Unlike a trip to your favorite restaurant, you are unlikely to find - when visiting an attorney - a flat rate for his services based just on the alleged crime committed. Instead, as an experienced Apple Valley Criminal Defense Attorney, when I determine a total cost I lok at a number of factors.
Why Do You Charge What You Charge?
Some common considerations --- that go into determining how much money you can expect to spend on your legal services include:
1. Your Case (Type/Level of Offense)
The largest factor in determining the cost of my services depends on exactly what you’re asking me to do. For example, hiring an attorney to get you out of an assault charge is going to cost more than paying him to get you out of a traffic ticket. Another big factor is how much time I/we will need to spend reviewing, preparing and fighting your case. Again ... I'm not going to need a whole lot of time getting up to speed on a Driving After Revocation ticket; however, something like a DWI or a felony controlled substance crime charge --- that will often involve a lot more work.
When we meet --- and I know what you want/need me to do --- and what I can do --- I should be able to give you an idea of how much time I'll need to get you that result at the initial, free consultation.
2. Experience
Often ... the more experienced an attorney is, the more money he is apt to charge you. (And, going to an inexperienced may save you money at the outset, but if they can’t secure an outcome - that considers not only the short term consequences ... but, also looks at where you might be five-years down the road - you might end up paying more or getting a worse sentence in the end.
As a former prosecutor, I saw many people overcharged and under-served. I try to be fair ... because I know that not everyone has a ton of money to thrown at situations like this.
In the final analysis ... money (although an important consideration,) should not be the only metric you use to gauge who might be the right lawyer for you. Call or set up a FREE CONSULTATION with the Rolloff Law Office today. I'll explain what I can do, and how affordable it can be. Call: (612) 234-1165.
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
If there's anything I know about the Minnesota Criminal Justice System it is that people (even experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorneys) have questions lots and lots of questions. Here are some of the most common about BAIL - along with some answers. If you or someone you love is caught up in a legal dilemma --- feel free to get more information by calling in the Rolloff Law Office - today: (612) 234-1165.
What is bail?
Bail is money or other property deposited with the court in order to ensure that the person accused returns to court when he or she is required to do so. If the defendant does not come to court when required or violates his or her bail conditions, the bail will be forfeited to the court and will not be returned. If the defendant makes all of his appearances, the bail is returned when the case is over. In addition to getting someone to come back to court, bail also serves to protect public saftey - so says the government.
What happens during a bail hearing?
Upon arrest, the accused appears before a magistrate or judge for a violation of a criminal law. The magistrate or judge will conduct a pre-trial bail hearing resulting in four possible results:
- Your Own Recognizance - This is the defendant's verbal promise to appear in court on the date set and abide by the terms set by the magistrate or judge. No monetary pledge, cash deposit, or security by property or professional bondsman is required.
- Conditional Release - This release, pending court appearance, is based on the defendant's written agreement to appear in court on the date set and abide by the conditions set by the magistrate or judge. It is backed by an agreement by the defendant to contact the probation department periodically, in addition to other conditions which might be set by the judge.
- Bail Bond - This is secured by either a cash deposit or a pledge by a third party, who provides the cash to guarantee that the defendant will appear in court on the date set and abide by the conditions of the release. The judge may forfeit the cash in the event the defendant does not appear in court on the date set.
- Ineligible for Bail -The bail decision may be appealed to a judge who re-examines the evidence. A violation of any agreement of release pending court appearance can result in the issuance of a bench warrant to arrest the person.
All too often defendant's get one chance to persuade the court as to bail/conditions of release. Therefore, it can't hurt to have an attorney assist you or someone you love with the process. Call the Rolloff Law Office, today, at (612) 234-1165 and get help. This is not a "do-it-yourself" game --- trust me.
As an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney you know I get a lot of questions. Here are some FREE ANSWERS to some of the most common ones.
What is the cost of criminal defense for my criminal charges?
The Rolloff Law Office's fees are very competitive and we work with you to protect your rights and defend you. This includes investigating the facts, police, and witnesses to determine evidence that will prove your innocence. We charge a flat rate for criminal defense based on the complexity of your case. Our legal fees for criminal defense will cover your attorney's fees all the way throughout discovery, probable cause hearings, pre-trial motions and trial. What is the difference between a misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and a felony?Petty Misdemeanors are punishable by up to $300 fine. You cannot be sent to jail for a petty misdemeanor. Although not criminal offenses, some petty misdemeanors may still look bad on your record.
Misdemeanors are a crime and are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Gross Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. These are serious crimes.
Felonies are the most serious offenses. They are punishable by a year to life in jail and heavy fines, depending on the crime.The 'victim' wants the charges dropped. Will the case be dismissed?No. Once police are involved they are gathering evidence and when a criminal case is in the county attorney or the prosecutor's hands they charge the crime acting for the state and the alleged "victim" is only witness testimony for the state as additional evidence.
The victim cannot decide to drop the charges on their own. The state will continue to prosecute using the statements the victim already made to the police and may even impeach the victim if they were to testify differently on the stand. This type of issue is common in domestic assault situations when the police are called and the alleged victim does not want to pursue charges.What are the possible outcomes of my case?Each case depends on the facts and the law. When evaluating your case, we always look first for reasons the case might be dismissed. The witnesses or victim may be lying and evidence often can be suppressed. There may be contradicting evidence to show the state's evidence is unreliable. The case can be dismissed if a defendant qualifies for a diversion program and will remain law abiding in a plea agreement. Other times, the court might give a sentence but will not impose it. Sometimes you must go to a jury trial to prove your innocence. Whether these options will be available in your case depends on a number of factors. Call the Rolloff Law Office to get a better idea of possible outcomes you can expect in your case.Should I talk to the police?Always call an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney before you speak to the police. The police are trying to find any evidence that may convict you and anything you say can and WILL be used against you. An attorney can protect your rights before you confess to something, or say something that you didn't mean to say.
Call The Rolloff Law OfficeStart your search for real help by getting a FREE CONSULTATION today. You can reach a helpful and experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney today at (612) 234-1165.
