Whenever defendants are charged with various violations of the Minnesota criminal law, it is recommended that they learn and understand the nature of allegations and charges against them. They also need to understand the possible penalties and the criminal processes that might impact them.
Felonies
In Minnesota State, felonies are considered very serious crimes. These offenses are punishable by 12 months (one year) or more in prison or jail. The sentencing guidelines in Minnesota contain mandatory lowest level of prison sentences for many felony offenses. Examples of felony crimes include theft, murder, terrorist threatening, criminal sexual conduct, strangulation, and drug crimes.
Generally, some crimes are classified as felonies because of their serious nature such as aggravated robbery and murder. But other crimes are considered felony in case the offender had been convicted of the same crimes previously. For instance, if an offender is convicted fourth time for DUI, then, the offense is considered a felony in the preceding one decade. Also, the classification of other offenses as felonies depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the offense. For instance, robbery or theft of property valued at $1000 or higher may be considered a felony.
If you have been convicted of a felony in Minnesota, you are facing several consequences. These may include loss of civil rights including the right to vote, own a firearm, or serve on a jury. Besides, felony convictions can lead to the deportation of people who aren’t citizens.
A felony conviction can prevent you from joining or serving in the armed forces and probably being precluded from specific types of jobs. It can also prevent you from pursuing some types of education tracks. Note that criminal law is complicated and anyone facing criminal charges needs the help of Southern Minnesota criminal defense lawyers to understand your legal options.
Misdemeanors
In Minnesota, misdemeanors aren’t considered as serious as felony crimes. Typically, they don’t result in severe injuries to other parties or involve huge amounts of financial loss. In the case of drug crimes, the offense often doesn’t involve huge amounts of drugs or the desire to sell the drugs. Here are different categories of misdemeanors in Minnesota.
Gross misdemeanors: These are the most severe forms of a misdemeanor offense. Some of these crimes include stalking, assault on a peace officer, prostitution offenses, third offenses DWIs, and neglect of a vulnerable adult.
Misdemeanors: These include driving under the influence crimes, trespass, theft, assault in a fifth degree, and reckless driving.
Petty misdemeanors: These are considered the least serious types of misdemeanor offenses. Conviction might not result in jail time. In most cases, punishment is usually based on fines (monetary). Some of the petty misdemeanors include petty theft, over speeding, and possession of a little of cannabis. While not as serious as other crimes such as felony offenses, the offenders charged with misdemeanors will still appear on background checks.
In any state, criminal charges are taken seriously and self-representation isn’t a good idea. Consider hiring an experienced attorney.
