If you are facing felony charges, knowing which crimes fall into this category is the first step in understanding the stakes. At Martine Law, our attorneys defend clients against all levels of felony charges in Minnesota.
Common felony crimes in Minnesota
Felony charges cover a wide range of offenses, including violent crimes, property crimes, and drug offenses. Some of the most common felony crimes in Minnesota include:
Violent Felonies
- Murder (first, second, and third degree)
- Manslaughter (first and second degree)
- Assault (first, second, and third degree)
- Criminal sexual conduct (all degrees)
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated robbery
Property Felonies
- Burglary (first through third degree)
- Arson (first and second degree)
- Motor vehicle theft
- Major theft crimes involving property valued above statutory thresholds
Drug Felonies
- Possession or sale of controlled substances in first through fifth degrees
- Manufacturing or trafficking controlled substances
Other Felony Offenses
- Fraud involving large sums of money
- Forgery and identity theft over certain amounts
- Gun crimes such as possession of a firearm by an ineligible person
- Certain DWI offenses (repeat or high BAC cases)
Felony sentencing in Minnesota
Minnesota uses sentencing guidelines that consider:
- The severity level of the offense
- The defendant’s criminal history score
- Any aggravating or mitigating factors
Felonies can result in prison sentences from just over a year to life, along with fines, probation, and restitution.
Collateral consequences of a felony conviction
Beyond prison and fines, a felony conviction in Minnesota can lead to:
- Loss of voting rights (until restored)
- Ineligibility to possess firearms
- Barriers to employment and professional licensing
- Difficulty finding housing
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Our Minnesota felony defense lawyers fight not only to avoid conviction but also to minimize these lasting impacts.
Reducing or dismissing felony charges
In some cases, your attorney may be able to:
- Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor
- Challenge the admissibility of evidence
- Argue for alternative sentencing like probation or treatment programs
- Seek dismissal if the prosecution’s case is weak
The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Key takeaways
- A felony in Minnesota is any crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
- Felonies include serious violent crimes, major property crimes, drug offenses, and more.
- Convictions carry severe penalties and lifelong consequences.
- Skilled legal defense can help reduce charges or avoid conviction.
Facing felony charges in Minnesota?
Our team at Martine Law defends clients against the most serious criminal accusations with skill, discretion, and determination.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.