How to Deal With The Police (Explained)

Although you probably don't need an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney to tell you this --- a lot of it is common sense --- there is a good way and a bad way to "act" when one has contact with law enforcement.  Here are some simple "dos and don'ts." 

1. Do be polite with the police officer;
2. Do identify yourself correctly;
3. Don't argue with the officer;
4. Don't try to explain or make excuses to the officer;
5. Don't discuss your situation with anyone, before talking to an attorney;
6. Don't discuss your situation with anyone else, while you are in custody;
7. Don't try to "make a deal" with the police officers;
8. Don't make any statements to the police, for any reason;
9. Don't sign any statements for the police as the price to go home; and
10. Call The Rolloff Law Office!

If you really want to know more, call the Rolloff Law Office today to set up a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165.

Do You REALLY Need a Lawyer? (Explained)

If my experience as a prosecutor and as a Minnesota Defense Attorney has taught me anything it is that if someone comes forward and seeks help (and or volunteers information to law enforcement,) they will be prosecuted mercilessly.

Why? 

Well, apparently, that is our legal culture. 

Instead of working to redeem the fallen, the government all too often takes some perverse joy in punishing wrong doers.  Now, this does not mean that that's always the case, but our laws - in how they're written and applied - seem to default to this outcome more times than not.  Therefore, all rationality goes out the window - and as such I cannot encourage someone to go it alone or seek help (if their problem or issue is legal in nature) without someone who knows the "game" by their side every step of the way. 

This is why I am a criminal defense attorney - plain and simple.  If you're going to get kicked while you're down - you need someone at your side who can defend you and fight back because as much you and I would like to believe that the government has our best interests in mind --- that is just NOT always the case. 

What Should You Do?

Here's the deal, a lot of people (myself - at one time included) believe that their lack of cooperation or their desire to engage a lawyer before talking to law enforcement would end up being worse for them than if they just go in an explain themselves . Well, let me set you straight - that is simply untrue.  In all of my years of experience, I can barely recall a situation where cooperation (whether someone was innocent or not) worked out for the better.  

Here's what you have to understand, more often than not the government thinks they know what happened already - so instead of listening to your explanation, they're often only really looking for those things that you say and do that confirm their suspicions.  As such, "going it alone" or "helping the police" (who in turn say they'll help you) rarely turns out to be as simple as it sounds.

If you or someone you love is embroiled in some sort of legal dilemma - the best thing you can do to preserve your rights and your future is to talk to a lawyer - first - to understand exactly what you're dealing with.

Call the Rolloff Law Office today to find out more.   

Public Defender or a Private Attorney (Explained)

Don't get me wrong, public defenders play one of the most important roles in the the criminal justice system.  As a prosecutor, I worked with a number of public defenders who'd I put in the same league as the best (and most expensive) private Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorneys - and they often do their work with little to no budget. Time and time gain, I observed these public servants provide, to individuals who just cannot afford to hire a representative, the essential safety net that's guaranteed in the constitution.  However, as the illustration above points out there are common issues - like a lack of oversight, absence of specialized legal training, high turnover, and excessive case loads - that plague the public defender offices all over the country. This article points out some of the larger problems facing individuals in the State of Minnesota.

You will have almost no chance of winning your case if you choose the wrong attorney.

Understanding the current state of most people's pocketbooks, many individuals find themselves eligible for the services of a public defender.  These state-paid attorneys, sometimes called “public pretenders” can be unfairly branded as not-so-great lawyers. In reality, many of them provide outstanding services to the accused. But, consider some of the limitations listed-above when weighing whether or not you should hire private counsel - especially when you consider your future.  .

Time. Public defenders have increasing case loads, now more than ever. Due to the economy, defendants are turning to public service attorneys over private attorneys because they cannot afford the fees. As a result, public defenders get stuck with too many cases to handle, driving down the quality of their representation. Often a public defender will not even look at your case until you meet him for the 1st time right before court. The attorney may not want to fully explore your defenses or may simply convince you that the first offer is a “great deal” so he or she can tackle the dozens of other cases after yours.

Choice. You do not get to choose who your public defender is. A large part of hiring private counsel is the ability to screen for an attorney who makes you feel comfortable. Being charged with a criminal offense is never a pleasant experience. As such, you need an attorney who will put you at ease and make you feel comfortable in making the decisions affecting your future.

No Implied Consent Representation. If you are charged with Drunk Driving, a public defender cannot represent your implied consent challenge (also referred to as the “civil” side or the “license” portion of a DWI case). The only way to recover your suspended license is to hire a private attorney.

What's the Alternative?

I understand that anyone accused of a crime wants a skilled attorney to handle their case.  My client's (who've previously been appointed a public defender) tell me that they had no choice but go with that option first because they thought that my fees were simply too high.

Believe it or not, when you view these fees in the context of an "investment" in your future- understanding that you only get one chance to fight this thing that could impact you everyday for the rest of your life - I think you'll see that The Rolloff Law Office's reputation for providing exceptional legal defense at competitive rates is correct.  Plus, I also offer flexible payment plans to my valued clients.

Call me today to speak to an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney directly at (612) 234-1165.  I have the time listen to what you want to happen with your case - and I'll work doggedly to make that a reality.

Got Your DWI Yet?

Believe it or nor not, one in seven Minnesota drivers as a DWI on his or her driving record. According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, in 2009 (the year for which they have the most complete statistics) 32,756 motorists were arrested for Drunk Driving while driving on the highways and byway through out the state.. Do the math... that means that on any given day - 90 Minnesota drivers are cited for Driving Drunk.  Of those individuals, 41%  of them already have at least on "prior" Drunk Driving conviction on their record. 

To many, these numbers point to only one conclusion - that we, as a society, have a problem.  As such, the call has gone out to: (a.) the police to beef-up their DWI enforcement efforts; (b.) the legislature to increase the penalties associated with a Drunk Driving conviction; and, (c.) the citizenry - to call out other drivers and report them to the government.  

With these sorts of efforts and tactics in place - if you choose to drive drunk - it’s probably only a matter of time before your are caught. If you, or someone you love has been arrested for DWI, you need to have an experienced Minnesota DWI Attorney on your side. Not only can he serve as a big relief in a situation where it seems like no one is on your side, he can also fight for you, your rights, your wallet and your future. 

Make the next, right move - contact an attorney and take advantage of their free consultation offer to discuss the details of your case. Before you make a decision that will most assuredly impact your future - and that of your loved ones - learn about the options available to you.

Domestic Assault - Explained

As criminal cases go, Domestic Assault is often the most difficult to deal with.  The accusations, which are can be easily made, are extremely serious and no matter the outcome of the case - life changing consequences are often the result. 

Domestic Assault charges are very powerful claims which affect everyone involved. The accused is often concerned with the stress of dealing with their criminal case - the possible betrayal by the loved one who's making the accusation - and the difficulty of working through the feelings of judgment from other individuals in their life.

Often, you feel as though you have no one is listening to you - and you have nowhere to turn. One right choice you can make is to reach out to an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney - because you need someone on your side, fighting for you, your rights and your future. 

What's Going to Happen?

A conviction for Domestic Assault can mean serious consequences including fines, jail time (or even prison for repeat offenders,) and certain programming - like anger management and chemical dependency treatment or other classes. In addition to any legal punishment the judge might impose, these charges and/or a conviction also come with a handful of collateral consequences that can affect the accused's parental rights, their iimmigration status, their right to own and possess firearms, their living situation and their jobs and employment possibilities.

With all of that on the line, don't you need someone working for you who understands the intense emotions surrounding these serious criminal charges?

Who Can Help?

I do my best to keep clients informed about all aspects of their cases and involve them in their defense. By looking into self-defense claims and witness credibility issues - along with employing powerful defense strategies, my aggressive representation will protect your rights if you have been charged with Domestic Assault.

If you have been charged with a crime of Domestic Violence - my advice is to contact an attorney immediately. An experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney can quickly begin to protect your rights and assure that your side of the story is heard.

Make sure your lawyer takes the time to listen to your point of view and fully understand your objectives.