Assault is a crime of violence, normally involving bodily injury to the victim.   In Minnesota, the  degree of assault charged depends on the severity of the injuries suffered by the victim, and, in some cases, relationship between the victim and the accused.   Generally, the more severe the injury, the more serious the consequences.  If you are charged with an assault, however, you may have defenses, including the right of self-defense or defense of anther person.

There are six major categories of assault crimes in Minnesota:

Degrees of Minnesota Assault

• First Degree Assault – First degree assault involves infliction of great bodily harm, or when deadly force is used against a peace officer or correctional employee or there is an attempt to inflict deadly force while the officer or employee is on the job.
• Second Degree Assault – An individual assaults another with a dangerous weapon; if substantial bodily harm is inflicted th penalty is more severe.
• Third Degree Assault – Substantial bodily harm is inflicted or a child is assaulted and there is a pattern of child abuse.
• Fourth Degree Assault – An individual assaults a firefighter, peace officer, emergency room doctor or nurse, a correctional employee, secured facility employee, natural resource employee, school official, or assaults someone based on bias.
• Fifth Degree Assault – The act of causing fear in another through threats of bodily harm or death, or attempts to or intentionally inflicts bodily harm upon another.
• Domestic Assault – Domestic assault occurs when one commits the act of intentionally causing fear in or bodily harm  or causes bodily harm upon a family or household member, including various relationships, e.g., a pereson whom the actor has or had a significant romantic or sexual relationship.

When you have been charged with any of these crimes, it is important to have a Minneapolis assault defense lawyer by your side to help you because the penalties can be serious.   Sometimes parties involved in assault allegations may seek an order for protection to prevent contact  with each other.     There are enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, too.   Assault crimes are some of the most serious crimes in Minnesota and the consequences of a conviction can be profound, particularly with prospective employers.

Minneapolis Assault Lawyer and Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of assault, it is important that you receive the representation that you deserve.  Even if you did commit assault, you may be able to have your charges reduced.  Self defense or defense of another are defenses to assault crimes, which may result in charges being reduced or dismissed altogether.    By having an experienced Twin Cities assault defense lawyer by your side, the law can work for you rather than against you.

To learn about your rights, call criminal defense laweyer James Sheehy at 612-341-1011 for your free initial consultation.  Mr. Sheehy provides his clients with aggressive representation that yields results.    Call today and get the excellent representation you need and deserve.