St. Paul Assault Defense Attorney Kevin DeVore
Cohabitation during the coronavirus quarantine has much in common with the human condition Charles Dickens describes in A Tale Of Two Cities: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Spending so much time with your family and/or friends can be irritating, even to the point of anger. Arguments happen and, occasionally, they can escalate out of control.
If you, or a member of your family, have found yourselves in trouble or accused of domestic assault, battery, or abuse during the Covid-19 crisis, then an efficient and knowledgeable attorney, such as Kevin DeVore, is essential for the quality of the case and your future.
Domestic Violence In Minnesota
Assault covers a rather large area of abuse. It is defined as causing or attempting/threatening to cause physical harm. Actual physical harm is not necessary. In fact, just causing the fear of physical harm is enough to be considered assault. Types of domestic abuse consist of:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assault With A Dangerous Weapon
- Rape
- Strangulation
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Kidnapping
- Domestic Violence
When any of these actions occur, charges of domestic assault will usually follow. If enough physical damage is done, felony charges may apply. The details define the case.
The court may consider the type of relationship that exists between the assailant and the victim. For example, a fight between two brothers may be looked at through a different lens than that of a fight between spouses.
Assault Levels And Their Consequences
Assault is taken very seriously in Minnesota and can range from a simple misdemeanor to a serious felony.
- Fifth Degree Assault: Minnesota Statute 609.224 refers to a simple assault with no extenuating circumstances; either physical harm or fear of physical harm are enough. Maximum penalties are 90 days of jail and $1,000 fine.
- Fourth Degree Assault: Minnesota Statute 609.2231 refers to an assault against a government official, school officials, vulnerable adults, and even includes certain hate crimes. You could be made to pay a fine of anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000 and imprisonment for anywhere up to four years, all depending on the type of victim.
- Third Degree Assault: Minnesota Statute 609.223 refers to causing substantial bodily harm to someone, especially a child, and is always considered a felony. Consequences include a prison sentence of no more than five years and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second Degree Assault: Minnesota Statute 609.222 defines felony charges that include simple assault with a deadly weapon and also substantial bodily harm to a victim by an aggressor with a deadly weapon. A sentence can be anywhere from seven to ten years with fines from $14,000 to $20,000.
- First Degree Assault: Minnesota Statute 609.221 outlines a very serious felony that calls for prison time of up to twenty years and fines up to $30,000. A first-degree assault refers to using deadly force and causing great bodily harm to a victim, and can include a victim of special status, such as a peace officer or a vulnerable individual. This charge also denies a person the chance for parole until the full term of imprisonment has been served.
While punishments only last so long, the consequences of a crime can last forever. An outstanding lawyer will make sure that you get all the help you need for a successful and favorable outcome, and we can give you back the control you’ve lost.
Contact DeVore Criminal Defense for Aggressive Criminal Defense
Kevin DeVore of DeVore Criminal Defense has comprehensive experience with criminal proceedings, and he can expertly guide you through the process, no matter if you decide to plea or go to trial. Contact us at 651-435-6500 to schedule a consultation. Take advantage of his experience, dedication, and perseverance to benefit you.
Posted 9th July 2020 by DeVore Law Office