Category: Criminal Defense

You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.

People arrested or charged with a crime may wonder, “How long do I have to get a criminal lawyer?” There is no strict deadline to hire a criminal lawyer in Minnesota. However, it’s advisable to hire one immediately if you get arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a crime. Getting legal representation on time protects you from making mistakes that can compromise your case. It also allows your lawyer to build a solid defense strategy that can increase your likelihood of getting a positive outcome from your case.

Continuance is what a court grants to delay proceedings. The parties in a criminal case (the prosecution and defense teams) may agree to a continuance to get more time to prepare for the proceedings. There are many reasons that push your defense lawyer in Minnesota to seek a continuance. A good example is when the other party presents surprise witnesses or evidence, requiring more time to work on a new defense. You can also request a continuance if you want to replace your lawyer, especially if you feel you are not getting sufficient representation.

Defendants convicted of a crime may ask, “What is the post-conviction process, and how long does it take?” A petition for post-conviction relief allows you to contest the legality of a criminal conviction or sentence following an unsuccessful direct appeal process or passing the appeal deadline. This petition involves legal issues not addressed at trial or direct appeal. These issues include a constitutional rights violation, newly discovered evidence, and inadequate or ineffective lawyer representation.

Knowing how long the sentencing phase takes in Minneapolis, MN, can help you ease worries and work towards receiving a fair sentence. The sentencing phase of the criminal justice process usually takes only minutes, especially when the judge approves the sentence negotiated in a plea bargain. Sentencing can sometimes be lengthy, particularly when you get convicted at trial, and the judge schedules a hearing to a later date to decide on appropriate legal penalties. The nature and seriousness of the criminal conviction, whether your sentence is negotiated or determined by a judge, and continuance motions are some factors that may affect the length of the sentencing phase.

Any mistake during the early stages of your interaction with the legal system can result in serious, lifelong consequences. Immediate access to a 24-hour lawyer for criminal defense in Minneapolis, MN, can help calm the situation and improve the likelihood of a desirable outcome.

The criminal defense process in Minnesota constitutes several steps, starting with investigations and culminating with appeals. This process can be long and exhausting. An arrest alone can leave you scared, confused, and overwhelmed with emotions. Making logical decisions in this state can be difficult, especially if it is your first time interacting with the criminal justice system.

One of the questions people facing a criminal charge ask is: How long does a criminal case take? The timeline of your criminal case in Minnesota will depend on the nature and severity of the alleged crime, the speed of the criminal justice system, the duration of the trial, and whether an appeal will be necessary. Delays at any stage of the criminal justice process may impact how long your criminal case will last. Generally, however, misdemeanor cases may resolve within weeks or months, while felony cases may linger in courts for up to a year.

People accused, arrested, or charged with a crime often ask, “How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Minneapolis, MN?” It is difficult to accurately determine how much a criminal defense lawyer will cost. The reason is that numerous factors impact the cost of legal representation in criminal matters. These factors include the type and severity of criminal charges, the lawyer’s experience and reputation, required time and effort, and geographical location.