Hiring a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney

As you might imagine --- the (all too often wrong yet) number one question I get about who to hire as a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney is: "How much is this going to cost me?"

Now I'm not so dumb as to not understand that price is a huge factor when one contemplates the person they are going to hire to represent them in court; however, it should never be the only point on which that person focuses.  As an example, here's a situation I was party to recently:

What Would You Do?

Imagine two attorneys, each presented with the same criminal case by an individual searching for representation.

The first attorney is honest with the potential client, telling him that it is unlikely that the case will prevail at trial, and that the matter will most likely be resolved through a plea agreement (as is the case with almost every criminal case).  The attorney then tells the potential client that the fee will be relatively low, and offers to take the case for $1,000.

The second attorney has a different strategy; he tells the potential client that the case can be beaten, promises the individual the world, tells him exactly what he wants to hear, and offers to take the case for $3,000.

Assuming the client earns an average income, which attorney is she likely to take?

The answer: Almost invariably --- the 2nd Attorney.

Although the first attorney is honest and fair priced, the dishonest and expensive maverick will get the case.  Even if the second attorney never delivers on his high promises, it is of no concern to him; he’s already been paid.  Criminal cases usually require payment in advance (especially if there is a chance the client will be incarcerated at the conclusion of representation), and due to ethical concerns criminal cases may not be contingent on the outcome.

Now What?

Frankly, I don't dig the idea of being dishonest or scarring my clients into hiring me (even if it might earn me a bigger retainer.)  Others might not have an issue with it at all.

Because I'm affordable, because I'm honest --- I can sleep at night,  A promise I make to anyone who places their trust in me is that I will go after their case like it was my name on that file.  They will never not know what they need to know - even the hard stuff --- and in the end, they will (hopefully) have been spared getting screwed - by the courts and me.

What can someone who needs an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney do?  My #1 suggestion is to find someone you can trust.  Referrals from family and friends are a good place to start.  It might also be a good idea to do some shopping - some tire-kicking.  If you visit three or four attorneys, you should be able to get a decent idea of what to expect in terms of price and results.  Remember, the two are not always related.  Call The Rolloff Law Office to and set up a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165.

Do Not "Just Plead Guilty" to a DWI - Ever

There are things you regret in life, right?  Lost loves; great deals gone bye-bye, that time you should've zigged - but instead you zagged...  I am all for feeling down about the dumb things we do. The fact is we're human beings (as opposed to robots) and from time to time we will do dumb things - a lot of dumb things - and afterwards we often feel bad about it.  That being said, if that dumb decision leads to you being charged with Drunk Driving, don't compound the situation by doing something even dumber. Seriously, if you've been charged with a DWI (or any other crime) you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney to help you with the situation. Here's the reason why.

A DWI conviction is unlike every other criminal conviction. There is no doubt that Drunk Driving is a bad thing, but so is driving while texting. But, because DWI has been saddled with such a negative connotation, lawmakers have created some extremely harsh penalties. For example, there are often mandatory jail sentences for first-time offenders, in addition to mandatory fines, license suspensions, increased insurance rates, and as of July 1, 2011, (here in the State of Minnesota,) the possibility of mandatory interlock ignition equipment. You'll also most likely be ordered to perform some sort of community service, submit to a mandatory alcohol assessment (and to follow all of the recommendations that come from it) and there is often a probationary term. If you hire an experienced Minnesota Drunk Driving Attorney, like me, to help you, a great deal of that can usually be avoided.

Alas, far too many people assume that because they've been arrested (for doing something "wrong"), they should own up to it. No offense, but if you do that, you're foolish.

In our state's criminal courts it's the government's burden to prove that the accused is guilty - beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a right that our forefathers fought for - why not use it?  If you go into court, believing that your doing the "right" thing by just pleading guilty - and expecting the system to understand - I'm sad to say, it just doesn't work like that.

What you get for your trouble is a DWI on your record -and everything that goes along with it. But, if you taken the time to hire an experienced Minnesota DWI Attorney and set him to go to work for you - you'll have someone on your side giving your desires a voice and you'll know that your rights will be protected.

In the end, we all get to make our own decisions - we all get to make our own mistakes. But every hard lesson need not come with the most severe punishment  Being altruistic, falling on your sword to show you take responsibility for what you've done, doesn't really win you any points with anyone. All it does is make your life harder.

If you are charged with a DWI, don't just go in and just plead guilty. Hire an experienced Minnesota DWI Attorney as soon as you can, and fight for your rights. Not only does this decision help you have some say in the punishment you'll receive, it will also demonstrate that in fact you are taking this matter seriously.