Mankato Criminal Defense Lawyer

Anyone who has been arrested for a crime or who is facing criminal charges in Mankato should be thinking seriously about the best defense strategy for their case. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony offense, it is critical to know that a criminal conviction can have life-altering consequences. Not only can you face jail time and a significant fine, but you can lose your ability to obtain credit in some cases, to live in certain areas, or to be eligible for particular jobs depending upon the details of your conviction. If you are facing charges, it is critical to begin working with experienced and aggressive Mankato criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible. From DWI/DUI defense to serious drug and sex crimes, our firm is here to assist you through exceptional legal representation. Do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our criminal defense lawyers at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office for help with your criminal case.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Mankato

At Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office, we represent clients in a wide range of criminal cases, including but not limited to the following:

• Assault;
• Domestic assault or battery, or domestic violence;
• Drug offenses;
• DWI/DUI;
• Expungements and record sealing;
• Firearm cases;
• Internet crimes;
• Juvenile offenses;
• Manslaughter;
• Prostitution;
• Sex crimes; and
• White collar crimes charged under state or federal law.

No matter what the situation might be, under the sixth amendment of the U.S. Constitution everyone has the right “to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.” We will help you through the criminal trial process, the legal system, and all other steps to help you in your case. Call us today for your free consultation!

What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony Offense?

Whether you are arrested in Blue Earth, Nicollet, or Le Sueur County, it is critical to know that both misdemeanor and felony offenses must be taken seriously and will result in significant penalties and a criminal record in the event of criminal convictions. Generally speaking, felony offenses are more serious and result in lengthier jail or prison sentences and more significant monetary fines. In addition, felony convictions can have more significant limitations on your life after you serve your sentence, affecting your professional life in some circumstances and even your residence.

What Are My Rights If I Am Arrested in Mankato?

If you are arrested or in a custodial interrogation situation, the police are required to read you your Miranda warnings. Failure to do so can result in any evidence obtained from you after the arrest being inadmissible in a prosecutor’s case against you. In addition, you should know that you have rights under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution even before your arrest. Police must have reasonable suspicion to stop you, and reasonable cause to search you or your property. Otherwise, anything obtained following a stop or search may not be used against you.

What Are the Penalties if I Am Convicted in Mankato?

Under Minnesota law, both misdemeanor and felony convictions can result in jail time and monetary fines. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A gross misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000. If you are convicted of a felony offense, you can face a range of prison time ranging from one year to life imprisonment.

Can I Appeal My Mankato Conviction?

It may be possible to appeal your conviction in some circumstances, but you will need to have grounds for an appeal and will need to do so within the timelines set by the Minnesota Court Rules of Criminal Procedure (which range from 30 to 90 days following a conviction). You will not be able to appeal simply because you are unhappy with the outcome or your conviction. Instead, you will need to show that an error occurred in your trial, or that a violation of legal procedure occurred.

When Can I Have My Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged in Mankato?

Certain types of criminal records can be eligible for expungement, or record sealing, in Minnesota. It is important to be clear that the term expungement in Minnesota does not mean the destruction of your criminal record as it does in some states. Rather, expungement means that your record is sealed from the public. Even though a person might not be able to learn about your criminal record following an expungement in a job application, for example, federal, state, and local law enforcement officials will still be able to access your criminal record in many circumstances. You should seek advice from an attorney about whether your record is eligible for expungement. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Mankato, Minnesota

Our Mankato criminal defense attorneys receive a range of questions from clients following an arrest, during a criminal investigation, and after charges have been filed. We also receive questions from family members who want to know more about what to expect and how they can help. The following are some of the frequency asked questions (FAQs) we receive, followed by our answers:

• Can I get the charges dropped? Getting the charges against you dropped will depend upon the specific facts of your case, whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence against you, and whether you can show that your rights were violated at any stage surrounding the arrest.
• Where in Mankato will my case be heard? It will depend upon where you were arrested and charged specifically, and whether you are facing state or federal charges. 
• Will I be required to register as a sex offender? Required sex offender registration occurs when people are convicted of certain sex crimes in Minnesota. Whether you will be required to register will depend on the details of your charges and conviction.

Contact an Experienced Mankato Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you have been arrested in Mankato or if you are facing criminal charges, it is critical to begin working with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Mankato as soon as possible. Both misdemeanor and felony convictions can have serious consequences, including jail time. Accordingly, it is essential to get started on a defense strategy today that is tailored to the facts of your case. Contact Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office online today for assistance with your defense or call us at 507-625-5000.

Testimonial

“This law firm is very experienced, very effective, and yet very personable when interacting with me throughout my nerve-wracking legal process. I’m completely satisfied with the outcome of my case. I would hire the Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office again without hesitation. And, I have since recommended them to several friends and acquaintances.”
– Past Client