Minneapolis Assault Lawyer

Generally, an assault is a crime of violence against another person. In Minnesota, assault refers to an act of physical contact with another person causing bodily harm but it can also include an act causing “fear” in another person, with no actual physical contact.

Acts commonly associated with an assault charge include hitting, pushing or shoving a person, grabbing a person’s arm or body, engaging in a bar fight, using an object to strike someone, intimidating or threatening someone, touching a person without consent (sexual or non-sexual), verbally or emotionally abusing someone with violent intentions, putting something in a person’s drink such as a date-rape drug or knowingly transmitting a disease to another.

How Serious is an Assault Charge?

If convicted of an assault charge, a defendant can face between 90 days in jail to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity level of the alleged offense.

In Minnesota, there are six different assault charges (click the link to view the applicable statute):

1. First Degree Assault (maximum of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $30,000 fine)

2. Second Degree Assault (maximum of 7 years imprisonment and/or a $14,000 fine)

3. Third Degree Assault (maximum of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine)
4. Fourth Degree Assault (maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine)
5. Fifth Degree Assault (maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000)
6. Domestic Assault (maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine)

Factors increasing these maximum sentences include:

1. Whether an alleged incident involves the use of a weapon, such as a gun or knife

2. Whether there was substantial bodily harm to the alleged victim

3. Whether the defendant has prior assault convictions

We Understand Your Problem

Our firm understands that assault charges are often unjustified. We understand that police reports can be inaccurate and that you have a good explanation for what happened. Sometimes a heated dispute with a spouse or domestic partner can be taken out of context. Sometimes a simple misunderstanding at a bar or club can turn into unwarranted assault allegations. And sometimes the police simply refuse to listen to your side of the story before arresting you. We understand these errors happen everyday and our assault defense attorney will help you tell your side of the story.

Our Promise

As your devoted legal representative, we will:

• Be available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns
• Investigate your case by reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses and hiring private investigators if necessary
• Thoroughly explain the charges against you, what the possible defenses are, and what the likely outcomes will be
• Explain what to expect in court and attend all court appearances with you
• Spend invaluable one-on-one time with you to ensure you are fully aware of all aspects of the case
• Zealously advocate on your behalf to dismiss your case (if possible)

• Skillfully negotiate on your behalf to minimize any jail time, prison time, probationary period or fines
• Respect you, listen to you and genuinely care about your future

Our Guarantee
Unlike some attorneys, we make every case a top priority. We listen to our clients and don't judge them. Most importantly, we will never charge you an unjustified fee only to ignore your case and leave you in the dark. We promise to keep you informed from start to finish and explain every calculated decision we make. With our guidance and zealous advocacy, you will feel comfortable in making a carefully-planned decision about your future.

Contact Minneapolis Assault Lawyer Christopher W. Keyser at (612) 338-5007 for a complimentary, confidential and obligation-free consultation.