Facing a criminal charge in St. Louis Park? Bring your citation, complaint and hearing notice to a Martine Law consultation. An attorney can review the allegations and available evidence, explain the issues in your case, and discuss representation, fees and your next court deadline.
St Louis Park
Criminal Defense Lawyers
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Our St Louis Park Criminal Defense Services
Martine Law assists people facing criminal charges and petty misdemeanor allegations. We review the charge, court paperwork and available evidence to identify the legal issues.
A criminal case can raise immediate questions about court dates, release conditions, work and family. Bring your court paperwork to an attorney so the discussion focuses on your actual charges and deadlines.
Start with the charges, the evidence and your next court date.
A defense consultation can address the prosecution’s allegations, the information still needed and the options that may be available. Ask about the scope of representation, fees and how case updates will be communicated.
Our role is to review the case and advocate for the client within the applicable law.
We provide a wide range of criminal defense services, from DWI defense to litigation of felony charges.
Assault
An assault defense review starts with the specific allegation and available evidence, including witness accounts, recordings and medical records when relevant. An attorney can assess potential defenses without assuming that every allegation or account is accurate.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence allegations require careful review of the evidence and court paperwork. Bring any release conditions or no-contact order to your attorney so you can discuss the restrictions and the defense issues in your case.
Drug Charges
A drug-charge review may examine the alleged substance and amount, laboratory testing, possession allegations, and how officers obtained the evidence. The defense approach depends on the charge and the facts.
DWI
A DWI defense review can examine the traffic stop, field testing, chemical testing and other evidence. The available defenses and outcome depend on the facts; no attorney can guarantee dismissal or a clear record.
Misdemeanors
Just because misdemeanors are seen as “less serious” than felonies does not mean that they can’t have serious consequences for your life. Whatever level of criminal charge you’re facing, you deserve a committed advocate who is willing to fight to get your case dismissed.
Theft
Minnesota theft laws cover a wide range of offenses, from shoplifting and identity theft to grand theft auto. Whether the thing you’re accused of stealing is tangible or intangible, you can face serious legal penalties. Let an experienced criminal defense lawyer protect your rights and challenge your theft charge in court.
Felonies
A felony charge can carry substantial imprisonment and other consequences. The consequences of a conviction vary with the offense, sentence and individual circumstances. An attorney can review the evidence, possible defenses, sentencing exposure and any later record-sealing options.
Sex Crimes
Sex-crime allegations call for a careful review of the charged statute, witness accounts and other evidence. An attorney can explain the allegations and assess the defense issues without promising an outcome.
Traffic
Bring the citation and any hearing notice to a traffic-case consultation. Ask about the response deadline, available options and possible driving-record consequences before deciding how to resolve the ticket.
Orders for Protection & Harassment Restraining Orders
If you receive an OFP or HRO petition or order, bring the complete documents and hearing notice to an attorney. Review the allegations, any current restrictions and the procedure for responding. Do not assume that an informal agreement changes a court order.
Our St Louis Park Criminal Defense Case Results
Case results and client testimonials describe past matters handled by Martine Law. They are examples only, not every result the firm has obtained, and they depend on the specific facts and law of each case. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in your case.
Our St Louis Park Criminal Defense Process
STEP ONE:
Call (612) 979-1305 to speak to an intake specialist.
Your first conversation may be with a Director of Client Engagement (non-attorney), who helps with intake and scheduling and does not provide legal advice. An attorney evaluates your charges and legal options.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
STEP TWO:
We’ll discuss your situation and desired outcomes, and determine if we can help.
STEP THREE:
If you retain the firm, your attorney will discuss the defense plan and next steps with you.
Our St Louis Park Minnesota Criminal Process Timeline
Where are St. Louis Park criminal cases heard?
Hennepin County’s official suburban court directory lists St. Louis Park under Division 3, Ridgedale, for non-felony criminal and traffic matters. Ridgedale is at 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Do not assume that every charge or hearing belongs there: use your hearing notice to confirm the assigned court, courtroom and whether attendance is remote or in person. The Criminal/Traffic contact number is (612) 348-6000.
The hearing sequence depends on the offense level and how the case develops. Use your court notice and your attorney’s instructions to confirm what is scheduled; this overview is not a case-specific calendar.
- ARREST
- FIRST APPEARANCE IN CRIMINAL COURT (ARRAIGNMENT)
- OMNIBUS HEARING (PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE)
- CRIMINAL TRIAL
- SENTENCING
After a warrantless arrest, a person who is not released must appear before a judge without unnecessary delay. Rule 4.02 sets a 36-hour limit excluding the arrest day, Sundays and legal holidays, or as soon as a judge is available. A separate probable-cause determination under Rule 4.03 is required within 48 hours, counting weekends and holidays. Arrests on a warrant follow the warrant’s directions. Ask an attorney to review the actual timeline. See Minnesota Rule 4.
The first appearance addresses the charges, rights and next steps. Whether a plea can be entered at that hearing depends on the offense level and stage of the case. Minnesota Rule 14 lists permitted pleas and their timing; it does not provide a no-contest plea. Discuss the available options and consequences with your attorney before entering a plea. See Minnesota Rule 14.
In felony and gross misdemeanor cases, an omnibus hearing can address probable cause, evidence, discovery and constitutional or procedural issues. It may also include a pretrial conference about resolving the case. It is not simply a negotiation meeting. See Minnesota Rule 11.
A jury trial doesn’t mean the end of your case. The prosecution is tasked with proving your charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Our criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in litigation, and we defend clients vigorously in court.
Sentencing can follow a guilty plea or a finding of guilt at trial. The court determines the sentence under the applicable law, with opportunities for sentencing statements and resolution of disputed issues. See Minnesota Rule 27.
The cost of a criminal conviction: St Louis Park Minnesota offense levels and penalties
Minnesota distinguishes petty misdemeanors from criminal offenses. The categories below describe general classifications and maximum penalties, not a prediction of your sentence. The specific offense statute, facts and record matter.
Here’s what you could face if convicted:
Petty misdemeanor
- Fine of up to $300
- Not a crime; no jail sentence for the petty offense
Misdemeanor
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fine of up to $1,000
- The charged statute and aggravating facts determine the offense level
Gross misdemeanor
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fine of up to $3000
- The charged statute and prior record can affect classification
Felony
- An offense for which imprisonment of one year or more may be imposed
- The authorized maximum and actual sentence depend on the offense and applicable sentencing law
These categories are a starting point. The offense statute controls any specific punishment, and other financial obligations or consequences may apply. See section 609.02 for definitions and section 609.03 for punishment when not otherwise fixed.
Ask your attorney to explain the potential penalties for your specific charge, the evidence that matters and the next steps in your defense.
St Louis Park Criminal Defense FAQs
What should I do if I've been arrested or charged with a crime in Minnesota?
Be respectful and comply with law enforcement’s orders, but exercise your right to remain silent. Do not speak with law enforcement without a lawyer present. The most important thing to do is to call a lawyer immediately. An experienced criminal defense counsel can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
What types of criminal cases does Martine Law handle in Minnesota?
Martine Law handles a wide range of criminal cases, including but not limited to DWI, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, and more.
Will I have to go to trial for my criminal case in Minnesota?
Not necessarily. Our first goal is always to examine the situation and determine if we can get your case dismissed. When dismissal is not possible, many criminal cases are resolved through negotiations with prosecutors, plea bargains, or alternative sentencing options. However, if going to trial is in your best interest, Martine Law will provide vigorous representation in court.
How do I choose the right criminal defense attorney for my case?
Ask who will handle your case, their experience with the charged offense, the scope and cost of representation, and how you will receive updates. Bring your court papers and ask about the next deadline. Past results do not predict the outcome of your case.
Areas Served
- St. Paul
- Minnetonka
- Bloomington
- St. Louis Park
- Brooklyn Park
- Maplewood
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Lakeville
- Roseville
- Blaine
- Inver Grove Heights
- Maple Grove
- Brooklyn Center
- St. Cloud
- Shoreview
- Eagan
- Rosemount
- Burnsville
- Chanhassen
- Eden Prairie
- White Bear Lake
- Apple Valley
- Farmington
- Edina
- Lino Lakes
- Fridley
- Mankato
- Chaska
- Isanti
- Cambridge
- Litchfield
- Rochester
- Savage
- Elk River
- Big Lake
- Waseca
- Buffalo
- Champlin (Incl. Hassan Township)
- New Brighton
- Mounds View
- Crystal
- Vadnais Heights
- Golden Valley
- Annandale
- St. Michael
- North St. Paul
- Hastings
- Mendota Heights
- New Hope
- Little Canada
- West St. Paul
- Arden Hills
- Northfield
- Mound
- South St. Paul
- St. Anthony
- Sartell
- Minnetrista
- Hopkins
- Waite Park
- Robbinsdale
- Dayton
- Rogers
- Lake Elmo
- Coon Rapids
- Andover
- Carver
- Red Wing
- Hutchinson
- Faribault
- Shakopee
- Prior Lake
- Jordan
- Richmond
- Owatonna
Get Started on Your St Louis Park Criminal Defense Case Today
Bring your citation, complaint and hearing notice to your consultation. Ask about the next deadline, the scope of representation, fees and how you will receive case updates. Your first conversation may be with a Director of Client Engagement (non-attorney), who assists with intake and scheduling and does not provide legal advice.
Send us a message:
Criminal defense services are provided by Martine Law PLLC.
Minnesota Offices
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.