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952.945.7824Domestic assault is a serious crime and one of the most common criminal charges in Minnesota. Being found guilty of a domestic assault charge can result in fines of up to $10,000 and five years in prison. In addition, a conviction for domestic assault will:
If you have been charged with domestic assault, please contact me, criminal defense lawyer Justin Schiks. As a Woodbury Domestic Abuse Lawyer, I have achieved positive results for people facing domestic assault charges in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area and throughout Minnesota.
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Domestic violence is a serious problem in our society, yet so is the misuse of domestic assault laws. Unfortunately, individuals often make false claims of domestic assault. The police and the court system have no choice but to take these claims seriously.
Anyone can be charged with domestic violence. I have represented doctors, lawyers and others who never thought they would need legal defense against such a charge. I will fight to protect your freedom, your rights and your reputation.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY JUSTIN SCHIKS
You can be charged with domestic assault if you caused physical harm to another person or if you caused the other person to fear that he or she was in imminent danger of physical harm. Many allegations of domestic violence come down to a “he said, she said,” situation that is hard for the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you have been charged with domestic assault, you may have been named in an order for protection, which requires you to leave the home and stay away from the alleged victim and prohibits you from communicating with him or her. It is important to comply with these requirements and to speak to a Woodbury Domestic Abuse Lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.
For domestic assault or any violent crime, contact us and call 952-945-7824.
Award-winning criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and positive resolutions for his clients. For over a decade, Justin has dedicated himself to criminal and DWI defense. He has advocated for individuals through every step of a case, from pre-charge representation through pretrial hearings and trials.
JUSTIN M. SCHIKS
Recent Case Results
Many people assume that if the other party no longer wants to press charges, the case goes away. In Minnesota, that is not how it works. Once a complaint reaches law enforcement, the decision to move forward belongs exclusively to the County Attorney or City Prosecutor, not to the person who called the police.
Even if the victim recants or refuses to cooperate, prosecutors can proceed using 911 recordings, body camera footage, medical records, and officer observations, or by subpoenaing witnesses to testify. Consulting an attorney at JS Defense: Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer early is critical to challenging evidence before the case against you strengthens.
A Domestic Abuse No Contact Order, commonly called a DANCO, is a criminal court order prohibiting a defendant from contacting or coming near the alleged victim. Under Minnesota Statute §629.75, it can be issued before the case is resolved or after conviction as part of a probation sentence, and it operates independently of any other release conditions already imposed by the court.
One detail worth knowing: even if the protected party contacts you first, you are still legally prohibited from responding. A defense attorney can walk you through exactly what your DANCO permits from the moment it is issued.
Yes, and this surprises many people facing a first-time charge. A domestic assault conviction triggers firearm prohibitions under both state and federal law, and the two work differently. Minnesota imposes a three-year ban for a standard conviction. The federal Lautenberg Amendment goes further, permanently barring anyone with a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition, with no expiration. Even if the state prohibition lifts after three years, the federal ban remains for life.
If firearms are part of your work or daily life, knowing what a conviction actually means before accepting any plea is where an attorney adds the most value.
A first offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Those numbers, however, are only part of the picture. A conviction also brings a firearm prohibition, can weigh against you in child custody proceedings, creates a permanent criminal record, and may affect housing applications and professional licenses.
If you have a prior qualifying offense within ten years, the charge escalates to a gross misdemeanor, with penalties up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine. Two or more prior convictions elevate it to a felony, carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Whatever the charge level, JS Defense: Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you understand what you are actually facing and what options are available before you make any decisions.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Justin M. Schiks who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
At JS Defense: Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer, you are not just one of the many. We pride ourselves on our availability for our clients. Our firm is regionally and nationally recognized in the legal community as delivering an aggressive defense for each and every client, no matter how serious the case. If it matters to you, it matters to us!
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