Fighting Minnesota Domestic Assault Charges

Believe it or not --- you can be charged with Domestic Assault in the State of Minnesota without even physically touching anyone. Due to the often bizarre nature of these charges - and the serious consequences - you should speak to an experienced Minnesota Domestic Assault Attorney.  

What Is Domestic Assault in Minnesota?

True --- it is not necessary to touch the victim in order to be charged with domestic assault. The Minnesota statutes set-forth that if a person commits an act against a family or household member with the intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death; or intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm upon another, he is guilty of domestic assault.  The laws further define “family or household members” to include: spouses and former spouses; parents and children; persons related by blood; persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past; persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time; a man and woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time; and/or persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship. Under this definition, any violent act could be considered domestic assault if it’s against a family or household member and it causes fear of bodily harm or death; and/or if someone attempts to cause or actually causes bodily harm.

Minnesota Domestic Assault Punishments

There are different levels of a domestic assault offense depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime.Domestic assault is generally a misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.Domestic assault becomes a gross misdemeanor if the offender commits a domestic assault within 10 years of a previous domestic violence-related offense conviction or an adjudication of delinquency. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $3,000, or both  If a firearm was involved in the domestic assault, further consequences could include forfeiting your firearms as well as not being allowed to possess any type of firearm for any period longer than three years or for the remainder of your life.You can also be charged with felony domestic assault if you commit a domestic assault within 10 years of two or more previous domestic violence-related offense convictions or adjudications of delinquency. A felony domestic assault is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both.

 
Fighting Your Minnesota Domestic Assault Charge

Domestic assault charges are taken seriously in our state and can negatively impact all aspects of your life. If you want the best chance to beat your domestic assault charges and clear your name, reach out to an experienced Minnesota Domestic Assault Attorney today to get started on fighting for your rights. Contact the Rolloff Law Office to aggressively challenge these allegations.  Call today: (612) 234-1165