Domestic Assault, Abuse
Get the legal representation you need
Has a partner or spouse accused you of domestic violence? Have you been issued a restraining order? Do you face charges of physical or emotional abuse in your household? If so, it is important that you gain the legal counsel of someone who can help you protect your rights.
You deserve an experienced attorney
No matter what type of charges you face, you deserve committed legal support from an attorney who understands domestic abuse laws. We will thoroughly research the evidence, explore all possible defense strategies, and build a case based on the facts. Whether you face state or federal charges, we can help you navigate the legal system. We will listen to your story and provide a comprehensive consultation at no charge.
This is likely one of the most stressful times in your life—you need reliable legal representation from a criminal defense attorney with experience.
Call 651-455-1555 today to schedule a comprehensive consultation at no charge to you. We will listen to your story carefully and help you determine an appropriate course of action.
Domestic abuse can take many forms
We provide legal counsel in the following types of charges:
- Physical abuse, aggravated assault
- Sexual abuse, rape
- Domestic assault, assault with a deadly weapon
- Battery
- Emotional abuses
Spousal and child abuse charges
Domestic abuse charges can include spousal abuse charges, but may also include abuse of children, whether physical, sexual, or emotional. One may even face spousal abuse and child abuse at the same time. We have the resources to provide criminal defense in both types of cases.
Sexual abuse of a child is a very serious charge—perhaps one of the most difficult and emotional charges a person can face. No one should have to do so without the legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney. We have successfully defended charges of physical abuse, improper touching, rape of a minor and other types of child abuse, and we can help you in your legal battle and minimize the intense emotion and negative outcomes. If you have been charged with sexual child abuse, not all hope is lost. We build strong cases on the following defense strategies:
- Improper interviewing of a minor
- Coaching of an alleged victim
- Falsely planted memories
- Alternate explanations for apparent abuse
Frequently Asked Questions
The eligibility requirements for OFP in Minnesota include specific types of relationships between the individuals involved; however, an HRO does not require any relationship between the parties. Learn more about Orders for Protection in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, an alleged victim of a crime such as assault or domestic assault may not directly cause charges to be dropped with a simple request. A victim may give their input to a prosecutor, but ultimately, charges can only be dismissed by the prosecutor or the court. Learn more.
These 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, pregnant women and the alleged fathers of their children, and persons involved in a significant romantic relationship.
No! No contact orders are one-sided and inflexible. It doesn’t matter if the person says its okay to see or speak to them. Once the order is issued, it can only be changed by a judge. While the order is in effect, if the two of you have contact, no matter who initiates it, the only person who faces consequences is you
A crime of violence includes any conviction for: murder; aiding suicide; 1st-4th-degree assault; crimes for the benefit of a gang; robber; kidnapping; false imprisonment; prostitution; 1st-4th-degree criminal sexual conduct; malicious punishment, endangerment or neglect of a child; 1st-2nd-degree arson; 1st-3rd-degree burglary; drive by shooting; riot; terroristic threats; and stalking. Also, including all felony drug offenses and theft of a firearm or vehicle.
Federally, a crime of violence includes domestic violence or any crime with an element of force or attempted force or threatened use of a dangerous weapon.
In Minnesota, certain offenses are enhanceable meaning that specific factors can increase the severity level of an offense. Meaning of an aggravating factor is present then the offense severity could increase from a misdemeanor to a gross-misdemeanor, or from a gross-misdemeanor to a felony. Below is a table of examples of enhanceable offenses in Minnesota.
Driving While Intoxicated: Charges based on aggravating factors, and each prior impaired driving incident within ten years is counted.
Order for Protection Violation: Charges are enhanced if there is a violation of an order within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence related offense.
Fifth-Degree Assault: Charges are enhanced if there is a repeat offense against the same victim within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence offense; Charges are enhanced if there is a repeat offense within three years of a previous qualified domestic violence offense; Charges are enhanced if there are two or more previous qualified domestic violence offenses against the same victim for ten years.
Domestic Assault: Charges are enhanced if assault is committed against a family or household member for ten years.
Harassment or Restraining Order Violation: Charges are enhanced if there is a violation of an order within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence related offense.
Domestic assault involves the same or similar conduct as the other forms of assault under Minnesota law, but only differs from those offenses because it only applies to certain family or household members. Different from assault, an individual may also be charged with domestic assault by strangulation, a felony level offense.
Call 651-455-1555 to schedule a consultation at no charge to you. We will listen carefully and help you determine an appropriate course of action. We know 24/7 availability may be important under certain circumstances. Find more information here: Tom Sieben and Patrick Cotter.
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Tom Sieben, Sieben & Cotter PLLC
Tom is a third-generation lawyer in the Sieben family and is devoted representing individuals in criminal defense, taking a straightforward and aggressive approach to cases.
Patrick Cotter, Sieben & Cotter PLLC
Patrick is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, and he takes great pride in providing expert personal injury and criminal defense representation for his clients.