Fighting an Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree Accusation in St. Louis County with a Dedicated Defense Attorney
The moment you are blindsided by an accusation of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree, your entire world is thrown into a tailspin. This isn’t just a legal charge; it’s a devastating personal assault that rips apart your life in Duluth, St. Louis County, or any of the close-knit communities like Proctor or Two Harbors. The shock is immediate, the fear paralyzing. You envision the whispers, the judgment, the irreparable damage to your reputation in a town where everyone knows everyone. Your job, your standing in the community, and the very fabric of your family life are suddenly under an existential threat. The state, with its boundless resources and its absolute determination, has set its sights on you, and the weight of their accusation can feel like an inescapable prison even before a verdict. This is the moment your life is on the line, and you need to see a path through the chaos, a path forged by unyielding strength and strategic brilliance.
This accusation is the beginning of the most brutal fight of your life, not the end of it. The state’s narrative, no matter how carefully constructed, is not the full story, and it certainly isn’t the truth of your experience. The fears gnawing at you – the prospect of years in prison, the destruction of your good name in places like Cloquet or Bemidji, and the agonizing thought of the impact on your loved ones – are valid. But you are not alone in this fight. A dedicated criminal defense attorney understands the immense power arrayed against you and knows that an accusation is merely the state’s opening move. Your path forward requires an aggressive, strategic counter-offensive, built on a foundation of unwavering commitment to your defense, designed to challenge every piece of evidence, every witness, and every assertion the prosecution dares to make.
The Stakes: What a Conviction Truly Costs
Your Permanent Criminal Record
A conviction for Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree will brand you with a permanent criminal record that is unlike any other. This is not simply an entry on a background check; it is an indelible mark that will define every aspect of your future. Imagine the impact of this felony conviction on every job application, every housing inquiry, and every attempt to reintegrate into society. Employers in Duluth and across St. Louis County are incredibly hesitant to hire individuals with such a severe record, effectively closing countless professional doors. Landlords will reject your applications, and your ability to secure a safe and stable home will be severely compromised. This record creates an insurmountable barrier, forcing you to perpetually carry the stigma of the crime, impacting not just your professional life but your social interactions and personal relationships. The shame, isolation, and constant judgment associated with such a profound conviction will be a lifelong burden, making it incredibly difficult to rebuild any semblance of a normal life. This is not just a mark; it is a permanent shadow that will follow you everywhere.
Loss of Second Amendment Rights
A conviction for Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree is a felony offense, and a direct consequence of any felony conviction in Minnesota is the permanent and absolute forfeiture of your Second Amendment rights. For many in Northern Minnesota, from the outdoorsmen of Bemidji to the rural residents of Two Harbors, the right to own firearms is deeply ingrained in their lifestyle, whether for hunting, sport shooting, or personal and home defense. This isn’t just about recreational activities; it’s about a deeply held constitutional freedom. A conviction means you will never again legally possess a firearm, ammunition, or even certain accessories. This prohibition is unyielding and lasts for the remainder of your life. The loss of this fundamental right can be profoundly unsettling, altering your connection to the land and your sense of security. It’s a freedom that, once taken, cannot be restored, impacting a core aspect of identity for many individuals in this region.
Barriers to Employment and Housing
The repercussions of an Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree conviction extend deeply into your ability to secure both employment and housing, creating formidable obstacles to rebuilding your life. In a community like Cloquet or Proctor, where reputations are tightly held, a felony conviction of this magnitude will be an immediate and often insurmountable barrier. Many industries, particularly those requiring trust or public interaction, have strict policies against hiring individuals with such severe criminal records. Your professional life, which you may have spent years cultivating, could be utterly destroyed. Similarly, finding stable and decent housing will become an immense challenge. Landlords in St. Louis County routinely conduct background checks, and a felony conviction for assault can result in rejection. This can force individuals into precarious living situations, or even homelessness, adding significant stress and instability to an already shattered existence. The struggle to find meaningful work and a secure place to live will perpetuate a cycle of hardship, making it extraordinarily difficult to regain any sense of normalcy or self-sufficiency after a conviction.
Impact on Professional Licenses and Reputation
For those who hold professional licenses – whether as a doctor, nurse, teacher, engineer, or any other certified professional – a conviction for Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree is an immediate and catastrophic threat to your career. Licensing boards across Minnesota have a mandate to protect the public, and a conviction of this nature is universally viewed as grounds for swift and severe disciplinary action, including permanent suspension or revocation of your license. The career you have dedicated years, perhaps decades, to building could be instantly and irrevocably terminated. Beyond the formal loss of your license, your reputation within your profession and the wider community will be severely and permanently damaged. In smaller communities like Two Harbors or Bemidji, where personal and professional identities are closely intertwined, such a charge can lead to immediate ostracization, the loss of clients or patients, and an enduring stain on your good name. The trust you worked so hard to build will be shattered, making it virtually impossible to continue in your chosen field or to regain the respect you once commanded. This blow to your professional standing and personal reputation can be one of the most agonizing and permanent consequences of a conviction.
The Accusation: Understanding the State’s Case
What Does the State Allege? Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree Explained in Plain English
When the state charges someone with Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree, they are alleging a profoundly serious act: that you assaulted a pregnant woman and, as a direct result, inflicted “great bodily harm” on her unborn child, and that child was subsequently born alive. This is not about the mother’s injuries, but specifically about the severe harm caused to the fetus. The law aims to protect unborn life from intentional or reckless acts of violence by individuals other than the pregnant woman herself.
The prosecution will focus on proving two critical aspects: first, that an assault occurred against a pregnant woman, and second, that this assault directly caused “great bodily harm” to the unborn child, who was then born alive. “Great bodily harm” is a legal term signifying severe injury, such as a high probability of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or permanent or protracted loss or impairment of a body part. In Duluth, or anywhere in St. Louis County, the state will present medical evidence, witness testimony, and other forensic details to establish the assault, the resulting severe injury to the unborn child, and that the child survived birth.
The Law on the Books: Minnesota Statute 609.267 ASSAULT OF UNBORN CHILD IN THE FIRST DEGREE
Minnesota Statute 609.267 specifically defines Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree. Its purpose is to provide legal protection to unborn children who are victims of assaults against their mothers, when those assaults result in severe harm to the fetus and the child is subsequently born alive. This statute emphasizes the gravity of inflicting serious injury upon an unborn child.
609.267 ASSAULT OF UNBORN CHILD IN THE FIRST DEGREE.
Whoever assaults a pregnant woman and inflicts great bodily harm on an unborn child who is subsequently born alive may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 15 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $30,000, or both.
History: 1986 c 388 s 11; 1989 c 290 art 6 s 14
The Prosecution’s Burden: Elements of Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree
In any criminal trial, especially one as grave as Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree, the prosecution bears the enormous burden of proving every single element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This is not a slight burden; it is the highest legal standard in our justice system. If the state, through all its resources and efforts, fails to present sufficient evidence to prove even one of these elements to the satisfaction of a jury, then their entire case against you collapses. This is why a vigorous, meticulous defense is so crucial. A dedicated defense attorney will scrutinize every piece of the state’s evidence, seeking to expose its weaknesses, inconsistencies, and any failures to meet this demanding legal threshold.
- That the accused assaulted a pregnant woman: The prosecution must first prove that you committed an assault against an individual who was, at the time of the assault, pregnant. This involves proving the elements of a basic assault, such as intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm, or committing an act with intent to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death. The state must also present evidence, often medical, confirming the victim’s pregnancy at the time of the alleged incident. Your defense will challenge the nature of the alleged assault itself, or the evidence of pregnancy at that precise moment.
- That the assault inflicted “great bodily harm” on an unborn child: This is a central and critical element. The prosecution must prove that the assault you allegedly committed caused “great bodily harm” to the unborn child. Minnesota law defines “great bodily harm” as bodily injury that creates a high probability of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or causes permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.1 This will heavily rely on medical and forensic evidence, demonstrating the severe nature of the injury to the fetus. Your defense attorney will scrutinize all medical reports and expert testimony to challenge whether the injury truly meets the definition of “great bodily harm.”
- That the unborn child was subsequently born alive: This element is a unique and explicit requirement for this specific charge. The prosecution must prove that despite the “great bodily harm” inflicted, the unborn child was delivered and exhibited signs of life after birth. This means the child must have been born alive, even if they only survived for a brief period. If the child was stillborn, or died before birth, this specific charge of Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree would not apply (though other charges, like murder of an unborn child, might). Medical records of the birth and the child’s post-birth condition will be crucial. Your defense will rigorously examine these records to ensure this element is unequivocally met.
The Potential Outcome: Penalties for an Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree Conviction
A conviction for Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree in Minnesota carries incredibly severe penalties, reflecting the gravity with which the state views crimes against unborn life. This is a major felony that can lead to a significant portion of your life spent incarcerated and substantial financial penalties. A conviction for this offense means you may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 15 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $30,000, or both. This is a substantial period of time, representing a potential loss of up to a decade and a half of your freedom, your ability to work, to be with your family, and to live a normal life in Duluth, St. Louis County, or anywhere else. The exact sentence, if convicted, will depend on various factors, including your criminal history, the specific circumstances of the offense, and the discretion of the court. However, the potential for 15 years behind bars, or a hefty fine, underscores the critical and urgent need for an aggressive, unwavering defense from the moment you are accused. This is a fight to preserve your future.
The Battle Plan: Building Your Strategic Defense
An Accusation is Not a Conviction: The Fight Starts Now
The shock of being accused of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree can be overwhelming, making you feel as though your life is already over, that your future is sealed. The immense weight of such a charge, the immediate public scrutiny, and the vast resources of the state can make you feel utterly defenseless. But let me be absolutely unequivocal: an accusation is not a conviction. It is merely the opening salvo in what will be the most crucial battle for your freedom and your future, and it is at this precise moment that your fight must begin. You are not just another defendant to be processed by an impersonal system; you are an individual facing a grave injustice, and your defense will be a proactive, strategic counter-offensive designed to dismantle the state’s case piece by piece, from its very foundations.
This is not a time for passive acceptance or quiet despair; it is a declaration that you will fight for your life. Your defense will not be built on mere hope, but on a meticulous, aggressive challenge to every single assertion the prosecution makes. The state may command seemingly limitless resources, but they also bear the heaviest burden in our legal system: the burden of proving every single element of this severe crime beyond a reasonable doubt. My role is to rigorously test and expose the weaknesses in their evidence, to challenge the credibility of their witnesses, and to ensure that your side of the story, the truth, is not only heard but compellingly and powerfully presented. From the moment I step into this fight with you, the focus shifts entirely from the state’s narrative of accusation to a relentless, strategic defense designed to protect your freedom and restore your future.
How an Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree Charge Can Be Challenged in Court
Defending against a charge of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree requires a precise and aggressive strategy, focusing on the unique elements of this crime. This means challenging the assault itself, the causation of “great bodily harm,” and the critical requirement that the child was born alive. A dedicated defense attorney will explore every possible legal and factual avenue to create reasonable doubt and undermine the prosecution’s case.
Challenging the Nature of the Assault
The prosecution must prove that an assault, as defined by law, occurred against the pregnant woman. This can be challenged on multiple fronts.
- Lack of Intent/Accidental Contact: The defense can argue that any physical contact was accidental, unintentional, or occurred without the intent to cause fear or bodily harm. For example, if there was a mutual struggle, a fall, or an unforeseen event where contact was made without the requisite criminal intent for assault, the state cannot meet this element. This would involve presenting evidence that your actions were not an assault.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If the alleged assault occurred while you were reasonably defending yourself or another person from imminent harm, it could be a justifiable use of force. The defense would need to demonstrate that the force used was necessary and proportionate to the perceived threat, and that your actions were not an unlawful assault but a defensive measure.
Disputing “Great Bodily Harm” to the Unborn Child
The prosecution must prove that the unborn child suffered “great bodily harm,” which is a specific legal definition requiring severe injury.
- Insufficient Harm: The defense can argue that while some harm may have occurred, it did not rise to the level of “great bodily harm” as defined by Minnesota statute. This requires a thorough review of all medical records and potentially independent medical evaluations to demonstrate that the injury, while regrettable, was not life-threatening, permanently disfiguring, or causing protracted loss or impairment of an organ.
- Pre-existing Conditions or Alternative Causes of Harm: Your attorney will investigate whether the unborn child had any pre-existing medical conditions or vulnerabilities that could have contributed to the harm, or if other factors entirely unrelated to your alleged actions caused the severe injury. This aims to create reasonable doubt about whether your actions were the direct cause of “great bodily harm.”
Challenging Causation of Harm
Even if an assault occurred, the state must directly link that assault to the “great bodily harm” inflicted on the unborn child.
- Lack of Direct Causation: The defense can argue that there was no direct causal link between the alleged assault and the specific “great bodily harm” to the unborn child. This might involve highlighting intervening events, medical complications, or other factors that could have caused the harm independently of the alleged assault, thereby breaking the chain of causation.
- Unforeseeability of Harm: While not always a complete defense, arguing that the severe harm to the unborn child was not a foreseeable consequence of the alleged assault can sometimes mitigate the severity of the charge or create doubt regarding the directness of the causation.
Disproving “Born Alive” Requirement
This is a unique and non-negotiable element of this specific statute.
- Stillbirth or Pre-Birth Death: The defense would meticulously examine all medical records and potentially call medical experts to confirm if the unborn child was, in fact, born alive. If the child was stillborn, or died before birth, then the critical “subsequently born alive” element of this specific charge cannot be met, regardless of the severity of the harm inflicted prior to birth. This would not necessarily negate other potential charges, but it would dismantle the case for Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree.
Defense in Action: Scenarios in Northern Minnesota
Bemidji: Challenging the “Great Bodily Harm” Definition
In Bemidji, a man is accused of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree after a physical altercation with his pregnant ex-partner. She alleges he shoved her, causing her to fall and resulting in the unborn child being born with a significant but non-life-threatening birth defect. The state contends this defect constitutes “great bodily harm.”
The defense would focus on Disputing “Great Bodily Harm” to the Unborn Child. An attorney would argue, with expert medical testimony, that while the birth defect is regrettable, it does not meet the strict legal definition of “great bodily harm.” This would involve demonstrating that the defect does not create a high probability of death, cause serious permanent disfigurement (as per legal definitions), or lead to a protracted loss or impairment of a major organ. The argument would be that the injury, while present, does not rise to the severe threshold required for this specific charge.
Cloquet: Arguing Lack of Direct Causation in a Fall
In Cloquet, a man is charged with Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree after an argument with his pregnant sister led to her tripping over a rug and falling, resulting in severe internal bleeding to the unborn child who was subsequently born alive with permanent organ damage. The state asserts his aggressive yelling and movement directly caused the fall.
Here, the defense would focus on Challenging Causation of Harm. The attorney would argue that while the argument may have been intense, the fall was an independent, accidental event caused by the rug, and not a direct, physical act of assault by the defendant. Evidence would include the layout of the room, the nature of the fall, and witness testimony that the defendant did not physically touch or push the sister. The goal is to break the direct causal link between the alleged “assault” (which might be disputed as simple argument) and the “great bodily harm” to the unborn child.
Two Harbors: Disproving the “Born Alive” Requirement
In Two Harbors, a man is accused of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree after he punched a pregnant woman in the abdomen during a dispute, leading to severe fetal distress. Despite medical intervention, the unborn child was delivered stillborn. The state still seeks to prosecute under this statute due to the severe injuries.
This scenario is a prime case for Disproving the “Born Alive” Requirement. The defense attorney would meticulously review all medical records, including delivery reports and post-delivery examinations, and potentially consult with a neonatologist or pathologist. If the evidence conclusively shows that the child was stillborn and exhibited no signs of life after delivery, then the critical element of “subsequently born alive” cannot be met. While other charges might apply (such as murder of an unborn child if death occurred pre-birth), this specific first-degree assault charge would be inapplicable, leading to a dismissal of this particular count.
Duluth: Demonstrating Self-Defense Against an Aggressor
In Duluth, a man is charged with Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree after he allegedly struck a pregnant woman who was actively assaulting him first. He claims he was simply trying to defend himself, and her injuries, and the subsequent harm to the unborn child, were an unforeseen consequence of his necessary defensive actions. The state dismisses his claim, focusing on the harm caused.
Here, the defense would assert Self-Defense or Defense of Others by Challenging the Nature of the Assault. The attorney would present evidence that the pregnant woman was the initial aggressor, detailing her actions and the threat she posed. Witness testimony, security footage, or even physical evidence of the man’s own injuries would be used to demonstrate that his use of force was reasonable and necessary to protect himself from immediate bodily harm. The argument would be that his actions were not an unlawful “assault” but a justified act of self-preservation, despite the tragic outcome for the unborn child.
The Advocate: Why a Dedicated Duluth Defense Attorney is Essential
Countering the Resources of the State
When you are accused of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree, you are not simply facing an individual prosecutor; you are confronting the entire, formidable machinery of the State of Minnesota. This encompasses highly skilled detectives, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and a district attorney’s office in St. Louis County with virtually unlimited budgets, staffing, and legal power. They can conduct extensive investigations, compel testimony, access vast databases, and deploy cutting-edge technology to build what they believe is an unassailable case against you. Their singular objective is to secure a conviction, and they will use every resource at their disposal to achieve it. Trying to navigate this labyrinthine system alone is not merely difficult; it is a profound disadvantage. A dedicated criminal defense attorney steps into this overwhelming imbalance of power as your essential counterweight. This attorney understands the strategies and tactics of the prosecution, knows how to access critical defense resources, and is prepared to challenge every aspect of the state’s evidence, ensuring that the full force of their resources is met with an equally determined and strategic defense, protecting your rights in Duluth and beyond.
Strategic Command of the St. Louis County Courts
Navigating the intricate and often unforgiving landscape of the St. Louis County court system, or any court in Northern Minnesota, requires far more than just a surface-level understanding of the law. It demands strategic command, a deep familiarity with the unwritten rules, the specific preferences of individual judges, and the tactics employed by local prosecutors. The rules of criminal procedure are complex, the evidentiary standards are exceptionally strict, and a single misstep can have catastrophic consequences for your case. From the initial arraignment and bail hearings to discovery, motions, plea negotiations, and ultimately, a potential trial, each stage presents unique challenges and critical decision points. Only an attorney intimately familiar with the local legal landscape can effectively manage these complexities. A dedicated defense attorney understands the nuances of the St. Louis County courts, knows the local prosecutors and judges, and can anticipate their moves. This invaluable local knowledge allows the attorney to strategically file motions, negotiate effectively, and present your case in a way that maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome, whether you are in a courtroom in Duluth, Cloquet, or facing charges originating from Proctor or Two Harbors.
Fighting for Your Story, Not Just the Police Report
When an accusation of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree is made, the initial narrative is almost always shaped by the police report. This document, however, is frequently a one-sided account, reflecting only what law enforcement observed or chose to include, often influenced by the accusers and their own investigative biases. This police report is emphatically not the full story, and more importantly, it is not your story. The state will build its entire case upon this foundational document, frequently overlooking or minimizing crucial details that are vital to your defense. My unwavering role is to fight relentlessly for your complete story to be heard and understood. This means digging far deeper than the superficial accounts in the police report, conducting an independent and thorough investigation, interviewing witnesses the police may have overlooked or dismissed, unearthing critical evidence that supports your version of events, and meticulously scrutinizing every detail within the police report for inaccuracies, omissions, or inconsistencies. I will aggressively challenge the state’s biased narrative, expose its weaknesses, and ensure that your perspective, your true motivations, and the full context of the situation are powerfully and credibly presented to the court and, if necessary, to a jury in St. Louis County.
An Unwavering Commitment to a Winning Result
Facing an accusation of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree in Northern Minnesota is a monumental fight for your life, and it demands nothing less than an absolute, unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome. This is not about merely going through the motions, accepting the path of least resistance, or seeking a convenient plea deal for the state. It is about a relentless, fierce pursuit of justice, whether that means securing a full acquittal at trial, achieving a complete dismissal of the charges against you, or negotiating for a significantly reduced charge that mitigates the catastrophic, lifelong impact on your freedom and future. My commitment is exclusively to you, my client, and that translates into fighting tirelessly at every single turn. It means meticulously preparing every facet of your defense, exhaustively exploring every legal avenue, strategically challenging every piece of evidence presented by the prosecution, and standing firm and resolute against the immense pressure they will undoubtedly exert. From the very moment I undertake your case, my sole focus is on protecting your freedom, your future, and your life, employing every strategic and legal tool available to achieve a winning result, no matter how daunting or complex the challenge may be.
Your Questions Answered
What should I do immediately if charged with Assault of Unborn Child in the First Degree?
The most important step is to remain silent. Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone about the accusations without your attorney present. Immediately contact a criminal defense attorney in Duluth to protect your rights.
What are the maximum penalties for this crime?
A conviction for Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree can result in imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to $30,000, or both. These are severe felony penalties.
What does “great bodily harm” mean in this context?
“Great bodily harm” means bodily injury that creates a high probability of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or causes2 permanent or protracted loss or impairment of3 any bodily member or organ. It’s a very high threshold for injury.
What if the unborn child was not born alive?
If the unborn child was not born alive (i.e., was stillborn or died before birth), you cannot be convicted of Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree under this specific statute. Other charges, such as murder of an unborn child, might apply depending on the circumstances.
Can I get bail for this felony charge in St. Louis County?
Bail for a charge of this severity in St. Louis County is often set at a high amount, or may be denied depending on the circumstances and your criminal history. Your attorney will advocate for the lowest possible bail.
What is the difference between this and “Assault of Unborn Child in the Second Degree”?
The key difference is the level of harm inflicted. First-degree requires “great bodily harm,” while second-degree requires “substantial bodily harm,” a less severe, though still significant, level of injury.
What role do medical records play in these cases?
Medical records are absolutely critical. They are used to prove the pregnancy, the extent of the unborn child’s injuries, and whether the child was born alive. Your attorney will meticulously examine all medical documentation.
Can self-defense be a valid argument?
Yes, if you were acting in reasonable self-defense or defense of another person when the alleged assault occurred, it could be a valid defense. Your attorney would need to prove that your use of force was justified and proportionate to the threat.
How long does a case like this typically take to resolve?
Cases involving serious felonies like Assault of an Unborn Child in the First Degree can be lengthy, often taking many months or over a year to resolve due to the complex investigations, expert testimony, and legal procedures involved.
Will this charge affect my ability to see my other children?
An accusation or conviction for this crime can severely impact your parental rights and ability to see your children, especially if the alleged victim is their mother or if child protective services become involved.
Can the charges be dropped or dismissed?
While challenging due to the serious nature, charges can be dropped or dismissed if your attorney successfully challenges the prosecution’s evidence, proves the absence of a key element (like “born alive” or “great bodily harm”), or demonstrates constitutional violations.
What if I was unaware the woman was pregnant?
Your awareness of the pregnancy is a crucial factor. If you were genuinely unaware, it could impact the prosecution’s ability to prove the intent required for assault, or to link your actions to harm to an “unborn child.” Your attorney will investigate this.
How are the child’s injuries determined to be “great bodily harm”?
“Great bodily harm” is determined by medical professionals and experts who assess the severity, permanency, and life-threatening nature of the injuries to the unborn child, aligning their findings with Minnesota’s legal definition.
Is it common for these cases to go to trial?
Many serious felony cases eventually resolve through plea agreements. However, if the prosecution’s case is weak or if a favorable plea cannot be reached, a trial becomes the necessary path to fight for an acquittal.
What kind of attorney do I need for this charge?
You need a dedicated and aggressive criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling serious violent felony charges in Minnesota, especially those involving complex medical evidence and specific statutory elements.