A felony conviction in Minnesota is always serious, but when the charge is classified as a violent felony, the stakes are even higher. These crimes are considered dangerous to public safety, so the legal system imposes stricter penalties and longer-lasting consequences.
Examples of violent felonies in Minnesota include:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated robbery
- Certain types of assault
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Domestic violence with prior convictions
- Burglary with a weapon
At Martine Law, our defense attorneys work with clients accused of serious felonies, helping them understand the process and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Immediate criminal penalties
If you are convicted of a violent felony, the criminal penalties are severe. Depending on the crime, sentences may include:
- Lengthy prison terms: Some violent felonies carry mandatory minimum sentences. For example, first-degree assault can bring up to 20 years in prison.
- Heavy fines: Felony fines can reach up to $40,000 depending on the offense.
- Probation and supervised release: Even after prison, you may remain under supervision.
- Restraining orders or no-contact orders: In domestic violence or assault cases, these can limit your freedom.
Minnesota uses sentencing guidelines that consider the severity of the offense and your criminal history, but judges have discretion in imposing penalties.
Collateral consequences of a violent felony
A conviction affects more than your immediate sentence. It can impact nearly every part of your life:
- Employment: Many employers run background checks, and violent felonies can bar you from certain jobs.
- Housing: Landlords often deny applications from individuals with felony records.
- Gun rights: Federal and state law prohibit convicted felons from owning firearms.
- Voting rights: In Minnesota, voting rights are restored after completing prison, probation, and parole, but until then, you cannot vote.
- Child custody: Courts may restrict or revoke custody rights if a parent is convicted of a violent offense.
- Immigration status: Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of residency.
These collateral consequences can sometimes last longer than the prison sentence itself.
How prosecutors handle violent felonies
Prosecutors in Minnesota are under pressure to take violent felony cases seriously. This means:
- They may pursue the maximum penalty allowed by law.
- Plea bargains are often more limited than in non-violent cases.
- Evidence such as weapons, injuries, or prior convictions may be used to argue for harsher punishment.
Because of this, it is critical to have a defense lawyer who knows how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights.
Possible defenses in violent felony cases
An experienced Minnesota felony lawyer can explore defenses such as:
- Self-defense: Showing that you acted to protect yourself or others.
- Lack of intent: Many violent felonies require proof that you intended to cause harm.
- Mistaken identity: Witnesses may misidentify suspects in high-stress situations.
- Insufficient evidence: Challenging the reliability of forensic evidence or witness testimony.
- Constitutional violations: If your rights were violated during arrest, some evidence may be suppressed.
Even when conviction cannot be avoided, a skilled lawyer can argue for reduced charges or alternatives to prison.
Long-term impact on your future
The consequences of a violent felony extend far beyond the courtroom. Some effects include:
- Difficulty finding stable employment in most industries.
- Loss of professional licenses, such as nursing or teaching credentials.
- Community stigma that makes it harder to rebuild your life.
- Challenges reintegrating into society after long prison terms.
This is why securing strong legal representation early is one of the most important steps you can take.
Key takeaways
- Violent felonies in Minnesota carry some of the harshest penalties, including long prison terms and heavy fines.
- A conviction also brings collateral consequences, from loss of employment to loss of rights.
- Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, which makes a strong defense essential.
- Legal defenses like self-defense, lack of intent, or insufficient evidence may protect your future.
Facing a violent felony charge in Minnesota?
At Martine Law, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and pursue every option to reduce the impact on your life.
Contact our team today for a confidential consultation.