Fighting a Criminal Sexual Conduct Accusation in St. Louis County with a Dedicated Defense Attorney
The moment a police officer from Duluth or a detective from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office contacts you, your world fractures. An accusation of criminal sexual conduct is more than a legal problem; it’s a personal cataclysm. Suddenly, the life you’ve built in Northern Minnesota feels like it’s built on a frozen lake in April—solid one minute, gone the next. The weight of the accusation alone can feel like a conviction. Your mind races with a thousand questions, each more terrifying than the last. How do you explain this to your family? What will your coworkers in Proctor or your neighbors in Cloquet think? The fear is suffocating, a constant pressure that isolates you and makes you feel like the entire power of the state is bearing down on your shoulders. It’s a crisis that threatens your freedom, your reputation, and your future, and in these first moments, it feels like a battle you are destined to lose.
This is the start of a fight, not the end of your life. The shock and panic you feel are real and justified, but they cannot be the feelings that guide your next steps. The prosecution is already building its case, leveraging the full resources of the state against you. They have a narrative they want to create, a story they will tell a judge or jury. My purpose is to dismantle that narrative, piece by piece. My role is to stand between you and the immense power of the government, to ensure your voice is not just heard, but is a commanding presence in the courtroom. From the quiet towns of Two Harbors to the larger community of Bemidji, I have seen how these accusations can tear a person’s world apart. But I have also seen how a strategic, relentless defense can forge a path forward. This is not a time for passive commentary; it is a time for aggressive advocacy.
The Stakes: What a Conviction Truly Costs
A conviction for criminal sexual conduct is not a single event that you serve time for and then move past. It is a permanent brand, a shadow that follows you for the rest of your life, impacting every aspect of your existence in ways most people cannot fathom.
Your Permanent Criminal Record
A conviction for criminal sexual conduct results in a permanent, public criminal record that can never be fully sealed or expunged. This isn’t just a mark on a piece of paper in a government office; it is a digital ghost that haunts every background check for the rest of your life. In a community like Duluth, where reputations are built over years, a public record of this nature can be devastating. Every time you apply for a job, seek a loan, or try to volunteer at your child’s school, this record will surface, forcing you to relive the worst moment of your life over and over again. It redefines you in the eyes of society, often reducing your entire identity to this single, catastrophic event, regardless of the person you were before or the person you strive to be after.
Loss of Second Amendment Rights
For many people in Northern Minnesota, the right to own a firearm is a fundamental part of their heritage and way of life, essential for hunting, sport, or personal protection. A felony conviction for criminal sexual conduct will result in the immediate and permanent loss of your Second Amendment rights. This is not a temporary suspension; it is a lifetime ban. The state will strip you of your right to possess any firearm, and being caught with one would lead to new and serious felony charges. This isn’t just about losing a hobby; for many, it’s about losing a part of their identity and the means to provide for their family or protect their home. The consequences are absolute and unyielding, another permanent loss stacked on top of an already devastating sentence.
Barriers to Employment and Housing
Beyond the courtroom, a conviction creates formidable, often insurmountable, barriers to basic life necessities like a job and a place to live. Many employers, especially in professional fields or those involving contact with the public, have policies that automatically disqualify applicants with such a conviction. Finding stable, meaningful work can become a lifelong struggle. Similarly, landlords routinely run background checks. An application for an apartment in Proctor or a house in Bemidji can be instantly denied based on this one piece of your past. This creates a cycle of instability, making it incredibly difficult to rebuild a life, support your family, and regain your footing in the community after serving your time.
Impact on Professional Licenses and Reputation
If you hold a professional license—as a teacher, nurse, doctor, real estate agent, or any number of other regulated professions—a conviction for criminal sexual conduct will almost certainly lead to its revocation. The professional board that governs your license will see the conviction as a fundamental breach of trust and character, making it impossible for you to continue in your chosen career. Even without a formal license, your professional reputation, especially in the close-knit communities of St. Louis County, can be irreparably damaged. The trust you have spent a lifetime building with colleagues, clients, and customers evaporates, leaving you to face not only the legal penalties but also the complete destruction of the professional life you worked so hard to create.
The Accusation: Understanding the State’s Case
To fight effectively, you must first understand the battlefield. You need to know what the state is alleging, what laws they are using, what they must prove, and what penalties you are facing.
What Does the State Allege? Criminal Sexual Conduct Explained in Plain English
When the state charges you with Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC), they are accusing you of non-consensual sexual contact or penetration. The law is complex, but the core of the accusation is simple: the prosecutor is claiming that you engaged in a sexual act with someone who did not, or could not, legally consent. This could be due to alleged force, threats, or because the accuser was mentally incapacitated, physically helpless, or below the legal age of consent. It’s a serious accusation that the state pursues aggressively, often based on the word of a single person.
Understanding this is critical because the prosecution’s case isn’t just about what happened; it’s about how they can frame what happened to fit the narrow, technical definitions within the law. They will use police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence to build a narrative that portrays you in the worst possible light. My job is to deconstruct that narrative, to expose the inconsistencies, the weaknesses, and the parts of the story they are conveniently leaving out. The fight begins with a clear-eyed understanding of the specific allegations being made against you in Duluth or wherever else in St. Louis County the charge has been filed.
The Law on the Books: Minnesota Statute 609.342 and 609.35
The primary law defining this offense is Minnesota Statute § 609.342, Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree, along with subsequent statutes for lesser degrees. This statute lays out exactly what the government considers to be the most serious form of this crime.
Part of the state’s process in building a case for Criminal Sexual Conduct involves the medical examination of the accuser. The law that governs who pays for this examination is Minnesota Statute 609.35. While this statute doesn’t define the crime you are accused of, it is a critical part of the state’s evidence-gathering machine. It ensures that the alleged victim can undergo a forensic medical exam—often called a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exam—at no cost to them. This process generates the very medical reports the prosecution will attempt to use against you. Understanding this mechanism is key to understanding the full scope of the state’s case.
609.35 COSTS OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION.
(a) Costs incurred by a hospital or other emergency medical facility or by a physician, sexual assault nurse examiner, forensic nurse, or other licensed health care provider for the examination of a victim of criminal sexual conduct that occurred in the state shall be paid by the state. These costs include, but are not limited to, the cost of the medical forensic examination, associated tests and treatments relating to sexually transmitted infection, and pregnancy status, including emergency contraception. A hospital, emergency medical facility, or health care provider shall submit the costs for examination and any associated tests and treatment to the Office of Justice Programs for payment. Upon receipt of the costs, the commissioner shall provide payment to the facility or health care provider. Reimbursement for an examination and any associated test and treatments shall not exceed $1,400. Beginning on January 1, 2024, the maximum amount of an award shall be adjusted annually by the inflation rate.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the duties, responsibilities, or liabilities of any insurer, whether public or private. The hospital or other licensed health care provider performing the examination may seek insurance reimbursement from the victim’s insurer only if authorized by the victim. This authorization may only be sought after the examination is performed. When seeking this authorization, the hospital or other licensed health care provider shall inform the victim that if the victim does not authorize this, the state is required by law to pay for the examination and that the victim is in no way liable for these costs or obligated to authorize the reimbursement.
(c) The applicability of this section does not depend upon whether the victim reports the offense to law enforcement or the existence or status of any investigation or prosecution.
(d) Requests for reimbursement and supporting documents are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.
The Prosecution’s Burden: Elements of Criminal Sexual Conduct
The prosecutor cannot simply walk into a courtroom in St. Louis County and say you committed a crime. They carry the entire burden of proof. To secure a conviction, they must prove every single component—or “element”—of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest standard of proof in our legal system. If I can show that the state has failed to definitively prove even one of these elements, their entire case falls apart. A “not guilty” verdict is the only possible outcome. This is not about proving your innocence; it is about holding the prosecution to its constitutional duty and demonstrating that their evidence is insufficient to meet this incredibly high bar.
- Identification: The state must first prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you were the person who committed the alleged act. It is not the accuser’s job to prove this, nor is it yours to disprove. The prosecutor must present evidence that definitively identifies you. In cases where the parties knew each other, this may seem straightforward, but in situations involving questionable eyewitness accounts or a lack of corroborating physical evidence, identity can become a powerful point of contention and a cornerstone of a formidable defense strategy.
- A Prohibited Act: The prosecution must prove that a specific sexual act, as defined by the Minnesota statutes, actually occurred. This means proving either “sexual penetration” or “sexual contact.” These terms have very precise legal definitions. “Sexual contact” can include the touching of intimate parts, while “sexual penetration” involves any level of intrusion, however slight. The state’s case hinges on their ability to provide evidence that one of these legally defined acts took place, and any ambiguity or lack of physical evidence can be vigorously challenged.
- Lack of Consent: This is often the most critical and fiercely contested element in a criminal sexual conduct case. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the act was non-consensual. Consent must be freely and affirmatively given by a person who is legally capable of giving it. The state will try to prove lack of consent by alleging the use of force, coercion, threats, or by claiming the accuser was incapacitated due to intoxication, was unconscious, or was otherwise physically helpless. My focus is often on challenging the state’s narrative about consent, presenting evidence of affirmative and willing participation where it exists.
The Potential Outcome: Penalties for a Criminal Sexual Conduct Conviction
The penalties for a criminal sexual conduct conviction in Minnesota are severe and life-altering. The state classifies the offense by degrees, with first-degree being the most serious. A conviction carries not only the threat of a long prison sentence but also mandatory registration as a predatory offender, which itself carries a heavy stigma and restrictive lifelong requirements. The potential consequences demand a defense that is as serious and aggressive as the penalties themselves.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree
A conviction under this statute carries a presumptive sentence of 144 months (12 years) in prison and can go up to 30 years, along with a fine of up to $40,000. It also requires lifetime conditional release and mandatory registration as a predatory offender.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree
A conviction for this offense can result in up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000. It also mandates predatory offender registration and a long period of conditional release.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third and Fourth Degrees
These are still serious felony offenses. A third-degree conviction carries up to 15 years in prison, while a fourth-degree conviction can result in up to 10 years. Both require predatory offender registration and carry significant fines and long-term consequences.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fifth Degree
While typically a gross misdemeanor, a fifth-degree conviction can still result in up to a year in jail and significant fines. Under certain circumstances, it can be elevated to a felony, carrying much harsher penalties.
The Battle Plan: Building Your Strategic Defense
Understanding the state’s case is only the first step. Now, we go on the offensive. This is where we transition from analyzing their strategy to executing our own.
An Accusation is Not a Conviction: The Fight Starts Now
Let me be clear: the moment you are accused is the moment the fight for your future begins. An accusation is nothing more than a claim made by the state, a story written by police and prosecutors. It is not fact, it is not proof, and it is certainly not a final judgment. The constitution guarantees you the presumption of innocence, and it is my job to give that presumption teeth. The state’s case may seem overwhelming at first, built on the authority of law enforcement and the emotional weight of the allegation. But every case has weaknesses. Every story has another side. My approach is to relentlessly probe for those weaknesses, to challenge every piece of evidence, and to question the credibility of the state’s narrative until it collapses under scrutiny.
We will not sit back and react to the prosecutor’s moves. We will launch our own proactive, aggressive defense. This involves a meticulous investigation into the facts, independent of what the police in Duluth or Bemidji have gathered. It means interviewing witnesses the police may have ignored, subpoenaing records they didn’t think to look for, and consulting with forensic experts to challenge the state’s scientific evidence. The government’s version of events is not the only version. My mission is to ensure that your story is told, backed by evidence, and presented with unwavering force. This is not about hoping for the best; it’s about methodically building the strongest possible case to achieve a dismissal or a “not guilty” verdict.
How a Criminal Sexual Conduct Charge Can Be Challenged in Court
Every case is unique, but the strategies for dismantling the prosecution’s arguments are built on proven legal principles. Here are some of the ways we can challenge the state’s case.
Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility
A prosecutor’s case often lives or dies on the credibility of the accuser. My defense will involve a thorough investigation into the accuser’s background, motives, and any history of false allegations or inconsistent statements.
- Motive to Fabricate: We will explore whether the accuser had any reason to invent or embellish the story, such as anger from a recent breakup, jealousy, or an attempt to gain leverage in a separate civil dispute like a child custody battle.
- Inconsistent Statements: I will meticulously compare the accuser’s initial statement to police, their statements to friends or family, their testimony in any pre-trial hearings, and their testimony at trial. Contradictions and inconsistencies can destroy their credibility with a jury.
- Prior False Allegations: If the accuser has a documented history of making similar false claims in the past, this can be powerful evidence to present in court to demonstrate a pattern of behavior and undermine their current testimony.
Asserting the Defense of Consent
In many cases, the sexual encounter itself is not in dispute; the central issue is whether it was consensual. The prosecution must prove lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt, and a strong defense can be built by presenting evidence that the encounter was, in fact, mutual and welcome.
- Affirmative Consent: We will look for evidence that demonstrates the accuser’s willing participation. This can include text messages, emails, or social media communications sent before, during, or after the encounter that indicate a consensual and ongoing relationship.
- Context of the Relationship: If you and the accuser had a prior romantic or sexual relationship, establishing this context for the judge or jury can be crucial. Evidence of a continuing, friendly relationship after the alleged incident can powerfully rebut a claim of non-consensual contact.
- Witness Testimony: Friends, acquaintances, or even bystanders who witnessed you and the accuser interacting in a friendly, flirtatious, or romantic manner shortly before the alleged incident can provide critical testimony that supports the defense of consent.
Contesting Forensic and Medical Evidence
The state often presents forensic evidence from a SANE exam as definitive proof of a crime. However, this evidence is frequently ambiguous and open to interpretation. My role is to challenge the state’s conclusions and present alternative explanations.
- Lack of Injury: The absence of any cuts, bruises, or other physical injuries can be significant evidence, especially when the accuser has alleged a violent or forcible assault. This can undermine the narrative of a non-consensual encounter.
- Ambiguous DNA Evidence: The mere presence of your DNA does not prove a crime. If you had a prior consensual relationship with the accuser, the presence of DNA is expected. I can argue that the DNA evidence is consistent with consensual activity, not assault.
- Contamination and Chain of Custody: I will scrutinize the entire evidence collection process. If the police or medical staff in Two Harbors or Cloquet failed to follow proper procedures, the evidence could have been contaminated or compromised, making it inadmissible in court.
Exposing Flaws in the Police Investigation
Police officers are human, and they make mistakes. Sometimes, they develop “tunnel vision,” focusing on one suspect to the exclusion of all other possibilities and ignoring evidence that points to innocence.
- Failure to Investigate Other Leads: Did the police thoroughly investigate other potential suspects or leads? If they failed to follow up on information that didn’t fit their preferred narrative, I will expose this failure to the court.
- Ignoring Exculpatory Evidence: I will review all the evidence gathered by the police to identify anything that helps our case (exculpatory evidence) that they may have downplayed or ignored. This could be witness statements that contradict the accuser or physical evidence that doesn’t fit the story.
- Coercive Interrogation Tactics: If you were interrogated and made any statements, I will analyze the methods used by the police. If they used coercive tactics, violated your Miranda rights, or made false promises of leniency, it may be possible to have your statements suppressed and thrown out of court.
Defense in Action: Scenarios in Northern Minnesota
The principles of defense are not abstract; they are applied to real-life situations. Here is how these strategies could play out in our communities.
The Bemidji Misunderstanding
A college student in Bemidji is accused of sexual assault by someone he met at a party. They were both drinking and ended up back at his apartment. The next day, hearing from friends that she was seen leaving his place, the accuser panics about her reputation and goes to the police. The charge is Third-Degree CSC, based on her claim of incapacitation.
In this scenario, the defense of consent is paramount. I would immediately subpoena their text message history, which shows flirtatious conversation both before the party and, critically, a friendly “had a good time” message from her the next morning, sent before she spoke to her friends. This message directly contradicts her claim that she was too incapacitated to consent. We would demonstrate that her actions and communications were consistent with a consensual encounter, and that the accusation was a product of regret and social pressure, not assault.
The Cloquet Custody Battle
A man going through a contentious divorce in Cloquet is suddenly accused of criminal sexual conduct by his soon-to-be ex-wife. The allegation surfaces just as they are about to begin a bitter custody dispute over their children. The police take her statement and charge him, seeing it as a straightforward case.
Here, the strategy is to expose the accuser’s motive to fabricate. We would file motions to obtain records of the divorce proceedings, showing the timing of the accusation in relation to key custody hearings. We would present evidence of her threats to “do whatever it takes” to get the kids, made to mutual friends. By demonstrating to the St. Louis County prosecutor that the allegation is a tactical move in a civil dispute rather than a genuine claim of assault, we can create overwhelming pressure for a dismissal.
The Two Harbors “He Said, She Said”
A long-haul trucker from Two Harbors is accused by a former partner weeks after they broke up. There is no physical evidence, no witnesses, and no communication between them since the breakup. The entire case rests on her word alone against his. The prosecution moves forward, believing her story.
This defense focuses on challenging the accuser’s credibility and the lack of corroborating evidence. I would conduct a deep dive into the background of the relationship, uncovering a history of volatile behavior and threats made by the accuser during the breakup. By highlighting her inconsistent statements to police—changing key details of the story multiple times—and hammering the complete absence of any physical or third-party evidence, we would argue that the state cannot possibly meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Proctor Employment Dispute
An employee at a Proctor manufacturing plant is fired. A week later, he accuses his former supervisor of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, claiming unwanted touching occurred months earlier. He files a police report and also initiates a civil lawsuit for wrongful termination and harassment against the company.
The defense strategy would be to attack the accuser’s credibility by revealing his clear motive to fabricate for financial gain and retaliation. We would subpoena his employment records, showing a history of poor performance and disciplinary actions leading up to his termination. We would expose the timing of the criminal allegation, showing it was made only after he was fired and in conjunction with a civil suit. This context transforms the case from a criminal matter into a clear case of a disgruntled ex-employee using a false accusation as a weapon.
The Advocate: Why a Dedicated Duluth Defense Attorney is Essential
When you are facing the power of the state, you cannot afford to face it alone. You need an advocate who is not just familiar with the law, but who is a fighter, dedicated to your defense.
Countering the Resources of the State
The prosecution has a vast arsenal of resources at its disposal. They are backed by the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, multiple law enforcement agencies, state-funded crime labs, and a team of investigators and support staff. They can bring the full weight of the government to bear against a single individual. Trying to face this alone is not a fair fight. My role is to be the great equalizer. I counter their resources with my own strategic, private investigation. I bring in my own forensic experts to re-examine their evidence and find the flaws they missed. I use the power of the subpoena to compel the production of documents and testimony they would rather keep hidden. I level the playing field and ensure that your defense is as robust and well-supported as their prosecution.
Strategic Command of the St. Louis County Courts
Knowing the law is one thing; knowing the courtroom is another. The legal system in Duluth and St. Louis County has its own unique landscape. The judges have their own temperaments and tendencies, and the prosecutors have their own strategies and priorities. I have spent my career in these trenches. I know the players. I understand the unwritten rules and the local procedures that can make or break a case. This inside knowledge is a critical strategic advantage. It allows me to anticipate the prosecution’s moves, to tailor arguments to specific judges, and to navigate the system in a way that maximizes every possible advantage for your case. This is not something you can learn from a book; it is experience earned through countless hours fighting for clients in the very same courtrooms where your future will be decided.
Fighting for Your Story, Not Just the Police Report
The police report is not the truth; it is a one-sided narrative written to justify an arrest. It often contains exaggerations, inaccuracies, and convenient omissions. The prosecution will treat this report as their gospel, the foundation of their entire case. My mission is to tear that foundation down and replace it with the truth. I will spend the time to understand you, the context of the situation, and the full story of what really happened. You are not a case number or a defendant; you are a human being whose life and liberty are on the line. I will fight to ensure that the judge and jury see you as such. I will build a compelling, evidence-based narrative that tells your side of the story with clarity and force, ensuring it is your voice, not the prosecutor’s, that commands the courtroom.
An Unwavering Commitment to a Winning Result
From the moment I take on your case, my focus is singular: achieving the best possible outcome for you. For me, this is not just a job; it is a calling. I am relentlessly committed to fighting for my clients, from the initial investigation through pre-trial motions and, if necessary, to a full jury trial. I do not look for the easy way out or the quick plea deal unless it is unequivocally in your best interest. My goal is a dismissal or an acquittal. This unwavering commitment means I prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This rigorous preparation often puts us in a position of strength, forcing the prosecution to confront the weaknesses in their case and leading to better outcomes, whether that’s a reduction in charges, a complete dismissal, or a “not guilty” verdict in a Duluth courtroom.
Your Questions Answered
What should I do first if I’m contacted by the police in Duluth?
You should do two things immediately: state clearly and calmly that you are exercising your right to remain silent, and then state that you will not answer any questions without your attorney present. Do not try to explain your side of the story. Do not consent to any searches. Call me immediately.
The police want to talk to me. Shouldn’t I just tell them the truth to clear my name?
No. This is a dangerous mistake. The police are not looking for the truth; they are looking for evidence to build a case against you. Anything you say can and will be twisted and used to support their narrative. The only person you should be talking to is your criminal defense attorney.
What is the difference between “sexual contact” and “sexual penetration”?
“Sexual penetration” refers to any level of intrusion, however slight, of a body part or object into the genital or anal openings. “Sexual contact” is defined more broadly as the intentional touching of intimate parts, either directly or through clothing, for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification. The distinction is critical as it determines the severity of the charge.
Can I be charged if the accuser didn’t say “no”?
Yes. The law does not require a person to physically resist or verbally say “no.” Consent must be affirmative and freely given. The prosecution can argue there was no consent if they allege you used force, threats, or if the person was unable to legally consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or other factors.
What if the accuser and I had a previous sexual relationship?
A prior relationship is a critical piece of context, but it is not a legal defense in itself. The state will argue that past consent does not equal present consent. However, I can use the history of your relationship to challenge the accuser’s credibility and to argue that the encounter was consistent with your past consensual activity.
How does a SANE exam work and how is it used against me?
A SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exam is a forensic medical examination where a specialized nurse collects potential evidence, such as DNA, and documents any injuries. As stated in Minnesota Statute 609.35, the state pays for this exam. The resulting report is then given to the prosecution to be used as evidence against you. My job is to scrutinize that report and the methods used to create it.
What if there’s no physical evidence? Can the state still charge me?
Absolutely. Many criminal sexual conduct cases are “he said, she said” cases with no DNA or other physical evidence. The prosecution can proceed based solely on the testimony of the accuser. In these situations, my focus becomes an all-out assault on the credibility of their story.
What does “predatory offender registration” mean?
It is a severe, lifelong consequence of a CSC conviction. You must register your home address, work address, and vehicle information with the state. This information is often made public online. You face strict residency restrictions (not living near schools or parks) and face new felony charges if you fail to comply with any registration requirements.
Will I have to testify in court?
You have an absolute constitutional right not to testify. The decision of whether or not you should take the stand is a complex, strategic one that we would make together after carefully weighing all the potential risks and benefits. In many cases, the best defense does not involve the client testifying.
How can you defend someone if you don’t know for sure they’re innocent?
The U.S. Constitution guarantees every single person the presumption of innocence and the right to a vigorous defense. My job is not to be the judge or jury. My job is to hold the government to its burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt. I defend the Constitution by defending my clients.
Can a charge be dropped before trial?
Yes. My goal is always to achieve a dismissal as early as possible. By conducting a thorough independent investigation and presenting the weaknesses of the state’s case to the prosecutor in a compelling way, it is often possible to get the charges dropped or significantly reduced long before we ever see the inside of a courtroom.
What if I was also drinking or intoxicated?
Your own intoxication is not a legal defense to the charge. However, the circumstances surrounding the event, including the level of intoxication of all parties involved, are critical facts. This information can be used to challenge the accuser’s memory, perception, and their ability to accurately recount what happened.
How long does a criminal sexual conduct case take in St. Louis County?
These cases can be lengthy, often taking many months or even over a year to resolve. The process involves multiple stages, including the initial appearance, pre-trial hearings, motion arguments, and potentially a trial. I will be with you at every single stage, fighting for you throughout the entire process.
Is it possible to avoid jail time?
While the presumptive sentences are severe, avoiding incarceration is always a primary goal. This can be achieved through a full acquittal at trial, a dismissal of the charges, or by negotiating a plea to a lesser offense that does not carry a prison sentence, such as a “stay of imposition” that results in a misdemeanor.
How much does it cost to hire a dedicated defense attorney?
The cost of a strong defense depends entirely on the complexity of your specific case. However, you should consider this an investment in your entire future. When compared to the lifelong costs of a conviction—lost income, destroyed reputation, and the loss of your freedom—hiring the right attorney is the most critical investment you can make.