complete defense for the state.
Due Process Violations
Any procedural error during arrest, charging, or evidence handling may support a motion to suppress or dismiss the charges.
Serving Criminal Defense Clients Across Minnesota
Martine Law’s attorneys are trained on all local court schedules, prosecution practices, and judicial preferences.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do right after being arrested?
Anything you say can be used against you. Provide only name and ID, refuse searches, and request a criminal defense attorney immediately.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Minnesota?
Misdemeanors carry up to one year in District Court. Felonies exceed one year and include jury trials and bring worse long-term penalties.
Can criminal charges be dismissed in Minnesota?
Yes. Charges may be dismissed through suppression motions or constitutional violations. Early attorney review increases the chances of identifying these opportunities.
How long does a criminal case take in Minnesota?
Misdemeanors usually resolve in 2–4 months. Felonies often take 12–18 months or longer, depending on complexity and contested hearings.
Start with a Free Case Review
Charged with a crime in Minnesota? A licensed Martine Law attorney can defend you with a completely free consultation to begin your case.
No pressure. Just clear legal insight.
Every case is handled confidentially and reviewed by a defense attorney.