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Minnesota Assault & Battery Attorneys

If you’re looking for the best defense for assault charges in the Twin Cities, you’ve come to the right place. Right now, you might be thinking that you don’t have options — but you’d be surprised. We’ve represented thousands of clients, all of whom started in the same position as you right now.

We’re here to help. We will be alongside you every step of the way to fight for your rights and help you navigate what can be a complicated and punitive system. Schedule a consultation to get started.

About the law

What are the elements of an assault in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, there are two types of assault:

Assault-fear: the act of putting someone in fear of an attack or non-consensual contact. It requires the state to prove you did something to cause another to fear imminent bodily harm, which can be very difficult to prove.

Assault-harm: physical contact that results in bodily harm or injury.

Assault charges can also stem from mutual altercations, or an altercation involving self-defense or defending another.

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What are the degrees of assault crimes in Minnesota, and what punishments apply to each?

There are five degrees of assault under Minnesota law, which are based on the following factors and circumstances.

Fifth-degree Assault

The lowest level of assault is a misdemeanor. It is defined as an act with intent of causing fear of imminent bodily harm, or intentional attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another. Potential consequences: up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Fourth-degree Assault

Defined the same as fifth-degree assault, but with an aggravating factor such as assault against a public servant, law enforcement officer, school official, or medical staff, or if the assault is discriminatory. It is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Third-degree Assault

An act that inflicts substantial bodily harm (temporary disfigurement, temporary loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ, or the fracture of any bodily member). It can also include assault on a minor after engaging in a past pattern of child abuse, or any harm to a child under the age of four. It is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Second-degree Assault

Defined as assault involving the use of a firearm (even if it’s unloaded or temporarily inoperable) or any other item capable of causing serious bodily harm or death, such as a knife, baseball bat, flammable liquid, or motor vehicle. It is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

First-degree Assault

Defined as causing great bodily harm to the victim (harm leading to life-threatening injuries or a permanent disability), OR using deadly force against a police officer or employee of a correctional facility. The most serious assault charge carries a potential prison sentence of 20 years and a maximum fine of $30,000. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault

What if the victim of assault is a family member?

Minnesota law states that whoever commits an assault on a family or household member is guilty of domestic assault. To learn more, visit our domestic assault page.

What is the difference between aggravated assault and simple assault?

Simple assault generally involves either the threat of immediate harm or a physical act that results in minimal injuries, where aggravated assault may involve an assault resulting in serious bodily harm or an assault committed with some aggravating factor, like using a deadly weapon or against a police officer.

What is battery?

Assault and battery are generally interchangeable terms today. Historically, battery and assault were considered separate crimes, with battery requiring that the aggressor physically strike or offensively touch the victim. In that way, a battery was a "completed" assault. But most modern statutes don't bother to distinguish between the two crimes, and statutes often refer to crimes of actual physical violence as assaults.

What if I acted in self-defense?

Minnesota law does give citizens the right to defend against imminent threats of danger or assault. However, you must meet the burden of proof, which stipulates certain conditions that must occur for the act to be considered self-defense. Your attorney can help you build a case to prove that you acted in self-defense, rather than assault on the other party.

What should I do after being charged with assault?

The best thing you can do is meet with an attorney. You don’t have to talk to police before you have representation, and you shouldn’t do so if you want the best chance of lowering or dismissing your charges.

Can you be charged with assault without evidence?

No. The burden of proof falls on the prosecution, who must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of your crime. This means that the evidence presented and the arguments put forward by the prosecution establish your guilt so clearly that they must be accepted as fact by any rational person.

Next steps

Contact a Minnesota assault attorney right away

At Sheridan & Dulas, P.A., we always fight for the complete acquittal or dismissal of charges. An assault charge can upend your life, but with an experienced attorney by your side, it doesn’t need to define your future.

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Reviews for Jeff Sheridan

See what our clients are saying.

Anonymous

One year ago today, l stepped over a line l thought l would never cross again. It would have been a much, much worse experience without the help, expertise, and guidance provided by Jeff Sheridan and the team at Sheridan & Dulas. Where there was hopelessness, Jeff provided hope. Where there was embarrassment and guilt, Jeff was nonjudgmental and without bias. Where there was fear of the unknown, Jeff provided a calming presence. Where there was a lack of know-how and knowledge on my part, Jeff provided the requisite skill and expertise to navigate the complexities of our legal and judicial system. Where there was great stress and feelings of foreboding, he helped to alleviate that strain. Jeff gave me back a normal life.

Anonymous

After my positive experience with Mr. Sheridan and your firm, l have no hesitancy in recommending your services to others. I feel so fortunate that a kindly ER nurse steered me in your direction. l will forever be in your debt for all you have done to bring about a better than hoped for resolution to my case. If that nurse hadn’t referred me to your firm, l hesitate to think about how badly this could have played out.

Vanessa B.

They made a very difficult time for me as quick and as painless as possible.

Anthony

I retained Mr. Sheridan based on reviews from this very site. Those reviews were not wrong. Through a long drawn-out process he never wavered. He guided me in every aspect of the ordeal. He stuck with me till the end. And in the end, the charges were dismissed due largely I believe cause he never stopped fighting for me. I would recommend Mr. Sheridan to anyone in a heartbeat.

Brian J.

Very talented. If you’re facing serious charges you need to be very well represented. Jeff is tenacious.

Anonymous

Mr. Sheridan knows his business well, very well. He fought like a pit bull to remove charges and shot holes thru a very shady officer's defense. We walked away with 1 yr probation. Thank You Sir for all you do!

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