How to Find a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney

There are many different ways that you can go about finding an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.  Obviously, I'd be honored to speak to you about your case but the purpose of this article is designed to give you some insight into the places you might want to look for help.

The Internet is a Huge Resource

It is very hard to hide anything about a professional, such as a lawyer, in the internet these days.  If someone has done poor work there is probably an article, comment, or negative review out there that you can read in making your decision to hire a specific person.  Note, many times competitors will post fake comments in order to try to hurt their competition – use your common sense and judgment and do your research.

There are many sites out there that attempt to objectively rank lawyers against one another.  Sites such as www.avvo.com, www.lawyerratingz.com, are two examples that you might want to look at to get a better picture of your attorney.  It is important to know that on some of these sites lawyers can purchase their position on search results – so again, do your homework on the attorney you are considering hiring.

Ask the Criminal Attorney about His Experience
Experience is a completely subjective matter.  There are attorneys that have practiced law for twenty years, but never had a jury trial.  There are others that have practiced for three years and had over a hundred.  There are attorneys that focus specifically in one area of law, where others are more general.  Each has its advantages – a specialist, or an attorney that devotes their practice to a specific area might be better suited for complex litigation but a more general criminal defense attorney may have the flexibility necessary to completely handle your case.

When talking to the attorney ask them about the other attorneys you’ve spoken to.  An attorney that is confident in their own abilities will probably not speak poorly of another attorney – I know I never would.  As a practical matter I always recommend that my potential clients speak to as many attorneys as possible, because it is important to select a lawyer that you feel comfortable with – it is your life, freedom, and reputation on the line in criminal cases.

How to Get a Hold of Me
I would be honored if you spoke to me about becoming your Criminal Defense Attorney, give me a call at (612) 234-1165 and we can discuss your case today - for free.

Minnesota Probation Violations (Explained)

Often as part of every criminal sentence meted out by a judge - for a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and felony plea - is the prospect of being placed on Probation.  In my opinion, the system would want one to believe that this is a type of leniency that allows a convicted individual to remain in or re-enter society.  But, as anyone who has ever been placed on probation - there's often nothing too easy abou it.

Generally speaking, defendants may be sentenced only to a probationary term or probation may be granted after some time in custody has been served.  If someone is place on probation, that person is often supervised by an agent - who is employed by the corrections system.

If you receive notice of a Probation Violation, or even if you just think you may have violated your probation but have not yet been suspected or accused of it, you should quickly contact an experienced Minnesota Probation Violation Defense Attorney.

Probation Violations (Defined)

Because Probation is a form of leniency, it can be revoked at any time.  This often is the case when someone violates the terms of the probation sentence laid out by the judge.  A few examples of such violations includes:incurring a new criminal charge, failing to submit to or failing a drug/alcohol test, moving - without informing your agent, missing a scheduled probation meeting, and/or failing to appear for court.

If You've Violated Your Probation

If you are suspected of committing a violation, you'll often receive notice of it and be ordered to appear in court.  At a violation or Probation revocation hearing, the court will determine whether the violation actually occurred and then you'll be asked if you admit or deny the violation.  If you deny it, the government must put forth evidence showing that it is more likely than not that you in fact did fail to follow the court's order.  You'll also have a chance to put forth your own evidence.  Then, the judge decides if that burden is met. 

Probation Violations (Consequences)

If you're found to have violated your probation, there are a number of possible outcomes - good and bad, such as: continuing the probation without punishment for the violation,  modifying the conditions of the probation or extending the length of probation,  revoking the probation and executing the stayed (ie., suspended) jail sentence hanging over the violator's head. This basically means that your original sentence would be re-activated.

Probation Violations Defenses

Since the burden of proof is much lower at a Probation Violation hearing than at trial, it is very important that you be represented an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.  Often the best defense is no defense at all; rather, I've found that my best successes come when working with the government's lawyers to arrive at an agreement that elevates the need for a hearing and/or the harshest of consequences. Even if your violation stems from a new criminal offense, not only can I fight to win you a dismissal or acquittal on those charges - I can also work to ensure that the new sentence runs concurrently with (and not consecutively to) the probation sentence.

What Should You Do?

For a long time now, Minnesota law has recognized that people who have make a few, isolated mistakes while on probation should have the opportunity to not have that error to lead to the ultimate consequence.  If you feel as though what you've read here applies to you, contact an experienced Minnesota Probation Violation Hearing Attorney to discuss your questions and concerns and to get the ball rolling working to ensure that your slip doesn't continue to hinder your future.

Hiring a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney (Cost)

All too often when I field calls from individuals who have been charged with a crime who are seeking legal advice and representation- the first question out of their mouths is: “What do you charge?”

Although an important factor in any endeavor, in all do respects COST should not be the deciding factor when someone's rights, freedoms and ultimate future are on the line.

What Should Somone Be Looking For in an Attorney?

If you require the services of a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney, a major consideration that should be at the top of anyone's list is whether that lawyer is going to be aggressive and if he is going to fight for you and your defense.

Trust me, when you hire an attorney that will charge a flat fee (based on the amount of work necessary to defend you in court,) the cheapest attorney is usually not the best attorney. And considering that you only get one chance at these things - usually - it would be a serious mistake to hire a lawyer on cost alone.

What You're Up Against

The government's attorneys have almost unlimited resources available to them when it comes to prosecuting and proving their charges against you. As such, you need to hire a representative (and pay a fee) which will allow that lawyer to put in the necessary time and effort so that he can aggressively defend you and your rights.

When you hire the guy who charges the least, do you believe his attitude is going to be "whatever it takes" to defend you? Or is his attitude going to be: How quickly can we plead this case out? 

Why Does it Cost What it Costs?

One thing you're paying for when you hire a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney is his experience - his knowledge of the law an how "the system" works.  When you look for the lowest cost - chances are your sacrificing one of those things.  And believe you me, your reluctance to pay today could cost you much, much, much more in the future.  Again, you only often get one chance at these things; therefore, you need to think of the costs you incur today as an investment. An investment that seeks to ensure that you will not have to pay more in the future - by way of the impacts on your ability to work, your overall freedoms and your ultimate quality of life.

The Next Step

When you hire a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney, you should consider more than just price. Ask yourself this, in addition to the out-of-pocket-costs you'll incur --- what else is important to you?  Do you want personal attention, aggressive representation, someone who is experienced in getting his clients just and fair results?

Hey, I've worked on both sides of the aisle - as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. I know the law, I know the government's schemes and motivations - and as a result, I know how to get my clients the results they desire.  Oh, and, I charge a reasonable, well-earned fee.

If you or someone you know needs effective representation - feel free to contact me today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.