Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Bloomington

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bloomington, Minnesota?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bloomington is (952) 563-4900. You can also call the Crime Line at (952) 563-4674 and leave details via voicemail.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bloomington, Minnesota?

  Go to https://bloomingtonmn.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest and click on the "Police Data Request Form" button to get a copy of a police report in Bloomington. It will then open another tab, leading you to a Police Data Request Form that you need to fill out.

• Can all crimes in Bloomington be expunged?

  Not all crimes in Bloomington are eligible to be expunged. Under Minnesota expungement law, a judge considers different factors before approving a request for sealing criminal records. Most misdemeanor offenses and juvenile records can be considered for criminal expungement. Some criminal cases are decided in the defendant’s favor. Felonies like forgery, receiving stolen property, or 5th-degree drug crimes can also be expunged.

• Will you be charged for accidental shooting in Bloomington?

  Accidental shooting in Bloomington is considered a crime. Regardless of whether you don't have enough training in handling a firearm or you handled a gun while under the influence, you may face criminal charges if you made an accidental shooting. Possible charges for an accidental shooting include manslaughter and misdemeanor criminal negligence.

• Will you be criminally charged for forgery in Bloomington?

  Forgery is considered a felony in Bloomington. A person proven to have committed forgery may face jail time of up to 3 years and may also be fined up to $5,000. If the forged document is presented in court as evidence, the guilty party can be charged up to $10,000 in fines and 5-year prison time. For check forgery, the amount of the fine and jail time will depend on how much the check value is. Check fraud that costs $2,500 or more could result in a 10-year jail sentence, a $20,000 fine, or both.

• What are the possible consequences if you are convicted of driving with drugs in Bloomington?

  If you are caught driving while under the influence of drugs in Bloomington, you may face a license suspension for up to one year. If you are driving a commercial motor vehicle, your license will be suspended for 2 years, and you may also need to pay a maximum of $10,000 in fines and face 5-year jail time. You will also need to complete a drug education program. If you have drugs in possession and attempted to evade the police or did not stop when a traffic enforcer asked you to, you may be charged with fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor of possession of drugs in your car.

• Will you be charged with vandalism in Bloomington even if there is no proof available?

  Yes, you can still be charged with vandalism in Bloomington even without proof. In some cases, circumstantial evidence is enough for the authority to press charges. You can be charged with vandalism if you are caught at the scene and you cannot reasonably explain why you are there. Under Minnesota law, vandalism is considered criminal damage to property. Some of the possible punishments for vandalism charges include imprisonment, probation, hefty fines, community service, and monetary compensation to the complainant. 

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.