Violent Crime Defense

Providing Defense Services in Minnesota

Minnesota's Premier Violent Crime Defense Attorneys

Facing allegations of a violent crime can be deeply distressing, especially when you know you're innocent. Not only can a conviction lead to severe legal penalties, but it can also affect your personal and professional life for years to come. But here’s the good news: you don't have to face this alone. An experienced violent crime lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of criminal law, clear your name, and get things back on track.

Call the professionals at Universal Defense, LLC, if you’ve been charged with violent crimes in Minnesota. Our team of seasoned criminal law attorneys are here to listen to your side of the story and build a strong defense. We'll work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and that the truth comes out.

We offer legal support for those facing charges related to:

Domestic Violence
Assault
Homicide
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Robbery
Kidnapping
And more!

Do you need a violent crime lawyer in MN? We offer legal counsel to residents throughout the following counties:

Sherburne County
Wright County
Anoka County
Mille Lacs County
Isanti County
Scott County
Dakota County
Stearns County

Benton County
Hennepin County
Washington County
Chisago County
Ramsey County
Carver County
Kanabec County
Pine County

What Is Considered a Violent Crime?

Violent crimes are offenses that involve the use of force or the threat of force against another person. These crimes are taken very seriously by the criminal justice system due to their potential to cause significant harm or injury. Each offense carries its own set of penalties and legal implications, ranging from fines and probation to jail or prison time.

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Types of Violent Crimes in Minnesota

Minnesota law categorizes violent crimes based on the nature and severity of the offense. First-degree offenses are typically the most severe and are charged as a felony. Other degrees of offenses are considered less serious and charged as a misdemeanor. Whether you or a loved one is facing a felony or misdemeanor charge, it’s best to partner with a violent crime defense lawyer in Minnesota who can help you navigate the complexities of the justice system and explain the nuances of the charges you are facing.

Threats of Violence

Threatening to commit any crime of violence with the purpose of terrorizing another person, causing evacuation of a building or place of assembly, or causing serious public inconvenience is a serious offense in Minnesota. The severity of the charge can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on factors such as the nature of the threat, the intended target, and whether the threat was communicated directly or indirectly.

Convictions for threats of violence can result in significant penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and potential imprisonment. Given the complexity of these cases, it's crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can advocate on your behalf.

Assault

Assault charges can range from a threat to cause bodily harm to actually causing someone bodily harm. These charges range from misdemeanor fifth degree assault, involving less severe threats or injuries, to felony aggravated assault, which may include the use of a weapon or intent to cause great bodily harm or death. The severity of the charges depends on factors such as the extent of injury, the use of weapons, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to acts of violence or abuse against a spouse, partner, or other household member. These charges can include fear of bodily harm, physical assault, strangulation, and/or sexual abuse. Domestic violence charges can also be accompanied by a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO). Additional criminal charges can be issued if an individual violates a court ordered DANCO or corresponding Order For Protection (OFP).

Accusations of domestic violence often involve complex interpersonal and family dynamics, making it essential to hire a domestic violence lawyer in Minnesota who can navigate these intricacies and provide legal support. Convictions for domestic violence require court-ordered programming, such as anger management and counseling, and can lead to severe penalties, including probation, jail time, prison sentences.

Criminal Sexual Conduct

Sex crimes in Minnesota include various offenses, such as solicitation, prostitution, sexual exploitation, sexual misconduct, and gross misdemeanor and felony criminal sexual conduct. Degrees of criminal sexual conduct range in severity based on the ages of the alleged victim and offender, their relation to each other, and the level of sexual contact. The penalties for criminal sexual conduct are severe, often including longer probation, jail, and prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and significant social stigma. Given the gravity of these charges, it's important to work with a violent crime defense lawyer in Minnesota who can defend against these allegations effectively.

Homicide

Homicide is the most serious criminal charge a person can face. It encompasses both intentional and unintentional deaths, such as murder, manslaughter, and criminal vehicular homicide (CVH). First-degree murder involves premeditation and intent to kill, while second-degree murder may not require premeditation. Manslaughter and Criminal Vehicular Homicide often results from reckless or negligent actions without intent to kill.

Each type of homicide carries different legal consequences, including jail time, lengthy probation, prison sentences, and life imprisonment without parole. Criminal defense attorneys like those at Universal Defense, LLC, can zealously fight for your rights.

Robbery

Robbery is a serious felony charge that involves taking property from another person through force, intimidation, or threat of violence. Unlike theft, robbery is considered a violent crime because it directly endangers the victim. Levels of felony robbery can range from simple robbery to first degree aggravated robbery if a weapon is used during the crime. The penalties for a robbery conviction in Minnesota are harsh, as in any felony conviction, potentially resulting in the loss of your fundamental rights. If you're facing robbery charges, you need an experienced team like Universal Defense fighting for you.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the unlawful confinement, transportation, or abduction of a person against their will. It often involves holding the victim for ransom, committing another crime, or inflicting harm. This offense is treated as a severe violent crime due to the act of taking away someone’s freedom and causing them potential harm. Felony kidnapping convictions can result in jail time, lengthy probation, and/or prison sentences. The consequences of this type of crime are especially harsh when aggravating factors like harm to the victim or demands for ransom are involved.

Why Choose Universal Defense, LLC to Be Your Violent Crime Lawyer in MN?

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyers can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why Universal Defense, LLC, stands out as the premier choice for those facing violent criminal charges in Minnesota:

Criminal Charges We Fight

At Universal Defense, LLC, we have extensive experience defending clients against a variety of violent crime charges, including domestic assault, assault, homicide, manslaughter, sex offenses, robbery, and kidnapping. No matter which charges you’re facing, we scrutinize evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge inconsistencies to undermine the prosecution's case. We will even explore defenses such as lack of intent, self-defense, mistaken identity, and the legality of evidence collected. Our approach ensures that every angle is explored and all available defenses are employed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Our Clients Speak for Our Success

Each case is more than just a file number; it's a life impacted and a future on the line. Read through our success stories to see how we've helped clients just like you overcome legal challenges and emerge victorious.

Shawn Swanson

16:38 29 Aug 24

Fantastic attorney! Fast working, easy to get ahold of at anytime!

kayla ehresmann

15:13 09 Aug 24

The first thing I must say is I am beyond thankful to have stumbled across the incredible human being, Rick, who also happens to be one hell of a lawyer.There is no one I would recommend more as a lawyer than Rick and the firm itself (Universal Defense). If you’d like to read my long story book as to why, see below.Unfortunately, last year I found myself needing to find a criminal defense attorney due to unforeseen life circumstances.This was my first time in my adult life personally experiencing the state court system and I had no clue what to expect or how to navigate anything. I had paralyzing anxiety and nobody seemed to have any answer’s to help.After hours of online research, I ended up locating Universal Defense and many other offices so I called and left dozens of voicemails. (This was very late at night.) Rick returned my call quickly and took the time to explain to my clearly overwhelmed self what the next steps looked like. He was extremely empathetic and kind throughout the whole process. Rick treated my fiancé and I with the kindness you would expect from close family from day one.He always came to court prepared, well-dressed, and on time. Rick and his office team made sure we had all documents, courses, and court date information as needed. It was clear in court when representing us that Rick was very knowledgeably in regard to criminal law and court proceedings. He carries himself well within the court room and comes across charismatically to all parties. (Which is a phenomenal skill in the legal world, IMO)Throughout the whole court process, Rick was able to offer recommendations and file motions to remove a NCO ultimately leading to my family being reunited. I truly believe without Rick’s expertise and assistance I would still be fighting within the court system to have my family back together.Thankfully because of all the assistance of Rick and the Universal Defense team, I get to spend my nights at home cuddling my mini zoo (3 dogs and a cat) and my fiancé again.Forever grateful for the assistance of Rick and Universal Defense for helping me get my life back.

Jackie

22:48 08 Jul 24

Perfect service, very pleased!

Julie Smith

16:53 08 Jul 24

Rich was a great help and does a great job. Thank's again, much appreciated!

jamie

15:47 08 Jul 24

Big thanks to Rich! An outstanding attorney and very easy going. He helped my family. We appreciate him and the work he did. He did an excellent job, and we highly recommend him!

chad Olsen

15:57 02 Jul 24

best lawyer around helping my kid going a great job

Paige Marie

19:25 01 Jul 24

Shanah Johnson

12:11 01 Jul 24

He is on your side.

Carter hiehle

14:16 24 Jun 24

It was my first ever time being in the position of needing a lawyer and I was utterly terrified but he made me feel relieved and helped me through the whole process very efficiently while also being on top of his game the whole way through it making a scary situation into a very less stressful situation overall. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone who's in need of a defense attorney!!

Seth Martin

19:13 25 Apr 24

Rick worked quickly and effectively to get the best possible outcome for me and family. He is a pleasure to work with and very responsive to questions. I highly recommend his services!

Allison Nieman

12:42 03 Nov 23

I have so many wonderful things to say about Rick! From his sense of humor, his professionalism, ability to empathize, being respectful, quick to respond, always shows up, and continued reassurance that everything will be alright. I appreciate everything Rick has done for me and his ability to represent the best version on me in court. My outcome could have been much worse, but Rick was willing to fight for the best possible deal. One of the last things he said to me was, "Don't let this define who you are," and that meant so much to me. Thank you Rick for everything, and I will definitely send anyone who needs criminal defense your way!

A M

17:20 24 May 23

Rick far exceeded my expectations of a criminal defense attorney. He responded to my phone call right away and we met in his office the next day, even though it was Saturday. After a brief discussion of my case, I hired Rick immediately. Rick was honest with what his expectations were with my case and walked me through every step of the process. He was always prompt with responses to all my questions and made me feel very comfortable as a client. He was very attentive to all the details and very compassionate. No judgement at all. I was lucky as Rick had resolved my case before we needed to go to court. He represented me all the way and kept me up to date about all the happenings on the case, papers to be signed, actions to be taken. I only saw Rick once for the initial meeting and the rest was resolved via texts, phone calls and emails. Criminal lawyer is not someone needs every day but should any of my friends need one, I will definitely recommend Rick and Universal Defense. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional, driven, knowledgeable, caring attorney. Do not hesitate to call and speak with Rick about your case. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!

Kimberly

14:46 10 Oct 22

Richard “Rick” is very professional,100% cares about you and your case, has a natural ability to put you at ease while discussing difficult but pertinent information surrounding your sensitive situation. Rick is prompt to reply when questions arise, very organized and efficient, pays impeccable attention to detail.It was quite comforting knowing I felt heard, understood, and guided along the way. Rick was great at keeping me in the loop as the case progressed.Rick has a compassionate, but deliberate delivery.He is Very Respectful with a Refined Courtroom Demeanor.No doubt Rick the guy to call if you find yourself in troubled waters.He will put your mind at ease at the first call, walk you through the rest with Integrity and Care.Rick will make it happen for you, making it seem effortless.Thank you, Rick,Kimberly ~

Meet With a Violent Crime Defense Lawyer in Minnesota Today

If you or a loved one is facing violent crime charges in Minnesota, make sure you act quickly and secure legal representation. At Universal Defense, LLC, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of defense and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Contact our law office today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward proving your innocence.