St. Louis Park Criminal Defense Lawyer | Dedicated Defense Attorneys

If you were arrested or if you suspect law enforcement is investigating your activities, you need the advice of an experienced St. Louis Park criminal defense lawyer. Getting legal representation right away is a critical first step in beating the accusations against you.

Although you are innocent until proven guilty, it can sometimes seem like law enforcement and prosecutors have all the power to decide your future. You can level the playing field by working with a capable professional committed to getting you the best possible outcome.

Types of Criminal Offenses in St. Louis Park

Criminal offenses in Minnesota are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Less severe crimes are generally misdemeanors, while felonies are more serious and may result in a prison sentence of at least one year. Common offenses that individual might face charges for include:

Assault
Domestic violence
Driving while impaired
Gun charges
Sex crimes
Theft
Traffic cases

Anyone facing criminal charges should retain the counsel of a skilled local attorney as soon as possible. An attorney could help ensure that a defendant’s rights are protected and work with them to build a robust defense.

The Importance of Retaining a Defense Attorney

Anyone who has watched a crime show on television probably knows their basic rights—to remain silent, to an attorney, to be protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, anyone with first-hand experience with the criminal justice system knows that law enforcement does not always respect those rights.

Law enforcement and prosecutors might use trickery or other tactics to induce you to incriminate yourself. Scare tactics are common, and unfortunately, some people suspected of crimes experience physical intimidation and abuse at the hands of police.

Calling a St. Louis Park criminal defense attorney at the first opportunity could protect an accused person from attempts to violate their rights. A legal professional could ensure that police and prosecutors adhere to all relevant laws and respect the dignity of the accused.

Avoiding Self-Incrimination

Innocent people might believe that they could talk themselves out of an arrest. They assume that if law enforcement or prosecutors hear their version of events, the charges will go away. Unfortunately, things rarely work out that way, and many innocent people have faced prosecution because statements they made to explain themselves were twisted into admissions of guilt.

A St. Louis Park defense attorney could be present when law enforcement or prosecutors interview a defendant and ensure that the individual does not fall into verbal traps and statements are not taken out of context. If a defendant has information that might be useful to law enforcement, their attorney could ensure that the client receives an appropriate benefit for sharing it.

Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases

The law demands that a prosecutor attempting to prove someone guilty of a crime establish each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high threshold of proof, and the evidence in many cases is weak in some respects.

A St. Louis Park defense attorney could challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and expose its weaknesses. In many cases, zealous advocacy could result in reduced charges, case dismissal, or a prosecutor declining to bring any charges.

If a case goes to trial, a legal representative could present testimony contradicting the prosecutor’s arguments or presenting alternate scenarios that might explain the evidence. Conviction of a crime requires a unanimous verdict– if at least one juror is unconvinced of the defendant’s guilt, the accused must go free.

Trust Your Case to a St. Louis Park Criminal Defense Attorney

Do not assume that you can beat criminal charges on your own. Maneuvering through the criminal justice system requires experience, specialized knowledge, and skill.

If you were arrested, reach out to a St. Louis Park criminal defense lawyer right away. Capable legal representation could mean the difference between a bright future and consequences that follow you for the rest of your life.