Duluth Bias Assault Attorney | Fighting § 609.2233 Charges

Fighting a Felony Bias-Motivated Assault Accusation in St. Louis County with a Dedicated Defense Attorney

The moment a police officer puts you in handcuffs, your world shrinks. The future you had planned—your career, your standing in the community, your relationships—suddenly feels like it’s dissolving. When the charge is a felony assault alleged to be motivated by bias, that feeling of freefall intensifies. In a place like Duluth, where reputations are built over a lifetime, an accusation like this doesn’t just whisper; it screams. It’s a charge that carries not only the weight of a potential prison sentence but also the heavy burden of public judgment. You feel the eyes of your neighbors in Proctor, you hear the silence from friends in Two Harbors, and you imagine the conversations happening in Cloquet. The accusation itself feels like a conviction, a brand that separates you from everything you’ve ever known. The state, with its vast resources, has painted you as a hateful person, a violent criminal, and it can feel like you’re standing alone against a tidal wave.

This is not a moment for despair. It is a moment to prepare for a fight. The shock and fear are real, but they are the beginning of the battle, not the end of your life. An accusation is just that—a version of events told by one side. It’s a story the prosecution will try to sell to a judge and jury, a story built from police reports, witness statements, and their interpretation of the law. But it is not the whole story. Your story has not been told yet. The fight ahead is about dismantling the state’s narrative, piece by piece, and building a powerful defense that protects your freedom and your future. It’s about ensuring that the fear and chaos of today do not define your tomorrow. From the moment I take on a case, the mission is singular: to stand as an unwavering shield between my client and the immense power of the government, to challenge every piece of evidence, and to forge a strategic path toward the best possible outcome in the courts of Northern Minnesota.

The Stakes: What a Conviction Truly Costs

A conviction for a felony assault motivated by bias is more than a sentence; it’s a permanent stain that follows you long after any jail time is served or fines are paid. It fundamentally alters the course of your life, closing doors and creating obstacles that can last a lifetime. Understanding these consequences is the first step in understanding why a strategic, aggressive defense is not just an option, but a necessity.

Your Permanent Criminal Record

A felony conviction creates a public and permanent criminal record that is easily accessible to anyone who runs a background check. In communities like Duluth or Bemidji, where people know their neighbors, this isn’t just an abstract consequence. It means landlords, potential employers, and even volunteer organizations will see this conviction and may immediately disqualify you. The “bias-motivated” nature of the offense carries a particularly toxic stigma, leading to assumptions about your character that are nearly impossible to overcome. This record can turn routine life activities, like applying for an apartment or seeking a loan, into exercises in frustration and rejection, forever marking you by your worst moment.

Loss of Second Amendment Rights

Under both Minnesota and federal law, a felony conviction results in the permanent loss of your right to own, possess, or use a firearm. For many residents of Northern Minnesota, this is not a minor consequence. It’s the loss of the ability to hunt, a tradition passed down through generations. It’s the loss of the ability to protect your home and family. Restoring these rights is an uphill, often impossible, legal battle. This isn’t a temporary suspension; it is a lifetime prohibition that strips you of a fundamental constitutional right and a significant part of the cultural fabric of life in areas like St. Louis County.

Barriers to Employment and Housing

Finding stable, meaningful employment becomes exponentially more difficult with a felony on your record. Many companies have blanket policies against hiring individuals with felony convictions, especially for crimes of violence. The bias enhancement adds another layer of difficulty, making employers wary of potential liability and workplace conflict. Similarly, landlords in competitive housing markets like Duluth are often hesitant to rent to someone with a violent felony, viewing it as a significant risk. This can force you into less desirable housing and limit your ability to provide a stable home for your family, creating a cycle of instability that is hard to break.

Impact on Professional Licenses and Reputation

For those who hold professional licenses—nurses, teachers, contractors, commercial drivers—a conviction for felony assault motivated by bias can be a career-ending event. Licensing boards have character and fitness standards that a conviction of this nature almost certainly violates, leading to suspension or permanent revocation of your license. Beyond the official sanctions, the damage to your professional reputation can be irreparable. In the close-knit business communities of Two Harbors or Cloquet, where trust is paramount, the stigma of this specific offense can make it impossible to continue in your chosen field, destroying years of hard work and education.

The Accusation: Understanding the State’s Case

To effectively fight the charge, you first have to understand what the state is trying to prove. This isn’t about accepting their version of events; it’s about dissecting their legal argument so we can tear it down.

What Does the State Allege? Felony Assault Motivated By Bias Explained in Plain English

In simple terms, the state isn’t just accusing you of assault. They are accusing you of committing a specific type of felony assault—First, Second, or Third Degree—and that you did so because of your perception of the other person’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristic. The prosecutor’s job is to prove two distinct things: first, that the underlying assault occurred, and second, that your motivation was rooted in bias. This “motivation” element is the core of the enhancement. They will use your words, your associations, or any other shred of evidence they can find to argue that the alleged assault would not have happened but for your prejudice against the group the alleged victim belongs to or is perceived to belong to.

This is a very high bar for the prosecution. They have to get inside your head and prove your state of mind to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s not enough for them to show that you and the other person were of different races or backgrounds. They must prove that this difference was a substantial reason for the alleged assault. A fight that breaks out in a bar in Duluth might involve people of different backgrounds, but that doesn’t automatically make it a bias crime. My job is to expose the weaknesses in the state’s attempt to prove your thoughts and intentions.

The Law on the Books: Minnesota Statute § 609.2233

The law the state uses to increase the penalties for a felony assault is Minnesota Statute § 609.2233. Its purpose is to punish crimes of violence more severely when they are targeted at individuals based on prejudice. Understanding the exact language of the law is critical to building a defense.

609.2233 FELONY ASSAULT MOTIVATED BY BIAS; INCREASED STATUTORY MAXIMUM SENTENCE.

A person who violates section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223 in whole or in substantial part because of the victim’s or another person’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, or disability as defined in section 363A.03, or because of the victim’s actual or perceived association with another person or group of a certain actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, or disability as defined in section 363A.03, is subject to a statutory maximum penalty of 25 percent longer than the maximum penalty otherwise applicable.

The Prosecution’s Burden: Elements of Felony Assault Motivated by Bias

For the state to convict you, the prosecutor must prove every single one of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail on even one element, their case falls apart, and the result must be an acquittal. It is not your job to prove your innocence; it is the state’s job to prove its case. My entire defensive strategy is built around showing that they cannot meet this heavy burden. From the initial investigation in Duluth to the final arguments in a St. Louis County courtroom, I will attack each element, looking for the weaknesses and reasonable doubt.

An Underlying Felony Assault:The state must first prove that you committed one of the underlying felony assaults: Assault in the First Degree (§ 609.221), Assault in the Second Degree (§ 609.222), or Assault in the Third Degree (§ 609.223). Each of these has its own specific elements, such as causing “great bodily harm,” “substantial bodily harm,” or using a “dangerous weapon.” The defense begins by challenging the assault itself. Were the injuries exaggerated? Was the object truly a dangerous weapon under the law? Was it an accident? By creating doubt about the underlying assault, we can often defeat the entire charge before even addressing the issue of bias.
Bias Motivation:This is the most subjective and often the most difficult element for the prosecution to prove. They must convince a jury that you acted “in whole or in substantial part because of” the alleged victim’s protected status. This requires more than just showing that a slur was used in the heat of an argument. The bias must be a core driver of the action, not an incidental part of a conflict that started for other reasons. I will meticulously examine the context of the entire incident to show that the conflict arose from a dispute over something entirely unrelated—money, a personal insult, or a pre-existing disagreement—and that the state is unfairly trying to inject the issue of bias after the fact.
Actual or Perceived Protected Status:The law covers both the actual and perceived status of the victim. This means the state doesn’t have to prove the alleged victim is actually a member of a protected group, only that you believed they were and acted on that belief. For example, if you mistakenly believed someone was of a certain religion and assaulted them for that reason, the statute still applies. The defense can challenge this by showing there is no evidence you had any perception of the person’s status or that any such perception was completely irrelevant to the events that unfolded.
Causation:The state must draw a direct line between the bias motivation and the assault. It’s not enough that bias and an assault were present at the same time. The bias must be the engine that drove the train. My job is to sever that causal link. I will highlight other, more plausible causes for the incident. Perhaps you were acting in self-defense, defending someone else, or were provoked in a way that had nothing to do with bias. By presenting a counter-narrative grounded in facts, we can show the jury that the state’s theory of causation is speculation, not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Potential Outcome: Penalties for a Felony Assault Motivated by Bias Conviction

The penalties for these charges are severe, and it is my absolute commitment to prevent them from ever being imposed. A conviction under § 609.2233 acts as an “enhancer,” taking an already serious felony and making the potential sentence even longer. The state is not just seeking a conviction; it is seeking to maximize the punishment.

The bias enhancer under § 609.2233 increases the statutory maximum penalty for the underlying assault by 25%.

Assault in the Third Degree (§ 609.223) – Inflicting Substantial Bodily Harm

Standard Maximum Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
With Bias Enhancement: The maximum penalty increases to 6.25 years in prison.

Assault in the Second Degree (§ 609.222) – Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

Standard Maximum Penalty: Up to 7 years in prison and a $14,000 fine (or 10 years and $20,000 if substantial bodily harm is also inflicted).
With Bias Enhancement: The maximum penalty increases to 8.75 years (or 12.5 years).

Assault in the First Degree (§ 609.221) – Inflicting Great Bodily Harm

Standard Maximum Penalty: Up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
With Bias Enhancement: The maximum penalty increases to 25 years in prison.

The Battle Plan: Building Your Strategic Defense

An accusation is the start of a fight, not a foregone conclusion. The prosecution has its theory, but it’s just that—a theory. Now, we build our counter-offensive.

An Accusation is Not a Conviction: The Fight Starts Now

From the moment I am retained, we are no longer reacting to the state; we are forcing the state to react to us. The prosecutor and the police have built a case designed to look as strong as possible on paper. My job is to dismantle it, brick by brick. We will conduct our own investigation, re-interview witnesses, and scrutinize every piece of the state’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, and constitutional violations. We will examine the actions of law enforcement in Duluth or wherever the arrest took place. Was the search legal? Were your rights read to you? Was the evidence handled properly? Every procedural misstep by the state is an opportunity for the defense.

This is not a passive waiting game. It is an aggressive, proactive campaign to expose the reasonable doubt that is inherent in almost every criminal case. The prosecutor in St. Louis County has the burden of proof, and we will make them feel the full weight of that burden. We will challenge their narrative at every turn, reminding the court that the police report is just one side of the story. We will file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence and statements. We will prepare to tell your story, to explain the context that the state has conveniently ignored, and to show the judge or jury who you are, not who the prosecution wants them to believe you are.

How a Felony Assault Motivated by Bias Charge Can Be Challenged in Court

Every case is unique, but the legal principles of a strong defense are constant. We will explore every available avenue to challenge the state’s case, tailoring the strategy to the specific facts of your situation.

Challenging the “Bias” Element

The core of the enhancement is the alleged motivation. This is often the state’s weakest point, as proving what someone was thinking is incredibly difficult. We will attack this element head-on.

Alternative Motivation: We will work to prove that the incident was not about bias, but about something else entirely. Was there a financial dispute? A long-standing personal conflict? Was the confrontation initiated by the other party over a non-bias issue? By presenting a compelling, alternative reason for the altercation, we can show that the state’s focus on bias is a misinterpretation of the facts.
Words Taken Out of Context: The prosecution will often seize upon a single word or phrase uttered in the heat of an argument. We will fight to put those words back into their proper context. Was the language part of a larger, chaotic argument where both sides exchanged insults? Was it a misunderstanding? We will demonstrate that the state is attempting to build a felony case on a foundation of ambiguous statements made under stress.
No Prior History of Bias: While not a legal defense in itself, showing a jury that you have no history of racist or biased behavior can be powerful. We will gather evidence of your character, your relationships with people from all walks of life, and your standing in the community in places like Proctor or Two Harbors to paint a picture that directly contradicts the prosecutor’s caricature of you.

Arguing Self-Defense or Defense of Others

Even if an altercation occurred, your actions may have been legally justified. Minnesota law allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself or another person from imminent bodily harm.

Imminent Threat: We will analyze the situation from your perspective at that moment. Did the other person make a threat? Did they display a weapon? Did their actions lead you to reasonably believe you were in immediate danger? We will present evidence to show that you were reacting to a credible threat, not acting as an aggressor.
Proportional Force: The force you use must be reasonable in relation to the threat you faced. The prosecution will try to portray your actions as excessive. We will counter this by detailing the threat level and showing that your response was a necessary and proportional act of self-preservation. For instance, if you were confronted by multiple people in a dark alley in Duluth, your perception of the threat is very different than a verbal disagreement in a crowded place.
No Duty to Retreat in Your Home: Minnesota’s “Castle Doctrine” states that you have no duty to retreat from an attacker in your own home. If the incident occurred in your house, this is a powerful legal shield. We will establish the boundaries of your home and argue that you had the right to stand your ground and defend yourself.

Discrediting the Underlying Assault Allegation

The bias enhancement cannot exist without a valid underlying felony assault. By defeating the primary charge, the entire case collapses.

Challenging the Level of Injury: The distinction between “bodily harm,” “substantial bodily harm,” and “great bodily harm” is critical. The state often exaggerates the severity of injuries. We will use medical records, expert testimony, and photographs to argue that the alleged injuries do not meet the high legal standard required for a felony charge of Assault in the First or Third Degree.
Contesting the “Dangerous Weapon” Element: For a Second-Degree Assault charge, the state must prove a “dangerous weapon” was used. The legal definition is broad, and prosecutors often try to classify ordinary objects as dangerous weapons. We will argue that the object in question was not used in a manner likely to produce death or great bodily harm, challenging the state’s characterization and seeking to dismantle a key element of their case.
Lack of Intent: Assault is an intentional tort. If your actions were accidental, you are not guilty of assault. We will investigate the circumstances to determine if the contact was unintentional—a trip, a fall, or an inadvertent collision during a chaotic situation. Proving a lack of intent negates the core requirement of the assault statute.

Constitutional and Procedural Violations

The rights guaranteed by the Constitution are not optional suggestions for the police. They are mandates. Any violation of your rights can lead to the suppression of evidence or even the dismissal of the case.

Illegal Search and Seizure: Did the police search your person, car, or home without a warrant or probable cause? Any evidence found as a result of an illegal search is “fruit of the poisonous tree” and must be excluded from court. This could include alleged weapons, clothing, or other physical evidence the state is relying on.
Miranda Rights Violations: If you were in custody and interrogated without being read your Miranda rights, any statements you made can be suppressed. The police in Bemidji or any other jurisdiction are required to follow these rules. We will scrutinize the timeline of your arrest and interrogation to identify any failures to inform you of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
Chain of Custody Errors: The state must be able to account for every piece of evidence from the moment it was collected until the moment it is presented in court. Any break in this chain of custody raises questions about the integrity of the evidence. We will examine the evidence logs and procedures to uncover any mishandling that could render the evidence unreliable and inadmissible.

Defense in Action: Scenarios in Northern Minnesota

These legal strategies are not abstract theories. They are practical tools used to win cases for real people in our communities.

The Bar Fight in Bemidji

A man is at a crowded bar in Bemidji when a verbal argument breaks out with another patron over a spilled drink. The argument escalates, and a shove turns into a fight. The other person is of a different race, and during the scuffle, my client, who is being overwhelmed, shouts a slur out of anger and fear. He is charged with Third-Degree Assault Motivated by Bias after the other man suffers a broken nose.

In this scenario, the defense strategy would be twofold. First, we argue self-defense, presenting evidence that the other individual was the initial aggressor and that my client was defending himself from an attack. Second, we directly attack the bias element. The motivation for the fight was a spilled drink and a physical escalation, not race. The slur, while inappropriate, was yelled during a chaotic, frightening moment and was not the reason for the fight. We show the jury this was a standard altercation that the state is trying to overcharge.

The Neighborhood Dispute in Cloquet

Two neighbors in Cloquet have a long-running dispute over their property line. One neighbor is part of a same-sex couple. After months of simmering tension, a heated argument erupts, and one neighbor pushes the other, who falls and sprains their wrist. The accused is charged with Felony Assault Motivated by Bias, with the state claiming the assault was driven by homophobia.

Here, the defense is built around proving alternative motivation. We would document the extensive history of the property line dispute through emails, text messages, and testimony from other neighbors. We establish that the conflict’s root is a civil disagreement, not bias against the victim’s sexual orientation. The push, while legally an assault, was the unfortunate culmination of a long-standing, non-bias-related conflict. We would fight to have the bias enhancer dismissed and negotiate the underlying assault down to a lesser charge.

The Misunderstanding in Two Harbors

A tourist visiting Two Harbors gets into a verbal altercation with a local resident over a parking spot. The tourist is of Middle Eastern descent. The local resident, feeling threatened and believing the tourist is reaching for something, pushes him away. The tourist trips over a curb and fractures his arm. During the 911 call, a witness who only saw the end of the event mentions that the local resident made a comment about the man’s perceived ethnicity.

The defense would focus on a combination of self-defense and challenging the perception of bias. We would argue that my client reasonably believed he was in imminent danger and acted to create space, not to cause harm. We would then attack the flimsy evidence for the bias element. A single, second-hand comment from a witness who missed the beginning of the confrontation is not enough to prove motivation beyond a reasonable doubt. We would highlight the true cause: a tense, escalating situation over a trivial matter that had nothing to do with race or national origin.

The Confrontation in Proctor

A homeowner in Proctor confronts a group of teenagers he believes have been vandalizing his property. One of the teenagers is a person with a visible disability. The homeowner grabs one of the teenagers by the arm to prevent him from running away, leaving a bruise. The state charges him with Felony Assault Motivated by Bias, arguing he targeted the teen due to his disability.

The defense would center on challenging the intent and the bias motivation. The homeowner’s intent was to stop a perceived crime in progress and identify the individuals he believed were responsible for the vandalism, not to assault someone based on a disability. We would present evidence of the prior vandalism to establish the context for the confrontation. The fact that one teenager had a disability is incidental, not causal. The homeowner’s actions were directed at the entire group for their conduct, making the state’s claim of bias-motivation completely unfounded.

The Advocate: Why a Dedicated Duluth Defense Attorney is Essential

When you are facing the power of the state, you cannot afford to stand alone. You need an advocate who is not just familiar with the law, but who is prepared to wage a relentless fight on your behalf.

Countering the Resources of the State

The prosecution has the full backing of the government. They have police investigators, crime labs, and a budget funded by taxpayers. To level the playing field, you need a defense attorney who will commit equal, if not greater, resources to your case. This means conducting a separate and thorough investigation, hiring private investigators when necessary, consulting with forensic experts to challenge the state’s evidence, and dedicating the time and energy required to know your case better than the prosecutor does. I bring that level of commitment to every client, ensuring that no stone is left unturned and no angle is overlooked. We will not be outworked or out-prepared.

Strategic Command of the St. Louis County Courts

Knowing the law is only half the battle. Knowing the landscape is the other half. Every courthouse, judge, and prosecutor’s office has its own tendencies and unwritten rules. I have spent my career in the courtrooms of Northern Minnesota, including the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. I understand the players and the process. This familiarity allows me to build a strategy that is not just legally sound, but also tailored to the specific environment where your case will be heard. It allows for credible negotiations with prosecutors I have faced before and provides invaluable insight when selecting a jury. This local command is a strategic advantage that can make all the difference.

Fighting for Your Story, Not Just the Police Report

The police report is a one-sided document written to justify an arrest. It is the state’s version of events, and it almost always leaves out crucial context and mitigating facts. My role is to be your storyteller, to present your side of the story with clarity, conviction, and humanity. I will spend the time to understand who you are, what happened from your perspective, and the circumstances that led to the accusation. A jury needs to see you as a person, not as the caricature the prosecution wants to create. I will ensure that your voice is heard and that your story becomes the lens through which all evidence is viewed.

An Unwavering Commitment to a Winning Result

From the first phone call to the final verdict, my focus is on one thing: achieving the best possible outcome for you. For some clients, a win means a full acquittal at trial. For others, it might be getting the bias enhancement thrown out and the felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, protecting your future and your rights. I will give you a clear and honest assessment of your case and the road ahead. I am not here to make false promises; I am here to make a commitment. A commitment to fight for you with everything I have, to challenge the state at every step, and to never stop working until we have secured a result that allows you to move forward with your life.

Your Questions Answered

Can I really go to prison for a bias-motivated assault?Yes. Because this charge is attached to an underlying felony assault, a prison sentence is a very real possibility. The bias enhancement increases the maximum potential prison time by 25%, making an aggressive defense absolutely critical to protecting your freedom.
What if I didn’t mean to hurt anyone?Lack of intent to cause the specific level of harm can be a powerful defense. For example, if you pushed someone and they fell awkwardly, breaking a bone, we can argue that while you intended to push, you did not intend to cause “substantial bodily harm,” which could defeat a Third-Degree Assault charge.
The police didn’t read me my rights. Can my case be dismissed?If you were subjected to a “custodial interrogation” (meaning you were not free to leave and they were asking you incriminating questions) without a Miranda warning, any statements you made can be suppressed. While this doesn’t always lead to a full dismissal, it can cripple the prosecution’s case by taking away key evidence.
What is the difference between this and a “hate crime”?Minnesota Statute § 609.2233 is how Minnesota law enhances penalties for felony assaults that are motivated by bias. It functions as the state’s primary tool for prosecuting what are commonly referred to as “hate crimes” when they involve felony-level assault, subjecting the offender to a longer maximum sentence.
Will this charge show up on a background check before I’m even convicted?Yes. From the moment you are charged, the case is a public record. An arrest and pending felony charge will appear on most comprehensive background checks, which can impact your job and housing even before the case is resolved. This is why it’s crucial to act quickly to get the best defense possible.
What if the “victim” started the fight?If the other person was the initial aggressor, you may have a strong self-defense claim. Minnesota law allows you to use reasonable force to defend yourself against an attack. Proving that the other party started the confrontation is a cornerstone of a successful self-defense strategy.
I have a professional license. Should I report this charge?You need to consult the rules of your specific licensing board immediately. Many boards require self-reporting of felony charges. An attorney can help you understand your obligations and craft a disclosure that protects your rights and your license as much as possible.
Can we plea bargain to a lesser charge without the bias element?Absolutely. A primary goal in many of these cases is to negotiate with the prosecutor to have the bias enhancer dropped and, if possible, have the underlying felony reduced to a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor. This often depends on the strength of the evidence and the skill of your attorney.
The only evidence of bias is my own words. Can they use that against me?Yes, your own statements can be powerful evidence for the prosecution. However, context is everything. An experienced defense attorney can argue that words spoken in anger, fear, or intoxication do not reflect a genuine bias motivation sufficient to prove the enhancement beyond a reasonable doubt.
How do you find evidence to prove my side of the story?My defense investigation is independent of the police. We will canvass for surveillance video from nearby businesses, identify and interview defense witnesses the police may have ignored, and use tools like social media and cellphone records to establish a timeline and context that supports your defense.
Will my case definitely go to trial?Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through pre-trial negotiations, resulting in dismissed or reduced charges. However, I prepare every single case as if it is going to trial. This meticulous preparation puts us in the strongest possible position to negotiate and shows the prosecutor we are ready for a fight.
What if I was defending my friend, not myself?The law of “defense of others” is very similar to self-defense. If you reasonably believed your friend was in imminent danger of bodily harm, you were justified in using reasonable force to protect them.
How much does a strong defense for a charge like this cost?The cost will vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. However, you must weigh this against the devastating lifelong costs of a felony conviction. I offer a clear fee structure and will discuss the financial commitment in detail during our initial consultation.
The alleged victim has a history of violence. Can we use that?In some circumstances, yes. If you are claiming self-defense, the alleged victim’s prior history of violence can be admissible to show that your fear of them was reasonable. This is a complex area of evidence law that requires a skilled attorney to navigate successfully.
Is it too late to hire an attorney if I’ve already talked to the police?No, it is never too late. While it is always best to have an attorney before speaking with law enforcement, the fight is far from over. An attorney can work to mitigate any damage done and immediately begin building your defense and protecting your rights going forward.