Arrange Your Free Consultation By Calling:
Arrange Your Free Consultation By Calling:
If you have been charged with assault, you want an attorney who will stand up for your rights. Dave Sjoberg will thoroughly explain the law and legal process as well as your options and likelihood of success. He will make sure you can make informed decisions to your best benefit. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony will generally depend on the level of harm allegedly inflicted.
Bruises or contusions are often misdemeanors, whereas broken bones or threats of great bodily harm will customarily result in felony charges. We here at Sjoberg Law Office, P.A., have handled many assault cases. With two decades of experience, attorney Sjoberg has a strong sense of when you should seek to negotiate a plea bargain and when you should take your case to trial. We will work together to decide whether a plea agreement is in your best long-term interests.
Dave Sjoberg will ensure that law enforcement officers and prosecutors follow the rules and don’t overstep their bounds. To set up a free initial consultation and speak to attorney Sjoberg, call 763-413-1223 or fill out our online contact form.
Assault can range from minor altercations to felony-level charges. Minnesota defines this crime as intentionally causing (or attempting to cause) bodily harm or creating a reasonable fear of immediate harm. These charges span simple and aggravated assault to domestic assault. Each specific crime has its own consequences, some of which can affect your life for years to come.
Sjoberg Law Office, P.A. handles assault cases in Ham Lake and across Anoka, Isanti, and Chisago counties. Our criminal defense attorney handles both misdemeanor and felony assault, including domestic incidents. When you choose our firm, we’ll work to protect your legal rights and fight for the best outcome possible in your case. Contact Sjoberg Law Office, P.A. today for a consultation.
Minnesota law separates assault into different categories, depending on the circumstances. Simple assault (fifth- and fourth-degree assault) typically involves minor physical harm or threats that do not result in serious injury. Fifth-degree assault is usually charged as a misdemeanor, and fourth-degree assault is generally a gross misdemeanor charge. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor penalties include probation and short-term jail sentences. Any prior convictions you have can increase the punishment, including raising the charges from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Aggravated assault (first-, second-, and third-degree assault) is a more serious felony charge. Examples include:
Felony assault carries longer prison terms and restrictions that can affect your voting and firearms rights. The exact sentence depends on the level of harm and whether you used weapons, along with your criminal history.
Even first-time assault charges can have lasting effects on your future employment and housing, among other areas of life. Sjoberg Law Office, P.A.’s assault defense lawyer can build a defense that addresses your specific charges and circumstances.
Domestic assault is a specific kind of assault. This applies when harm or threats occur between spouses, former spouses, family members, or people in a dating relationship. Domestic assault has distinct rules and penalties compared with the general assault laws.
Courts can issue orders for protection (OFPs) to limit contact between the parties and prevent further harm. An OFP can restrict where you live and who you see, along with whether you can possess firearms while the order is in effect. Violating an OFP will result in additional criminal charges and increased penalties.
Domestic assault charges can escalate to gross misdemeanors or felonies more quickly than other assault cases, especially if you have prior offenses.
These cases often intersect with family law matters, including child custody and parenting time. Domestic assault charges and convictions can influence a judge’s decisions in family court, even if the criminal case is still pending. That’s why it’s so important to work with a qualified criminal defense and family lawyer—you need someone who can help you navigate both the civil and criminal proceedings associated with domestic assault and OFPs.
Sjoberg Law Office, P.A. can help you respond to charges and OFPs, all while building a defense to protect your rights and limit the potential consequences.
Assault escalates to aggravated assault if you use a weapon or when the harm is especially severe. In Minnesota, aggravated assault is a felony, and even the presence of a weapon at the crime scene can significantly increase the potential punishment.
Felony assault can result in years of prison time, plus harsh probation conditions and fines. Courts will usually restrict your firearm rights after a felony or domestic assault conviction.
A skilled defense strategy makes a big difference in cases involving weapons. Sjoberg Law Office, P.A. can evaluate your case and review the evidence and witness statements. We’ll independently investigate and explore defenses that may reduce or challenge the charges.
Every case is unique, so our strategies depend on the details and exact charges. Minnesota law requires the state to prove that you intentionally caused harm or created fear of immediate harm. The prosecution must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The right defense can poke holes in their case to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Some of our most effective assault defenses include:
Assault charges are stressful and life-altering, and you shouldn’t risk representing yourself. Similarly, while public defenders are often talented lawyers, their extensive caseloads mean they can’t provide the level of personalized service a private firm can.
Having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference in how your case turns out. Founding attorney Dave Sjoberg has worked with clients across Minnesota for two decades, representing people in both misdemeanor and felony cases. Our experienced assault defense lawyer can protect your Constitutional rights and see that law enforcement and prosecutors follow proper procedures. Even if you plan to plead guilty, a skilled attorney can safeguard your interests and advocate for the best possible outcome.
Our firm handles complex cases of all kinds, including assault and domestic assault. We start by discussing your case and the circumstances behind the charge, then independently investigate to find helpful evidence. This allows us to craft a defense to address each unique detail in your case. Whether negotiating with the prosecution or attending hearings, Dave Sjoberg works to minimize the impact on your life, or, when possible, get the charges dropped. While many cases are resolved before trial, we’re prepared to represent you in court if that’s the best choice for you.
Sjoberg Law Office, P.A. is a small firm that delivers service and results comparable to larger firms—all while remaining accessible and attentive. You’ll always know what’s happening in your case and which options you have at any given point. Whether you live in Ham Lake or the surrounding counties, we offer aggressive defenses tailored to your needs.
Assault charges require a strong, strategic defense, especially when family law matters are involved. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, you’ll benefit from hiring an assault defense lawyer from Sjoberg Law Office, P.A. to provide experienced, personalized representation.
Our firm serves clients in Cambridge, Isanti, and Anoka, as well as across Anoka, Isanti, and Chisago counties. Contact us today for a consultation at our offices in Ham Lake.