Mankato Assault Lawyer

Types of Assault Charges Our Mankato Attorneys Handle

The aggressive and experienced Mankato assault attorneys at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd. defend clients against many types of assault charges and in various kinds of assault cases, including but not limited to:

• First-degree assault;
• Second-degree assault;
• Third-degree assault;
• Fourth-degree assault;
• Fifth-degree assault;
• Assault with a deadly weapon;
• Aggravated assault;
• Sexual assault and criminal sexual conduct;
• Alcohol-related assault charges; and
• Domestic assault and family violence cases

No matter what your criminal charges might be, our criminal lawyers are experienced and ready to help you! Contact us today for your free consultation!

Learning About Different Types of Assault Charges in Mankato

What are the different types of specific assault-related charges you can face in Mankato? Classifications of assault charges under Minnesota law include the following:

• First-degree assault, which is the most serious type of assault charge and is typically charged in circumstances where someone has sustained significant bodily harm or where the defendant’s alleged actions were likely to result in serious injury to another person;
• Second-degree assault, which is the second most serious type of assault charge and may involve assault with a deadly weapon;
• Third-degree assault, which typically involves a person sustaining an injury that causes substantial bodily harm;
• Fourth-degree assault, which can be charged when a person is alleged to have assault a law enforcement officer or first responder; and
• Fifth-degree assault, which is the least serious type of assault charge but can still be charged as either a gross misdemeanor or a felony offense depending upon the circumstances of the case.

Within these classifications for assault charges in Minnesota, it is important to know that there are various kinds of assault cases or circumstances in which a person may face assault charges. Our firm defends clients in student-related and alcohol-related assault charges, as well as in aggravated assault cases, sexual assault charges, and domestic assault cases. Minnesota also has specific assault charges for acts motivated by hate or bias, which can result in a significantly more severe sentence upon conviction.

Alcohol-Related Assault Charges

At Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd., our Mankato assault defense lawyer regularly represents clients in assault cases stemming from alcohol intoxication, including college student assault cases. When a person has become intoxicated, they might become involved in an altercation at a bar or sporting event. Among college students, intoxicated-related assault charges often arise at house parties, fraternities and sororities, and other extracurricular activities. A Mankato assault defense lawyer at our firm can help.

Aggravated Assault Charges

Aggravated assault charges in Minnesota usually involve cases in which a person has been seriously injured or where a person is accused of an assault involving a deadly weapon. Whenever there is serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon, assault charges are felony offenses, and it is critical to determine your defense options.

Sexual Assault Charges

Under Minnesota law, most sexual assault cases are charged as various degrees of criminal sexual conduct. Sexual assault cases involving lewd conduct are typically charged as fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, and even these cases can result in up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000 for a first-time offense. For a repeat offender, the person can face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Sexual assault cases involving sexual contact can be charged as fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and can result in penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000. Sexual assault cases that involve penetration and other circumstances of sexual contact can be charged as more serious felony offenses up to first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Whether your child is facing sexual assault charges as a college student, or you have been accused of sexual assault, it is essential to seek help to fight these charges. 

Domestic Assault Charges

Assault charges can also arise out of family violence or domestic violence. These cases can have penalties that reach far beyond criminal penalties, and a conviction can prevent a parent from having child custody or being able to play an important role in their child’s life.

Penalties for Assault Convictions in Mankato

Penalties for an assault conviction will depend upon the particular charge, the degree of the offense, and whether there are aggravating factors. For a first-degree assault conviction, you can face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000. Many assault convictions are also felony convictions, which can limit a person’s civil rights and ability to work in certain professions. In family situations, an assault conviction may also result in a restriction on child custody.

Defending Against Assault Charges in Mankato

You may have one or more options to defend against assault charges in Mankato. Some common defense strategies in assault cases include but are not limited to:

• Consent (meaning that the other party consented to the contact);
• Self defense;
• Defense of a third person, or defense of another person;
• Defense of property; or 
• Duress.

Assault Charges in Mankato, Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Should I Talk to Police After Being Arrested for Assault?

You should not talk to the police after being arrested for assault without a Mankato criminal defense lawyer present. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants the right to remain silent. It is always best to exercise these rights. Speaking to a police officer without a lawyer present can potentially harm your case and make it more difficult for you to defend yourself in court. By federal law, you have these rights and should utilize them!

Will I Face Jail Time for an Assault Charge in Minnesota?

Yes, you can face jail time if you are charged with assault in Minnesota. Even simple assault carries the potential for jail. The amount of jail time you will face for a conviction depends on various factors such as the severity of the assault, prior criminal history, and other circumstances. Of course, it is important to note that not everyone who is charged with assault ends up serving jail time.

Does it Make Sense to Accept a Plea Agreement in an Assault Case?

A plea agreement may offer some benefits, such as a lesser charge or a lighter sentence, but it also involves pleading guilty to a crime and having that documented on your criminal record. It is essential to fully understand the potential implications of a plea agreement before making a decision. Whether it makes sense to accept a plea agreement in an assault case depends on various factors and the circumstances of your case. A Mankato assault defense lawyer can help you evaluate the agreement and, if appropriate, negotiate a better deal. 

Why Choose Our Mankato Assault Defense Attorneys 

Assault charges are complicated. If you were arrested and charged with assault, it is normal to be confused, stressed out, and unsure of what to do next. At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., we provide skilled representation in these cases. Our mission is to protect your rights and help you secure your future. Among other things, our Mankato assault defense lawyers are prepared to: 

• Conduct an in-depth review of the assault charges;
• Investigate the arrest and the charges, gathering evidence; 
• Handle all dealings with police and prosecutors; and
• Develop a personalized strategy to get you the best results.

Contact Our Local Blue Earth County Attorney Today

Are you facing assault charges? The penalties for convictions do not stop at sentences imposed by the court. In addition to jail time and monetary fines, as we noted above, penalties can also include the loss of a range of civil rights in Minnesota. Given the seriousness of assault charges in Mankato, it is critical to have an experienced and aggressive Mankato assault defense attorney on your side to help you fight the charges. 

The lawyers at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd. can evaluate your case today and can begin developing a strong defense strategy to help you avoid a conviction. Contact Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd. online today or call our office at 507-625-5000 to learn more about the criminal defense services we provide to clients in Mankato and across Southern Minnesota.

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.”
– TOM W., CLIENT