Basic Minnesota Criminal Law Information
Civil law involves private law suits between two or more private individuals, businesses or other legal entities. Criminal law involves a private individual and the state of Minnesota or the United States federal government. In criminal law, criminal charges are filed by the state of Minnesota or by the federal government through a prosecutor. Another important distinction between civil law and criminal law is the standard of proof. In order to prevail in a civil case, the plaintiff must demonstrate by 51% that the defendant is responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries. In criminal law, the prosecutor must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged with the crime actually committed the crime. This standard is much higher than the civil standard.
Criminal defense lawyers represent individuals who are being prosecuted by the state of Minnesota or the federal government for an act that has been classified as a crime. What constitutes a crime is defined in the Minnesota Penal Code and by federal statutes. Statutes are rules or laws that define what type of conduct is illegal. Crimes are generally classified as "misdemeanors" (less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft, or possession of a small amount of marijuana) or "felonies" (more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder). Minnesota Criminal law attorney, Patrick Cotter has successfully negotiated and litigated both misdemeanor and felony crimes for his St. Paul and surrounding area clients.
The lawyer that you choose to represent you will have a major impact on the results that you obtain. Minnesota criminal defense lawyer, Patrick Cotter is experienced in defending St. Paul, Minnesota and surrounding area clients against both state and federal charges. This type of experience leads to better results.
If you or someone you know in St. Paul, Minnesota or a surrounding county has been arrested or charged with a crime or needs the assistance of an experienced Criminal Defense lawyer, then contact Cotter Law Office, PLLC to speak to an experienced Criminal Defense lawyer at 866-435-2760 or via the contact form in the left column.
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