WHY HIRE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER?
Any person who is facing a criminal charge, no matter how minor, will benefit from consulting a qualified criminal defense lawyer. Unlike civil court cases, where money or property may be at stake, a person suspected of committing a criminal act is in jeopardy of losing their fundamental freedom, and should act quickly to protect their rights by contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can identify important pretrial issues and bring appropriate motions which might significantly improve a defendant's case.
Unlike civil law, which involves private law suits between two or more private entities, criminal law involves defendants who are being prosecuted by the state or federal government. Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys, Villaume & Schiek represent individuals who are being prosecuted by the state of Minnesota (or by the federal government) for an act that has been classified as a crime. Crimes are generally classified as:
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Misdemeanors- less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft cases, or possession of a small amount of marijuana, or
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Felonies- more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder.
Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys, Villaume & Schiek have successfully negotiated and litigated both misdemeanor and felony crimes and are experienced in defending Minnesota clients against both state and federal criminal charges.
Another important distinction between civil law and criminal law is the standard of proof that is required by the law. 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 prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged with the crime actually committed the crime. This standard is much higher than the civil standard, and requires the skilled legal representation of a qualified criminal defense Attorney to fight for a defendant’s exoneration.
A defendant who is found guilty of some or all charges in a criminal law trial is entitled to appeal the decision of the judge or jury. A criminal law appeal is a formal request that a higher court review the decisions or actions of a lower court. Grounds for an appeal may include insufficient evidence to support the verdict, incorrect legal rulings by the judge, or prosecutorial or juror misconduct. For additional information related to appeals, contact the criminal defense Attorneys of Villaume & Schiek, P.A.
If you or someone you know in Bloomington, Minnesota, or within the surrounding Twin Cities and counties of Minnesota needs the assistance of an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney, contact the Law Firm of Villaume & Schiek, P.A., at 866-781-1612 or via their convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
