Being accused of assault (particularly in a workplace setting) is stressful enough, but it can also damage your career.
In Minnesota, there are clear legal steps, defenses, and consequences to understand.
This blog walks you through what typically happens, what your rights are, and how a criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the process. Contact a lawyer today.
How does assault law work in Minnesota?
Under Minnesota law, “assault” broadly covers:
- Intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm on another person
- Or intentionally causing someone to reasonably fear imminent bodily harm or death
You do not always need to actually injure someone for an assault charge. A credible threat in some cases, is enough.
Minnesota divides assault into different degrees based on severity, use of weapons, status of the victim, and type of injury.
Some important distinctions:
- Simple assault (e.g. 5th degree, or under Minnesota Statutes § 609.224) — often a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor depending on context.
- Aggravated assault — when there is serious bodily harm, use of a dangerous weapon, or assaulting protected individuals (such as law enforcement).
Because workplaces have particular dynamics with co-workers, supervisors, and clients, these contexts can affect how prosecutors evaluate the case.
What is special about assault allegations at work?
When the alleged assault happens in a work environment, several additional factors come into play:
- Workplace violence policies and duties
Employers in Minnesota, especially in healthcare settings, are required by statute to prepare for and respond to acts of violence. For example, Minnesota Statute § 144.566 mandates hospitals maintain written plans, incident response procedures, training, and protections for employees. - More broadly, state agencies have workplace violence prevention policies, reporting obligations, and anti-retaliation rules.
- Workers’ compensation and injury claims
If you’re injured in a workplace assault, you may try to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Whether the injury qualifies often depends on whether the assault was work-related (e.g. provoked by job duties or interactions) or a personal dispute unrelated to work.
In some scenarios, a victim may also bring a civil personal injury action, seeking damages beyond what workers’ comp covers (pain and suffering, emotional distress). But that requires proving fault and legal liability. - Employer internal actions
Separately from criminal charges, your employer may initiate administrative or disciplinary proceedings: suspension, termination, or internal investigation. These can affect your job status regardless of criminal outcome. - Reporting and criminal investigation
If the alleged victim or employer reports the assault to police, law enforcement may investigate, collect statements, gather evidence (security footage, witness testimony), and decide whether to file criminal charges.
What should you do if accused of assault at work?
Acting quickly and prudently is essential.
1. Stay silent until you consult a lawyer
Don’t give statements to police, employer investigators, or third parties without legal advice. Unintentional admissions or conflicting statements often harm your defense.
2. Preserve evidence
- Document your version of the events (date, time, location, witnesses)
- Secure any relevant physical evidence, video footage, metadata, or electronic communications
- Identify witnesses (co-workers, clients, bystanders) who may support your side
3. Notify your attorney immediately
A Minnesota criminal defense attorney with experience in assault cases can evaluate the strength of the charges, explore defenses, and guide your interactions with investigators or prosecutors. Contact an expert local attorney.
4. Avoid contact with the alleged victim
If any court orders, protective or no-contact orders are issued, strictly comply. Violating them can trigger additional charges.
5. Cooperate with your own defense investigation
Allow your attorney to talk to witnesses, review surveillance, and consult expert witnesses if needed
Possible outcomes, penalties, and what influences them
Factors that affect the charges and likely penalties:
- Degree / severity: A 5th degree assault (minor injury or threat) carries lesser penalties than an aggravated assault involving weapons or serious injury.
- Prior criminal history
- Victim status (if the victim is a protected class—law enforcement, medical staff, etc.)
- Use of weapons or causing substantial harm
- Strength of evidence, credibility of witnesses
- Whether the incident is work related or partially provoked
Possible penalties (these are illustrative; actual exposure depends on the degree):
- Misdemeanor / gross misdemeanor (simple assault): fines, probation, possible jail time (in shorter terms)
- Felony (aggravated assault): prison sentences, significant fines, long-term consequences
- No charges / dismissal / reductions: in cases where evidence is weak or defenses succeed
In addition to criminal penalties, you may face:
- Job termination or loss of professional licenses
- Difficulty obtaining future employment
- Civil liability or damages
- Negative impact on immigration status (if applicable)
- Reputational harm
Contact Martine Law today and get the justice you deserve. We fight for a fair resolution.
Defenses that may apply
- Self-defense or defense of others — if you reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent an imminent harm
- Lack of intent — if the act was accidental or unintentional
- Mistaken identity — maybe you were misidentified or wrongly accused
- False or exaggerated allegations
- Insufficient evidence — weak witness statements, lack of proof of threat or injury
Key takeaways & legal advice
- An assault accusation at work in Minnesota is serious—both criminally and professionally.
- Minnesota law covers both simple and aggravated assault, each with different legal consequences.
- The workplace context adds layers: employer policies, possible internal discipline, workers’ compensation, and additional scrutiny.
- Your actions immediately after the accusation matter a lot: stay silent, preserve evidence, engage legal counsel.
- A skilled criminal defense attorney in Minnesota can help you understand your exposure, build a defense, negotiate, or fight the case.
If you are or someone you know is accused of assault at work, don’t face it alone. Contact Martine Law now for a confidential consultation—we’ll listen, advise, and work to protect your rights. Contact Martine Law