If you are facing a domestic violence charge, you must act quickly, as there is so much on the line. Having our Minneapolis MN domestic assault lawyer establish a strong defense for you is imperative to the outcome. At Archambault Criminal Defense, our focus is on protecting the freedom of the accused. If you were convicted of violence, the consequences could impact various aspects of your life. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you get legal support at this time. Attempting to combat a criminal accusation on your own puts yourself at risk of enduring the most severe consequences possible. Please contact Derek Archambault today if you are in need of criminal defense representation.
Conviction And Consequences
Those who have been convicted of domestic violence may face a myriad of consequences. You could receive extensive incarceration and fines, deportation from the United States if you are not a citizen, loss of professional or occupational license, loss of right to own or carry firearms, diminished job opportunities, and a tarnished reputation among your community. If you have been served with a restraining order for domestic violence, you should know that this can have a negative impact on your life. You could be forced to move out of your current home, lose rights to visitation, or lose custody of your children. Our dedicated domestic assault attorney believes that a mistake, misunderstanding, or exaggeration of claims should not ruin your life.
Domestic Assault Charges
You could be charged with domestic assault if you inflict (or attempt) bodily harm on someone in your household or a family member. These can be people such as your blood relatives, parents, children, former and current spouses, parents of your child (regardless of relationship status), those you are involved with a sexual or romantic relationship, and others who you currently or in the past have resided together.
Domestic assault can carry an offense at the misdemeanor level, which can be punishable by up to 12 months in jail. However, if you engage in a subsequent violation within 10 years after that, you could be charged with a gross misdemeanor. This would result in possibly 12 months of imprisonment and a $3,000 fine. Furthermore, if you are arrested for a third offense within 10 years, you will receive a felony offense. The repercussions for this would be up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Depending on the circumstances, there may be additional consequences for a domestic assault conviction.
Archambault Criminal Defense
Facing a criminal conviction of any kind can be stressful, as you worry about the potential repercussions you may face. If you need assistance regarding criminal defense, now is the time to contact Derek Archambault at Archambault Criminal Defense. He offers free consultations for new clients and can discuss your situation in more depth with you. After that, our MN domestic assault attorney can offer advice and strategies on how to defend your side. Contact us today for an immediate consultation.
Types Of Domestic Assault Cases We Handle
At Archambault Criminal Defense, we represent individuals facing domestic assault charges with straightforward legal guidance and strong defense strategies. These cases often move quickly, and early decisions can shape the outcome. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or more serious accusations, we take the time to understand the facts and protect your rights in court. Attorney Derek Archambault is a trusted Minneapolis, MN domestic assault lawyer who worked for many years as a prosecutor. This gives him a unique edge for developing defense strategies because he knows how prosecutors think and work. Our firm provides clear communication and a focused legal approach from start to finish.
Physical Harm Allegations
Many domestic assault charges involve claims of physical violence. These may include hitting, pushing, or other physical contact. We examine police reports, statements, and medical records to challenge the accuracy and reliability of the allegations.
Threats Or Intimidation
You don’t have to touch someone to be charged with domestic assault. Verbal threats or actions that create fear of harm may also lead to charges. We look closely at the context and credibility of any claims made.
False Accusations
In some cases, domestic assault charges are based on false or exaggerated statements made during heated disputes. We work to uncover inconsistencies, reveal motives for false reports, and defend your name.
Domestic Assault By Strangulation
Strangulation charges are treated as felonies in Minnesota and carry serious consequences. We review all evidence to determine whether the physical contact described meets the legal definition of strangulation.
Cases Involving Roommates Or Ex-Partners
Many people think that an assault that happens in their home is not considered to be domestic assault and this is incorrect. Charges can also involve roommates, former partners, or others with a shared living history. If you are in need of a Minneapolis domestic assault lawyer , we handle cases involving a wide range of domestic relationships.
Violations Of No Contact Orders
After an arrest, courts often issue orders preventing contact with the alleged victim. Violating those orders, even unintentionally, can lead to additional charges. We help clients address misunderstandings and defend against new allegations.
Cases With Children Present
When children are present during an alleged domestic assault, prosecutors may add additional charges or request protective orders. We work to protect our clients’ rights as parents and address any related family court concerns.
Self-Defense Claims
Sometimes, an accuser will try to make it seem like they were the ones that were the victim in a domestic assault case when in fact, they were the aggressor. In some cases, individuals charged with assault acted the way they did in order to protect themselves or others. We raise self-defense arguments when supported by the facts of the case.
Speak With Us Today
Domestic assault cases often involve more than just the charges—they affect jobs, families, and reputations. At Archambault Criminal Defense, we provide strong legal support for those accused and fight for a fair result in every case.
If you’ve been charged and need a Minneapolis domestic assault lawyer, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step in building your defense.
Charges Related To Domestic Assault In Minnesota
Domestic assault is a serious offense in Minnesota, and it can result in both criminal and civil consequences. Allegations may arise from incidents involving spouses, partners, roommates, or family members. In Minneapolis, these cases are often prosecuted quickly, and courts may impose restrictions even before a conviction.
Domestic-related charges can include physical violence, threats, harassment, or violations of no-contact orders. Depending on the situation, the charge could be a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony. Some cases involve prior convictions, which can lead to enhanced penalties under state law.
We understand that these cases can be complicated by personal relationships, emotional conflict, or misunderstandings. Our job is to separate the facts from the allegations and focus on protecting your rights at every stage of the process.
How These Cases Affect Your Life
An arrest for domestic assault often triggers immediate legal action. A judge may issue a no-contact order, which can restrict communication with the alleged victim or require you to leave your home. Violating that order, even unintentionally, can lead to additional charges.
A conviction can result in jail time, probation, and court-ordered treatment programs. It may also affect employment, child custody, and housing. In some cases, a domestic violence charge can impact immigration status or the right to possess a firearm.
Even without a conviction, the legal process itself can create lasting consequences. Because these consequences begin early in the case, it is important to act quickly. We work with clients to understand what restrictions have been put in place and how to avoid missteps that may make your situation more difficult.
We also take time to examine how the outcome could impact future opportunities. That includes reviewing whether a conviction might appear on a background check, affect a professional license, or prevent access to certain housing.
Building A Defense In Domestic Assault Cases
Every case is different, which is why we focus on details. That includes reviewing police reports, evaluating statements, and identifying any evidence that may support your side of the story. Sometimes that means challenging the way the arrest occurred. Other times, it means showing the court that the accusations are not supported by the facts.
As former prosecutors, we bring an informed approach to defense work. We know how these cases are investigated and what prosecutors look for when deciding how to move forward. That background helps us anticipate the other side and develop a response that fits the circumstances.
We are licensed in Minnesota and appear regularly in Minneapolis courts. We take time to explain each step to our clients and prioritize communication throughout the process.
Attorneys like those at Archambault Criminal Defense can attest that early defense strategy plays a major role in how these cases turn out. When you take the situation seriously from the start, you give yourself more options for a better result.
Protecting Your Record And Your Rights
If you have been accused of domestic assault in Minneapolis, working with a domestic assault lawyer Minneapolis MN gives you the support you need to respond the right way. We are ready to help you defend your rights and move forward with confidence.
12 Common Defenses To Domestic Violence Claims
A domestic violence conviction may affect your freedom, your record, and even your relationship with your children. All the more reason to contact a Minneapolis, MN domestic assault lawyer you can trust. At Archambault Criminal Defense, we’ve assisted our clients with a wide range of criminal cases, from DWIs to domestic violence. Now, we’re ready to help you. Read on to see some common defenses, and contact us today to get started on your case.
- Self Defense
One common defense is that the accused acted to protect themselves from harm. If the evidence shows that force was used in response to an immediate threat, this may support a self defense claim.
- False Allegations
Domestic disputes can be emotional, and sometimes accusations are made out of anger or during custody conflicts. As your spousal abuse lawyer, we’ll examine inconsistencies in statements and look for motives that may affect credibility.
- Lack Of Evidence
The prosecution must prove each element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is little physical evidence or conflicting witness accounts, this may weaken the case.
- Accidental Injury
Not every injury results from intentional harm. Your Minneapolis domestic assault lawyer will review medical records and other evidence to determine whether an injury could have occurred by accident.
- Mutual Confrontation
In some situations, both parties were involved in a heated argument or physical exchange. We assess whether the facts show mutual conduct rather than one sided aggression.
- Violation Of Constitutional Rights
If law enforcement conducted an unlawful search, seizure, or arrest, certain evidence may be challenged. Your domestic abuse lawyer will evaluate whether proper procedures were followed during the investigation.
- Inconsistent Witness Statements
Statements from witnesses may change over time or conflict with other evidence. Highlighting these inconsistencies can raise doubt about the accuracy of the claims.
- No Visible Injuries
In some cases, there are no physical signs of harm. While not required for a charge, the absence of visible injury may be relevant when assessing the strength of the case.
- Lack Of Intent
Many domestic violence offenses require proof that the accused acted intentionally. If the conduct was unintentional or misinterpreted, this may affect the outcome.
- Violation Of Protective Order Misunderstanding
Some cases involve alleged violations of protective or restraining orders. Your domestic safety lawyer will review the terms of the order and the facts to determine whether a true violation occurred.
- Credibility Issues
The outcome of a domestic violence case often depends on credibility. We carefully examine the background, prior statements, and possible biases of the accuser.
- Alibi Or Contradictory Evidence
If the accused was not present or if other evidence contradicts the allegation, this can form the basis of a strong defense. We gather records, communications, and other proof to support the facts.
Contact Us Today
At Archambault Criminal Defense, we’ll take the time to review the details and develop a strategy tailored to your situation. We’ll also use our 15+ years of experience to help you through your next steps. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, there’s no time to lose. Contact us today, and see how a Minneapolis domestic assault lawyer can help.
