Minnesota Domestic Assault (Explained)

In the State of Minnesota, Domestic Assault can be charged as a Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor or Felony, and can have lasting negative consequences to the accused and his/her family. 
If you, or someone you know is charged with Domestic Assault, you should contact an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer to get answers and help you earn the best possible outcome in your case.

What are the Non-Criminal Consequences of a DOMESTIC ASSAULT Charge or Conviction? 

Domestic Assault No Contact Order (DANCO). Even though a defendant in a criminal case is “presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” it is very common for a DANCO order to be put in place early on in the case by the judge. A DANCO order is aimed at keeping the defendant away from the alleged victim while the case is pending. (The DANCO order will also often continue well after the case has been resolved.)

Often the issuance of a DANCO order creates an extreme hardship for the defendant and his or her family. As part of the DANCO order the judge will place restrictions on the defendant’s ability to return home. Where kids are involved, this can be very challenging for the entire family. But, even where there aren’t kids in the picture, a defendant that cannot return home to retrieve his or her property and other necessities are terribly inconvenienced. Moreover, because a DANCO order compels the defendant to avoid direct and indirect contact and communication with the alleged victim, it is extremely difficult to arrange for the return of the defendant’s property.

While DANCO orders can be lifted in some circumstances, it is not uncommon for the alleged victim of Felony Domestic Assault to remain at the property (even if they don’t own it) while the defendant in the case is forbidden to return to the property (even if they own it). In these situations, lucky defendants find family and friends to stay with while the Felony Domestic Assault case is pending. Unlucky defendants find themselves incurring expensive hotel or motel bills while the DANCO order is in place.

Anger and Chemical Use Assessments. Most judges will order an individual convicted of Felony Domestic Assault to submit to an anger management assessment. In addition, if there was any alcohol or drug use by the defendant in connection with the incident, then the judge will likely also order the defendant to submit to a chemical uses assessment as well. 

After the assessment process is complete, the Judge (or probation) will review the assessment and associated recommendations. The judge then, as part of the Sentencing Order, orders the defendant to comply with all of the assessment’s recommendations. For example, if an anger management assessment recommends that a defendant attend a specific anger management class, then the defendant must attend (and pay for) that specific class. Moreover, if a defendant fails to follow the assessment’s recommendations, then a judge may find that the defendant has violated a term of probation and needs to serve time in jail.

Harm to Employment/Employment Prospects. Under Minnesota law, an employer may be able to fire an employee because of a criminal charge or conviction. In addition, job applications often ask the applicant if he or she has been convicted of a crime. Unfortunately, Felony Domestic Assault is a crime and would have to be disclosed on a job application. Moreover, a conviction for Felony Domestic Assault would most assuredly show up on a criminal background check.

Why you should contact Minnesota Domestic Assault Attorney Jay Rolloff?

I'm a former prosecutor with more than a decades experience in prosecuting/defending people charged with Domestic Assault. To find out how to resolve your case in the most favorable way possible for you, contact The Rolloff Law Office for A FREE CONSULTATION on your  Domestic Assault case. Call (612) 234-1165.