Minnesota Disorderly Conduct (Explained)

Facing disorderly conduct charges? You may want to consider employing the services an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney to help. 


What is Disorderly Conduct?

Disorderly conduct charges can encompass a variety of crimes from yelling to fighting. Specifically disorderly conduct includes:

• Engaging in brawling or fighting
• Disturbing an assembly or meeting
• Engaging in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct or in offensive, obscene, or abusive language tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others.

What are the Penalities?

A typical, disorderly conduct charge is deemed a misdemeanor --- punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. 

If the person is a caregiver and commits disorderly conduct against a vulnerable adult, that individual could be charged with a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one ear in jail and / or a $3,000 fine. 

If you have questions or want to with a former prosecutor to help you with your case, contact the Rolloff Law Office and set up a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165

City of St. Paul Prostitution Arrests

If you are charged with solicitation of a prostitute ... not only is it a humiliating experience - one that can be devastating to your reputation and family relationships ... it can also lead to large fines and possible jail consequences.   

While the penalty for soliciting prostitution in MN can vary greatly depending on the circumstances, even simple solicitation charges deserve the attention of an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer.  


Prostitution and Minnesota's Laws

Under typical most circumstances, the criminal penalties for solicitation and prostitution are not as severe as other sex crimes - ie., rape/molestation. 

Most often, a first-time solicitation is treated as a a misdemeanor carrying a maximum jail sentence of 90 days and a fine of $1000. (There are also mandatory minimum fines - ranging from $500 and $1500.)  Subsequent charges can be deemed a gross misdemeanor and lead to up to a year in jail and a $3000 fine.  These are the typical sentences.  

That being said ... most resolutions of these cases are not TYPICAL.  Because for some people ...  there are consequences that can be felt outside for court.  As an example, if you are here on non-immigrant visas such as an H1-B work visa, or are here illegally, the consequences of a criminal conviction you might risk the revocation of your visa and possible deportation. 

With so much on the line, it is important to contact an attorney immediately to defend you.

What is There to Fight?

Prostitution arrests frequently involve undercover operations - ie., "stings.".  To me, this raises certain issues that an attorney for solicitation of a prostitute is best equipped to address. If we can convince a judge to find that the police violated your constitutional rights in the process of an investigation, a dismissal of the charges might be warranted.
 

The Rolloff Law Office can help you  effectively defend your case. Call today to set-up a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165.

Hiring a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney - Part II (Explained)

If you believe you need an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney to help you or your loved one, be smart about your decision. After reading this ... you may also want to consider the following:

Trust Your Gut

If you aren't comfortable with the Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer that you've consulted with try a different office. Believe it or not: you do not have any obligation to hire a lawyer merely because you met with him or her. If your lawyer is promising you that your case is easy, or makes promises that you won't go to jail, speak to other lawyers before signing a retainer agreement - some lawyers misrepresent the gravity of the situation or the complexity of a case ... in order to entice someone into paying a huge fee, and then blame the judge or prosecutor when the promises they made don't come true.

Pay Lawyer or Public Defender?

People who are charged with serious, felony offenses, and many individuals who are charged with certain misdemeanors, may be eligible for a free lawyer - ie.,, the public defender.  This is based on an assessment of the defendant's resources to determine if the he/she will qualify for an appointment of a free lawyer. 

Some people assume that a court appointed criminal defense lawyer will offer services which are inferior to a privately retained lawyer --- this isn't always true.  Sure, some public defenders will prove to be insufficiently skilled or dedicated to their work to provide an effective defense --- but, you could find some private attorneys who are equally flawed.

One main difference ... "customer-service."  A private attorney is likely to have more time to involve themselves in your case --- able to answer your questions at any time/anywhere.

If you can hire an effective Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer you should not hesitate to do so. Not all lawyers are the same ... and prices vary widely.  Call the Rolloff Law Office to see if we might be able to help you: (612) 234-1165. 

Minnesota Domestic Assault Charge - False Allegations

As a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney, I get loads of calls about domestic violence/assault charges.  Here is an article from the Huffington Post that sets for a number of things anybody facing allegations of this nature should consider.  

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Domestic violence is an important public health issue, and one which has been gaining increased attention in recent years on a variety of fronts, particularly with respect to professional athletes. States, of course, have various approaches for dealing with the issue, including housing and employment protections, protecting the identity of residents of domestic violence shelters, and broadening the definition of abuse.

One of the areas where states are falling short, according to experts, is in focusing on at-risk demographic groups. Different groups face different risks when it comes to domestic violence investigation. 

For instance, African American women are more likely to be killed by a partner than victims in other groups, whereas women who are unable to speak English are more likely to be unable to communicate to police officers to give an accurate version of incidents. Hispanic women are less likely to seek help from a shelter, while Native American women are more likely to be in a situation where police are unable to arrest a battering partner. Each of these unique challenges has to be met if the problem is to be adequately addressed.

As important as it is to ensure protection for those who suffer at the hands of an abusive partner, though, it is also important to remember that those accused of domestic violence have a right to defend themselves from unjust charges. Because of the nature of domestic violence investigations, it can and does sometimes happen that officers fail to gather the evidence necessary to make an accurate judgment about an incident. In some cases, those errors are not corrected and the accused face charges that don’t accurately reflect the events that took place.

Those who have been unjustly accused of domestic violence need to know that they don’t just have to succumb to the criminal process, but that they have rights. Working with an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney can help to ensure that all the evidence is presented in their case and that they are able to take advantage of protections available to them.

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Source: Huffington Post, “When It Comes to Handling Domestic Violence Cases, States Are Still Falling Short,” Teresa Wiltz, September 22, 2014.
 

 
If you or someone you love is facing a court date, feel free to contact the Rolloff Law Office and set up a free consultation: (612) 234-1165

What is Minnesota Gross Misdemeanor?

As an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney, I get lots of questions.  Here's a common one:

What is a Gross Misdemeanor?

Under the laws of the State of Minnesota, a gross misdemeanor is a category of criminal offense that is punishable by a fine of up to $3,000 and/or one year in jail. 

Gross misdemeanors are considered more serious than misdemeanor offenses, but they are not as serious as felonies. If you have been charged with a gross misdemeanor, it is your right to secure the services of a highly qualified Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer. 

Although a gross misdemeanor may not seem serious, the consequences of a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. By fighting the charges, you may be able to minimize – or in some cases, completely avoid – the consequences.

A List of Gross Misdemeanor Offenses

• Repeat assault offenses
• Refusal to Submit to Testing
• Some DWI offenses (such as repeat violations or high alcohol readings)
• Certain other traffic violations
• Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
• Interference With a 911 Call
• Prostitution and some other sex crimes. 

When you hire an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney, you will receive the guidance that you need throughout the legal process. The Rolloff Law Office has helped many individuals throughout Minnesota with defending against gross misdemeanor charges.  A conviction can lead to fines and jail time. The judge may also order counseling, house arrest, restitution or community service. This is in addition to the conviction that is present on your criminal record, which can be seen by potential landlords or employers, financial institutions, or anyone else who might be curious. Even a non-felony theft conviction can cause you problems in the long-term, putting your future at risk. Your attorney will help you by giving you the comprehensive legal help that you need to get the best result in your case.

Call today, for a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165

Roseville & Maplewood Shoplifting Attorney

If you have been charged with Shoplifting, you need an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer to protect your interests. There are different levels of theft offenses in the State of Minnesota, and a conviction for any type can have serious consequences on your job, schooling, and living arrangements. 

Former Prosecutor

At The Rolloff Law Office, we handle the defense of all types of crimes, including Shoplifting charges. We put to use our previous experience as prosecutors to help our clients earn the right results by giving them sound and considered legal guidance, based on over a decades worth of experience of criminal law practice. 

Theft Crimes (Explained)

In the State of Minnesota, the level of severity of a theft crime and the consequences one might suffer - if convicted depends on a number of factors.  In many instances, the key question is how the State valued the property involved. 

If you have been charged with a  theft offense, we can often get you a favorable outcome, particularly if you have no prior charges or convictions.   We can also help keep felony offenses off of your record ... by getting you into a diversion program.  

Theft crimes carry potentially serious consequences, including jail sentences an looooong probation terms, not to mention a stain on your criminal record. With so much at stake, it is crucial that you get sound guidance regarding all your legal options. Let us help you make the best decisions possible.  Call The Rolloff Law Office for a FREE CONSULTATION - today - (612) 234-1165. 

Convicted of a Minnesota DWI - Denied Entry into Canada?

If an individual is convicted of Minnesota DWI, an experienced Minnesota Drunk Driving, Criminal Defense Attorney can help fill out forms necessary to circumvent the general rule to exclude certain people from entry - click here) to submit to the Canadian government to get a waiver or “pardon” from the ban to entry in Canada.  

If you are not granted a waiver or “pardon” then you may not enter Canada for five-years after the completion of your sentence (not five-years after you were sentenced). That means five-years after you get off probation!  

You will need to bring certified copies of your court papers with you to the border to prove that you have completed all the conditions of your sentence including fines, alcohol classes, probation, etc.  A person barred from Canada because of a c criminal convictions can also apply for a Temporary Resident Permit.  

All of these forms of relief (a pardon, temporary resident permit, etc.) require high application fees and a long waiting period to see if they are approved or not.  

Given the complexity, long waiting periods, and application fees and attorneys fees involved in trying to get relief from a ban on traveling to Canada because of a DWI conviction in Minnesota or elsewhere in the U.S.,the best thing to do is to hire an experienced Minnesota DWI Defense Attorney to help you keep a criminal conviction off of your record and preserve your ability to go to Canada whenever you want.

You probably have a lot of questions --- feel free to The Rolloff Law Office (now!) to discuss your case: (612) 234-1165.

Hennepin County Disorderly Conduct (Explained)

Disorderly conduct is often referenced (and used) as a catch-all for any random, disruptive criminal activity, activity that disrupts the public peace --- and pisses-off a cop. That being said, being charged with this offense can have lasting repercussions ---- and you should get some FREE ANSWERS from an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

Disorderly Conduct (Explained)

If you are charged with disorderly conduct, you could have been doing any number of things. While this crime covers many activities, it is prosecuted with targeted focus by the State of Minnesota.


You may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time or caught up with the wrong group of people. Perhaps you don’t feel you did anything wrong --- but instead are being found guilty by association. This is why you should talk to The Rolloff Law Office.
The Laws & Penalties


The offense of disorderly conduct can apply to many incidences. It is considered a misdemeanor and is thereby punishable by up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
 
You may face charges of disorderly conduct if you:

• Make loud or disturbing noise near residence or public buildings that causes unreasonable distress to the people occupying said building,
• Direct abusive language or gestures at someone, knowing that those words or gestures are likely to provoke a violent reaction,
• Disturb any lawful assembly or meeting with the intent to disturb,
• Disrespect or defile the American flag or cause others to do the same, or
• Obstruct a sidewalk, road, or street with the intent of preventing its lawful use by others. 

Charges like these are doled out in many circumstances and all too often because another law doesn’t apply. If you are facing this charge and you wonder what you did to deserve them, contact The Rolloff Law Office  to discuss your case today --- and what can be done to keep it off of your record.  

All criminal charges should be taken very seriously by the experienced criminal defense attorneys that handle them. I am a former prosecutor ... I know you are going through a difficult time with this case and I want to be the one to help.  Call today: (612) 234-1165

A Minnesota DWI Can Keep you Out of Canada?

A Minnesota Drunk Driving conviction may have many “collateral” consequences.  These hidden consequences of a DWI conviction can include:

• Losing your job, 
• Having your driver’s license revoked, 
• Paying higher insurance rates 
• Being dropped by your motor vehicle insurance company, Having your vehicle taken away by the police, etc.  

In the last few years, a new "hidden" consequence of getting a Minnesota DWI has been hitting many people --- especially sportsman and those that alive close to Canada:  

If you have a DWI conviction on your record, YOU MAY BE DENIED ENTRY INTO CANADA, regardless of whether you are going hunting or fishing ---  or if your are traveling on business or other pleasures.  

Canada & DWIs

One reason for this major consequence is that, unlike Minnesota, Canada takes a very strong approach to DWI --- treating 1st time offenders as felons.   And, our neighbors to the north - like most countries - does not allow individuals people convicted of a felony in.

With a skilled, experienced, and aggressive Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney on your side, you can explore the alternatives for preventing yourself from being banned from Canada.

The Rolloff Law Office has helped many alternative dispositions to keep his clients ability to go to Canada intact including fighting the driver’s license revocations and DWI cases aggressively.  If you need help with a DWI charge call the us for a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165

Minnesota Juvenile Offenses (Explained)

The juvenile justice system in the State of Minnesota is structured differently than that for adults; therefore, it is important you work with an expericed juvenile criminal defense attorney.  

Differences Between Juvinele & Adult Court
 
Rather than being arrested, charged and found guilty of a crime, a juvenile offender is apprehended, petitioned and found to have committed an offense. Further, the juvenile is not sentenced to prison but is given a disposition to be placed in a correctional facility.

A juvenile between the ages of 10 and 17 who is suspected of committing a crime will be treated much differently than a juvenile under the age of 10. When police apprehend a child under the age of 10, the case is considered social services-related. Age is also an important consideration when the juvenile is between 14 and 17. If a felony offense is committed during these years, a juvenile may be tried and sentenced as an adult.

In the majority of juvenile cases, law enforcement officials refer the matter to a probation officer, and an arraignment is scheduled if there is sufficient evidence to make a conviction. The youth then either pleads guilty and receives their disposition or pleads innocent and returns to court for a bench trial. At the bench trial, the judge will either find the juvenile to be delinquent and schedule a disposition hearing or dismiss the case.
 

A juvenile who has been apprehended by police may not have any prior experience with the juvenile justice system. An experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney might be able to help advocate for the youth throughout the entire process with the goal of either having the case completely dismissed or arguing for a disposition that does not include time in a juvenile detention center. Call the Rolloff Law Office to talk about your juvenile's charges: (612) 234-1165

Hennepin County Child Pornography Charges

Sex crimes, in the State of Minnesota, involving children can carry severe legal penalties/consequences, as many of them rightly should.  Anyone convicted of production, distribution and/or possession of child pornography can face the prospect of prison time as well as steep fines and a requirement to register as a predatory offender. A conviction can ruin careers, reputations and one's ability to live where they choose.

If you are arrested for a crime involving child pornography, it is essential to seek experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney, immediately. If we are brought in right away, the attorneys at The Rolloff Law Office can begin working with prosecutors right away -- sometimes before they even file the case.

As a former prosecutor, I know that working to protect my clients' rights --- right away --- minimizes the damage their  lives and reputations. 

Child Pornography (Explained)

People are sometimes charged with crimes involving child pornography --- if it is found on their computer, even if they didn't know it was there. The Rolloff Law Office can work with computer forensic experts to show how the images got there and who else may have been able to access the computer.


Consequences

If you have been accused of a crime involving child pornography, you must take it seriously. And, understand that you could be facing a prison sentence a huge fine ... for the possession of child porn. A conviction for distribution of it could land you even greater consequences.  
  

If you or a loved one has been investigated/approached by law enforcement for child pornography, call The Rolloff Law Office today for a FREE CONSULTATION: (612) 234-1165.

Anoka County Domestic Assault Lawyer (Explained)

According to the laws of the State of Minnesota, Domestic Assault occurs when one member of a household commits one of the following acts against another member of the household:

• Infliction of bodily injury
• Infliction of fear  of imminent bodily injury or assault
• Terroristic threats
• Criminal sexual conduct
• Interference with an emergency call

If you are charged with a Domestic Violence-related offense, you should consult with an experienced Anoka County Domestic Assault attorney to make sure you get a strong defense. 

What happens if I am Arrested for Domestic Violence?

If the police arrest you for Domestic Assault or Violating an No-Contact Order, you could spend time in jail before you even get a bail hearing. Therefore, you need and experienced Anoka County criminal law attorney, to fight for your speedy release.  

Court
At your initial hearing, the judge will determine if you pose a threat and may decide on one or more of the following preconditions to your release:

• a prohibition on  threatening or committing additional acts of domestic abuse or harassment;
• a prohibition on  harassing, annoying, contacting or communicating with the alleged victim;
• an order to stay away from  the alleged victim’s home and workplace;
• a prohibition on  possessing weapons; and
• a prohibition on  possessing or consuming drugs or alcohol

Penalties for Domestic Assault 

Domestic violence crimes may be charged as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors or even felonies and may carry penalties including prison or huge fines.  The sentence depends largely on the severity of the crime and whether the defendant has a history of domestic violence or other crimes. At the Rolloff Law Office, we work hard to minimize the effects of prior convictions.
 

If you or a family member has been charged with a Domestic violence-related crime, you need an experienced attorney from the Rolloff Law Office to defend you. Call today to set up a free consultation: (612) 234-1165.