What a Felony Conviction in Minnesota Really Costs—And Why You Have to Fight Like Hell to Avoid It

Felonies were never meant to be this common. Historically, felony charges were reserved for crimes punishable by death—such as murder, rape, or treason. But today, the justice system hands out felony convictions like parking tickets.

❌Nonviolent drug possession? Felony.

❌Shoplifting? Felony.

❌Driving with a suspended license? Sometimes, also a felony.

Once labeled a felon, people are stripped of basic rights—voting, housing, jobs, education. They face lifelong stigma and surveillance. A single bad decision—or even a wrongful charge—can turn into a lifetime sentence of poverty, instability, and exclusion.

This isn’t about justice anymore. It’s about control.

Most people think the worst part of a felony conviction is prison. It’s not. The real punishment comes after. Once you’re branded a felon in Minnesota, the sentence never truly ends. You lose rights. You lose opportunities. You lose dignity. And you start to realize the world isn’t built for people trying to start over. I know this because I’ve lived it.

Before I became an attorney, I was a convicted felon. I’ll never forget the barriers I faced: closed doors, background checks, denied housing, lost jobs, second glances, and first impressions I couldn’t undo. It was so hard to reintegrate that I stopped trying to climb over the barriers. I decided to tear them down instead. That’s what made me who I am—and it’s why I fight the way I do.

⚖️ What a Felony Conviction Actually Means in Minnesota

When you’re convicted of a felony, the consequences go far beyond the courtroom. Minnesota law defines a felony as any offense punishable by more than one year in prison—but the punishment doesn’t stop at sentencing.

Here’s what a felony conviction can cost you:

❌ Loss of Rights

• You may lose your right to vote or possess a firearm

• You may be barred from holding professional licenses

• You may be disqualified from public benefits or housing

💼 Barriers to Employment

• Most employers run background checks

• Many won’t even consider an applicant with a felony

• Professional careers (healthcare, finance, law, education) become nearly impossible

🏠 Barriers to Housing

• Landlords routinely deny applicants with felony records

• You may not qualify for subsidized housing or shelter programs

• Finding a stable place to live becomes a full-time job

👪 Impact on Families

• Felony records can affect custody, visitation, and child support

• Your family may struggle to rebuild trust and stability

  
  

💥 This Is Why We Fight—And Why You Should Too

Felony charges are serious, but they’re not unbeatable. At Gad & Gad Law Offices, we fight to get charges dismissed, reduced, or reversed, because we know what’s at stake—not in theory, but in real life.

We don’t take shortcuts. We don’t plead people out just to close a file. We scrutinize every detail, challenge every assumption, and build every case like the outcome will change your life—because it will.

Don’t Plead Guilty Just to Get It Over With

I get it. When you’re facing the system, scared, and overwhelmed, pleading guilty might seem like the fastest way out.

But I promise you—it’s the longest way back.

You’ll live with that decision every time someone asks you about your record. Every time you get turned down. Every time you’re treated like less than who you are.

You don’t have to go through that. Not if there’s a chance to fight. Not if there’s a chance to win.

Bottom line:

I became a lawyer because I couldn’t accept how our system discards people. I fight because I know what it’s like to be on the other side. And I win because I never forget what’s on the line.

FOX 9: From Jail to Practicing Law, Minnesota Attorney Scores Big Win

If you’ve been charged with a felony in Minnesota, don’t plead guilty. Don’t give up. Call us. Let us fight for the future you deserve.

📞 Contact Gad & Gad Law Offices today at 612-512-1870 for a consultation.