How much does a lawyer cost for an assault charge?

Most top notch criminal defense lawyers will charge retainers of $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the type of assault charged and the level of injury. Most assault cases are prosecuted in state court. The retainer a lawyer charges largely depends on the seriousness of the case. There are five degrees of assault. From first to fifth degrees, they are governed by Minnesota Statutes 609.221, 609.222, 609.223, 609.2231, and 609.224, respectively.

What is a white-collar crime?

Mail theft—intentionally taking mail not belonging to you and without permission from a mailbox or a mail carrier—carries a sentence of up to 3 years in prison and/or up to a $5,000 fine. Forgery—using a knowingly false writing for identification or recommendation, for example—carries a sentence of up to 3 years in prison and/or up to a $5,000 fine. Check forgery—falsely creating or changing a check or falsely endorsing a check or trying to pay with a forged check—carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or up to a $100,000 fine, depending on the amount of the check or the amount of whatever is trying to be obtained. Federal forgery and counterfeiting, for example, is governed by 18 U.S.C. §§ 470–514. Federal embezzlement and theft is governed by 18 U.S.C. §§ 641–670. If you embezzle or steal a record, money, or other item of value from the United States or its department or agency, you could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine under 18 U.S.C. § 641 Federal mail fraud and other fraud offenses are governed by 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341–1351. Frauds and swindles generally are governed by 18 U.S.C. § 1341. Wire fraud—fraud using wire transmissions in interstate commerce—can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Bank fraud—defrauding a bank—can be sentenced by up to 30 years in prison and/or up to a $1,000,000 fine under 18 U.S.C. § 1344. See generally 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341–1351.

How much does a Federal Lawyer cost?

Federal lawyers can be very expensive. Most federal lawyers are very experienced as they have been litigating state cases before evolving into federal court. The criminal penalties in federal court are often times much greater than that of state court, and thus the amount of work to be done in such cases can be massive.

What is the difference between rape and statutory rape?

Statutory rape is often referred to nonforcible sexual activity where one of the individuals is below the age of consent (which means the age required to legally consent to the behavior). Although it usually refers to adults engaging in sexual contact with minors under the age of consent (age 16 in Minnesota), it is a generic term, and very few jurisdictions use the actual term “statutory rape” in the language of statutes.

Types of State Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree is sexual penetration of another person or sexual contact with a person who is less than thirteen years old, and some other circumstance exists, such as the under-thirteen-year-old and the offender are more than three years apart in age, the offender had a dangerous weapon and used or threatened to use it, or the two individuals had a significant relationship and the minor was less than sixteen years old. Second degree criminal sexual conduct is sexual contact with another person and some other circumstance like those in first degree criminal sexual conduct. The sentence is up to 25 years in prison and/or up to a $35,000 fine. Third degree criminal sexual conduct is sexual penetration of another and some other circumstance like those in first degree criminal sexual conduct or others, such as the offender knows the other individual is mentally impaired or physically helpless, the two have a psychotherapist-patient relationship, or the offender was a masseuse to the other. Criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree is sexual contact with another person and some other circumstance like those in third degree criminal sexual conduct. Fifth degree criminal sexual conduct is an act of nonconsensual sexual contact or certain acts of the showing of the genitals to an individual under sixteen years of age. This offense carries a sentence of up to 1 year in prison and/or up to a $3,000 fine.

Criminal Sexual Conduct is often referred to CSC. The intense prosecution of sexual related crimes is staggering in Minnesota as well as the United States District Courts. Today, these cases carry mandatory prison sentences and other collateral consequences that did not exist just a few years ago. The government is stacked with not only multiple prosecutors on each file, but also a range of victim advocates and other court staff lobbying to convince the judge to execute the harshest of penalties. If you are charged with any felony level criminal sexual conduct offense, and are convicted of any crime not even related to the original offense, the law requires that you register as a criminal sexual and predatory offender.

The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Minneapolis

At Ryan Garry LLC, we are always pleased to hear that we are making a difference in our local community. Our Team recently received recognition for the “Top 3 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Minneapolis“. This is based on a variety of criteria and does not involve a paid legal directory. The criteria includes: Reputation, Legal History, Complaints, Overall Ratings, Client Satisfaction, Near Me data, Trust and Cost.

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals and even businesses when those clients are faced with criminal charges brought by the state and federal government. Books could be written on what criminal defense attorneys do, but the bottom line is that they are defenders of their clients, and defenders of the United States Constitution.Top Criminal Defense Attorneys Criminal defense lawyers are really the only type of attorneys who are regular courtroom advocates, often times in court every day. Personal injury lawyers also practice courtroom trial law, but are actually in the courtroom litigating far less than the average criminal defense attorney.

What are the qualifications for being a lawyer?

Criminal defense attorneys need to attend law school and pass the bar examination of the state they wish to practice in. What Qualifications does a Criminal Attorney Have? Most attorneys attend a four or five-year undergraduate college after high school and then at some point attend law school for three or four years.

How Much Is A Lawyer For Drug Possession?

Drug possession crimes can range from petty-misdemeanor marijuana offenses to major federal controlled substance indictments. Fees can range from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars MN Drug Crimes Attorney depending on the type of charge. The federal sentencing guidelines can lead to draconian mandatory minimum sentencing that can send a potential defendant to prison for life, depending on the defendant’s history and the type of charge. The MN attorneys at the Law Offices of Ryan Garry, L.L.C. have been handling major state and federal drug crimes for many years.

What is the average sentence for drug possession?

There is no average sentence for a drug possession. It all depends on whether the case is a state, low-level drug prosecution or a major federal multi-defendant indictment. Simple possession of a controlled substance often carries, little, if any jail incarceration. Contact the law office of Ryan Garry to setup your Free Consultation!

What is white collar crime?

White-collar crime is a broad term that covers a variety of nonviolent crimes that are alleged to involve cheating in one form or another. Examples of white-collar crime include allegations of theft and fraud in its various forms: bribery, insider trading, environmental crime, embezzlement, forgery, tax evasion, kickbacks, bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, etc. According to the FBI, white-collar crimes total in the hundreds of billions annually. Because major white collar crime cases are typically handled in federal court, the possible sentences are much higher than in state court. The Law Offices of Ryan Garry have handled many federal crimes, ranging from Tax Evasion to Bank Robbery.

Can I talk to an attorney before deciding whether I should take a blood, breath, or urine test when arrested for a DWI or DUI?

Yes and you should. In Minnesota, you absolutely have a right to contact an attorney before deciding whether to take a blood, breath, or urine test, so long as it does not interfere with or unreasonably delay the testing process. However, do not get confused with this answer. You do have a right to consult with an attorney prior to taking the blood, breath, or urine test at the police station; however, you do NOT have a right to consult with an attorney prior to taking the PBT (preliminary breath test) at the scene of the arrest (usually outside of your car after you have miserably failed the field sobriety tests . . . FYI, do not take the field sobriety tests, do take the PBT).

What is Implied Consent?

The Implied Consent law states, “Any person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a motor vehicle within this state or on any boundary water of this state consents, subject to the provisions of sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 (implied consent law), and section 169A.20 (driving while impaired), to a chemical test of that person’s blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol, a controlled substance or its metabolite, or a hazardous substance. The test must be administered at the direction of a peace officer.” Minn. Stat. § 169A.51, subdiv. 1(a). This means that as a driver, you are “consenting” to a chemical test to determine your BAC. The Implied Consent Advisory is read to you after you have failed the field sobriety tests and are over the limit on the PBT. The Advisory tells you that you must take a test, that refusal is a crime, and that you have the right to speak with an attorney for a reasonable amount of time prior to taking the test.

What is “BAC” and how much is considered illegal?

BAC stands for blood-alcohol content. The illegal amount is .08 or more and it doesn’t take much to get there. BAC measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s system. A .08 breath alcohol level means that there are .08 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. Blood alcohol content measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood. A .08 blood alcohol level means that there are .08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

I hear both DWI and DUI—is there a difference?

DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. In some states, they mean different things but in Minnesota, they are essentially the same. They both refer to operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What are the levels of offenses in Minnesota?

There are four basic levels of offenses: petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony. A petty misdemeanor is the lowest level offense that exists. In fact, a petty misdemeanor is not considered a crime. A person convicted of a petty misdemeanor can only be fined up to $300.00. A petty misdemeanor is not technically a crime because no jail time can be given. An example of a petty misdemeanor is speeding or possession of a small amount of marijuana. (Minn. Stat. § 609.02, subdiv. 4a) A misdemeanor is a step up from a petty misdemeanor. A person convicted of a misdemeanor can be sentenced up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Crimes that are regarded as less serious are referred to as misdemeanors. In Minnesota, crimes like first offense DWI and possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle are misdemeanors. As a general rule, the penalty depends on your judge. For most misdemeanors, even if convicted, you will likely not face executed jail consequences. (Minn. Stat. § 609.02, subdiv. 3) A gross misdemeanor is another step up. A person convicted of a gross misdemeanor can be sentenced up to 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. (Minn. Stat. § 609.02, subdiv. 4) A felony is the highest level. A person convicted of a felony can be sentenced to over a year in prison and/or a fine. If you are convicted of a felony, you will find that your rights may be restricted more than those of a person convicted of a misdemeanor. Convicted felons usually serve more jail time, and the conditions of their incarceration generally are more severe. There are many other consequences. You will not be able to serve on a jury. You may lose your right to vote, or to engage in some professions like teaching or law. Felons are often prohibited from serving in the military or owning firearms. In addition many states have so-called “three strikes” laws that require that a person be sentenced to life upon his or her third felony conviction. Bottom line, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if facing a felony charge. (Minn. Stat. § 609.02, subdiv. 02)

McNeely / Brooks Update - Attorney Ryan Garry

Two cases have recently rocked the criminal law world. See here for information about McNeely and Brooks. For an example of these cases, see State v. JMM.

The result of Brooks is that the Implied Consent Advisory, which states “refusal to take the test is a crime,” does not in and of itself invalidate consent. Though this took some punch out of our arguments, it has opened the door wide to raise Fourth Amendment challenges. This means that each case must be analyzed on an individual basis. Unfortunately, many courts are outright denying these motions. It is important to remind the courts that this is no different than any other search and seizure case. After all, it would be ridiculous to allow a law that criminalizes the right to say no to police who want to search your house. We are moving forward. Many cases are headed toward the court of appeals to obtain more guidance on how to handle these situations. The fight is far from over and we keep pushing on.

McNeely / Brooks Update

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