Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with a crime, you need an experienced attorney to defend you, advise you, and help you achieve your goals in court. We have represented thousands of clients on criminal matters, and have extensive experience in the 12 counties in and around the Twin Cities. We offer reasonable rates, payment plans, free initial consultations, and accept credit card payments. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

We regularly and successfully help clients with the following cases:

DWI and drunk driving
Drug possession and sale charges
Assault and domestic abuse charges
Theft charges
Gun charges, including felon-in-possession
Sex crimes
All felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors
Jury trials
Traffic violations and speeding
Driving after cancellation/revocation

We can help. Contact us to begin discussing your case.

612-730-1738

Testimonials

D.S., criminal defense client

“Josh was very helpful. He talked me through everything going on with the case. Gave me the good and bad outcomes of my decisions. Josh was a listening ear when I had concerns/problems not only for my case, but for my personal life as well. He was not only my attorney, he was also like a therapist. Thank you, Josh!”

5 / 5 stars

D.C.U., criminal defense client

“Working with Josh is always a pleasure, despite the circumstances. I had hoped for a better outcome for my son, but I believe Josh got us the best outcome within the constraints of the "legal system"... a system that has a long way to go to account for mental health issues.”

5 / 5 stars

S.C., criminal defense client

“I've known Josh for years and as always, he did a great job fighting for me. He was very knowledgeable and explained everything so there were no surprises. I was very happy with the outcome!”

5 / 5 stars

MORE RESULTS & TESTIMONIALS

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FAQ

I don’t want the offense I have been accused of to appear on my record. Is that possible?

There are many ways to reduce the impact of a charge on a person’s criminal record. Many of our past clients have been able to resolve their cases without a conviction appearing on their records. Call us today to discuss the particulars of your case.

Am I going to go to jail?

Generally speaking, first-time offenders do not serve jail time on low-level misdemeanor cases. However, aggravating circumstances can make serving jail time a possibility, because prosecutors and judges do take all of the facts of a case into account when reviewing the offense at hand. We can tell you if there a realistic risk of serving jail during a free initial consultation. The basic sentencing parameters for offenses in Minnesota are:

Petty Misdemeanor Offenses—A petty misdemeanor is not a crime. The maximum punishment for a petty misdemeanor is a $300 fine plus any surcharges the county may add. You cannot go to jail for a petty misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor Offenses —A misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

Gross Misdemeanor Offenses— A gross misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum fine of $3,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

Felony Offenses— A felony carries a possible sentence of at least 366 days in jail and a maximum fine that is greater than $3,000.

Do I need a lawyer?

This is a difficult question to answer, because even the smallest cases can have significant consequences. However, it is safe to say that most people should hire or at least consult with an attorney if they are charged with a crime (a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony). We advise anyone who has been charged with an offense to call us for a free consultation so we can discuss the details of the case to determine if counsel is necessary. Our initial consultation is always free.

Will I have to go to court?

If you have been charged with a crime of any kind (with the exception of some low-level traffic tickets) you will likely have to go to court.

Petty misdemeanors are not crimes and you do not have to attend court to resolve them. To resolve a petty misdemeanor, you can generally call the court administrator in the county in which a ticket was issued and either pay a fine by phone or meet with a hearing officer to discuss the ticket. You can also call the court administrator in the county where the alleged offense occurred and ask if there is a court date scheduled for the case.

Have I been charged with a crime?

If you have been charged with a crime, the State must provide you notice by handing or mailing you a ticket (in misdemeanor cases), or a complaint (in felony or gross misdemeanor cases). If you have not received either of these, then you have not yet been charged with any crime.

Should I talk to the police?

If you are the suspect in an investigation, you should not speak with any law enforcement officer without speaking to an attorney first. The primary goal of law enforcement is to build a case strong enough to send to the local prosecutor for charging.

If you are asked questions by the police, tell them that you would like to call your attorney before talking, and call us for legal advice at 612-730-1738.

I have been charged with a serious crime that calls for a presumptive commit to prison. Can you help me avoid prison in this situation?

Our firm has handled many 1st- and 2nd-degree felony and prison-commit cases. In these cases it is essential to find a way to avoid a prison sentence. In cases where the State’s admissible evidence is overwhelming clients, may benefit from motioning for a downward departure from a guideline prison sentence. Even in very serious cases, we have successfully motioned the court to change prison sentences to jail sentences of a year or less, been able to avoid jail entirely or have had the cases dismissed altogether. This is sometimes possible even when a mandatory sentence calls for prison or jail.

Do you have experience representing clients with mental health concerns?

Our firm has handled many cases where the mental health of the client was a central circumstance in the representation. In these cases, we strive to help the courts understand our client’s special circumstances and needs. Often, our client’s mental health status becomes a critical element in the defense of their case. Taking time to understand a client’s mental health concerns and then aiding them in gathering proof of how their condition is relevant to the alleged charges is extremely important. Coordinating with family members, evaluators, doctors, and other professionals is critical in the successful representation of those with mental health diagnoses.

My son or daughter has a drug problem and has been arrested on a possession charge. What can be done to help them get treatment and protect their future?

In many cases, for first-time drug offenders, we can help keep permanent felony charges from going onto a client’s record. Our attorneys can also recommend resources to help individuals address addiction and chemical dependency. Representation of someone suffering from drug addiction takes time and patience. We start by going through an extensive intake meeting where we learn about the client’s personal background, including the length of their addiction, previous interventions and time in treatment, and triggers or life circumstances that may be contributing to use or relapse. The possibility of co-occurring mental health concerns, depression and anxiety are also things that must be addressed. Addiction is complex and is at the heart of many of the cases we handle. One must use a holistic approach in helping those who are trying to find a path toward sobriety while fighting criminal charges. We strive to do everything we can to aid our clients and their families in this struggle. Navigating these difficult waters is what we do and the helping our clients find long-lasting sobriety is a reward all its own. If you or your family member is struggling with addiction, please call us. We can help.

Recent Criminal Defense Case Results

Felony Violent Threat Resolved as Misd. Disorderly Conduct with $100 Fine
Felony Threats of Violence – XXX County – August 2019

Felony Property Damage > $200k Resolved as Gross Misdemeanor with No Further Jail Time
1st-degree Felony Criminal Damage to Property – XXX County – July 2019

Commercial Vehicle DWI Resolved as Careless Driving
DWI – XXX County – February 2019

Misdemeanor MJ in Motor Vehicle Resolved as Petty Misd. Signal Violation
Misdemeanor Marijuana Charge – XXX County – February 2019

Third Degree DWI with a Prior Resolved as Misd. Failure to Drive w/ Due Care
Gross Misdemeanor DWI – XXX County – November 2018

Crim Sex Conduct Reduced to Disorderly Conduct
5th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct – Anoka County – November 2018

$50,000 Fraud – No Jail, Unsupervised Probation, No Felony Conviction
Felony Theft – Scott County – October 2018

.20 BAC DWI with Accident Resolved as Careless Driving
Gross Misdemeanor DWI & Failure to Stop for Accident – Ramsey County – September 2018

Violation of OFP Resolved as Stay of Adjudication Disorderly Conduct
Gross Misdemeanor OFP Violation – Hennepin County – May 2018

100-month Presumptive Sentence – No Jail Time
Felony Drug Sale & Felon in Possession of Firearm – Anoka County – April 2018

Felony Fleeing Police Reduced to DWI
Felony Fleeing a Peace Officer – Wright County – February 2018

Felony Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor, No In-Custody Jail Time
Felony Terroristic Threats – Hennepin County – February 2018

Gross Misdemeanor Restraining Order Violation Resolved as Petty Misdemeanor Careless Driving
Harassment Restraining Order Violation – Scott County – January 2018

DWI With Car Accident – Avoided Mandatory Minimum Sentence
Gross Misdemeanor DWI – Chisago County -November 2017

Dismissed Criminal Defense Cases

Case Dismissed
Gross Misdemeanor Counterfeiting Currency – Hennepin County -November 2017

Case Dismissed Based on Probable Cause Argument
Multiple DWI Charges- Sherburne County – November 2017

Rescinded Implied Consent Driver’s License Revocation- Sherburne County – October 2017

Case Dismissed for Lack of Probable Cause
Misdemeanor DWI and over .08 – Sherburne County – September 2017

Case Dismissed
Gross Misdemeanor Interfere with 911 and 3 related misdemeanors – Hennepin County – July 2017

No In-Custody Jail Time
Felony Criminal Vehicular Operation- Dakota County – May 2017

Case Dismissed
Felony 2nd° Burglary- Goodhue County – April 2017

.14 BAC DWI Reduced to Careless Driving
Multiple DWI Charges – Dakota County – March 2017

Case Dismissed
Felony 5th° Aiding and Abetting Drug Sale- Chisago County – August 2016

Case Dismissed
Felony 1st° Burglary – Scott County – August 2016

Case Dismissed
Felony Possession of Burglary/Theft Tools – Hennepin County – August 2016

Case Dismissed
Misdemeanor Domestic Assault – Anoka County – August 2016

Case Dismissed
Obstruction of Legal Process – Ramsey County – April 2016

Rescinded
Implied Consent Driver’s License Revocation- Washington County – January 2016

Case Dismissed
Felony 5th Degree Drug Possession- Hennepin County – November 2015

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Minneapolis Office

310 Fourth Avenue S #7000
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 730-1738

St Paul Office

656 Selby Avenue Suite 230
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 785-5342