Your Strongest Defenses in an Assault or Domestic Assault Case

1. Self-Defense (Minnesota Stat. § 609.06)

Most assault charges fall apart once you show:

• You were the one attacked

• You were defending yourself

• You used reasonable force

• The other person initiated physical contact

• You were protecting someone else

Self-defense is one of my strongest practice areas.

2. The Accuser Is Not Credible

Many accusers:

• Change their story

• Recant

• Were intoxicated

• Were the aggressor

• Lied out of anger, jealousy, control, or leverage

Bodycam footage often contradicts the accuser completely.

3. No Physical Injury / No Evidence

In Minnesota, domestic assault can be charged even when:

• No one was hurt

• There are no marks

• No medical records exist

• No independent witnesses exist

This is extremely defensible.

4. “Fear of Harm” Cases Are Weak

Police often arrest based on:

• A subjective feeling

• Ambiguous statements

• Raised voices

• Arguments mistaken for threats

These are often dismissed with the right approach.

5. Inconsistent Statements

I compare:

• 911 call

• Body camera

• Police report

• Accuser’s statement

• Accuser’s later recant

• Witness accounts

The contradictions often collapse the State’s case.

6. Mutual Combat

In bar fights or street altercations:

• Both sides were fighting

• Neither wants charges

• No clear aggressor

• Intoxication clouds details

These cases are highly defensible.

7. Illegal Arrest / Bad Police Work

Assault reports often include:

• Zero attempt to interview both sides

• Wrong suspect identified

• No follow-up

• Incomplete evidence collection

• Biased reporting

I know how to use these gaps to your advantage.

​

Domestic Assault Charges Have Immediate Consequences

Minnesota domestic cases trigger automatic restrictions:

1. No-Contact Orders (DANCOs)

You may be banned from:

• Your home

• Your children

• Your partner

• Returning to retrieve belongings

I file motions to lift or modify NCOs as soon as possible.

2. Firearm Prohibitions

A domestic assault conviction = firearm ban under state and federal law.
I structure plea negotiations to avoid this whenever possible.

3. Immigration Consequences

Domestic assault is considered a crime of violence under immigration law. I have extensive experience defending clients against:

• ICE holds

• Visa denials

• Green card complications

• Removal proceedings

Penalties for Assault & Domestic Assault in Minnesota

5th Degree Assault (Misdemeanor)

• Up to 90 days jail

• $1,000 fine

5th Degree Domestic Assault (GM with priors)

• Up to 1 year jail

• $3,000 fine

3rd Degree Assault

• Up to 5 years prison

• $10,000 fine

2nd Degree Assault (Weapon)

• Up to 7 years prison

• Mandatory prison time for certain factors

Most cases do not end in these outcomes when defended properly.

Counties & Cities I Serve

• Hennepin County

• Ramsey County

• Dakota County

• Anoka County

• Washington County

• Scott & Carver Counties

• Wright County

• Sherburne County

Cities:
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Maple Grove, Edina, Richfield, Burnsville, Roseville, Minnetonka, Plymouth, St. Louis Park.