St. Cloud Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence is taken seriously across Minnesota. These cases often arise when a couple argues and things escalate. When police arrive, its possible that one upset individual may exaggerate the events that occurred. In other instances people may claim abuse out of retaliation or during divorce and custody disputes. It is important that you or your loved one has experienced representation because domestic violence convictions can carry life-long repercussions.

What makes an offense “domestic”?

Minnesota law defines a domestic incident with a family or household member. Family and household members include spouses, former spouses, parents and children, people related by blood, people who live together or have lived together, people who have dated, people who have children together, and pregnant women and the alleged fathers of their children.

Potential Punishments

Domestic assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days jail and $1,000 fine. If the accused has prior domestic violence convictions, the level of punishment increases. A qualified prior is when the victim was involved in a prior incident within the last ten years or any individual was involved in the prior three years. This changes the crime to a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year jail.

No Contact Orders

A no-contact order can be issued by a judge in criminal court, requiring the defendant to stay away from the alleged victim and not make any contact. Even if the victim initiates contact, the defendant can still be charged with a crime for violating this order. A violation of this order is a criminal charge that carries the possibility of jail time.

Firearm Ban

If a person is convicted of a domestic violence charge, the court must order them to surrender all firearms used in the offense and can, and in some cases must, ban the individual from owning firearms in the future. Violating the firearm ban is an additional criminal charge.

Wanda Gierman fights domestic allegations

Ms. Gierman is intimately familiar with the prosecuting attorney’s office and how they handle domestic violence cases. She knows the best way to resolve these cases to avoid a permanent conviction and the typical plea bargains for similar cases. Put her experience on your side and reach out for a free domestic violence case analysis.