St. Paul Assault Defense Lawyer

Facing Assault Charges in St. Paul? We Can Help

If you've been charged with assault in St. Paul, your next steps matter. Facing a criminal accusation brings stress, uncertainty, and concern for your future. Suddenly, you may be worried about your record, your job, and your reputation. This is when having the right assault attorney in St. Paul can make a real difference.

At Tamburino Law Group, we recognize how overwhelming this situation feels. Our attorneys have guided thousands of clients through the criminal justice system in Minnesota, including at Ramsey County District Court. Because urgent issues can arise any time, you can reach us 24/7. Your first confidential consultation is always free, so you can get answers and support before your case progresses.

With more than 100 years of combined criminal defense experience, Board Certified leadership, and thorough understanding of prosecutors and courts in St. Paul, our team is prepared to address assault charges quickly and decisively.

Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

What is Assault in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, assault is defined broadly under state law. You do not necessarily need to physically harm someone to be charged with assault. The law recognizes two main forms of assault:

• An act done with intent to cause fear in another person of immediate bodily harm or death (even if no physical contact occurs)
• The intentional infliction or attempt to inflict bodily harm on another person

This means a person can be charged with assault simply based on threatening behavior if the alleged victim reasonably believed they were in danger.

There are multiple degrees of assault in Minnesota, including:

• Fifth-degree assault (generally considered a misdemeanor)
• Fourth-degree assault (often involves protected victims such as police officers, teachers, or healthcare workers)
• Third-degree assault (results in substantial bodily harm)
• Second-degree assault (involves a dangerous weapon)
• First-degree assault (involves great bodily harm and is the most serious)

Each level carries different penalties, depending on the severity of the alleged conduct and whether a weapon was involved.

Tamburino Law Group can help you understand the exact charge you are facing and the potential consequences.

Criminal Penalties for Assault

Assault convictions in Minnesota can result in significant legal and personal consequences. Potential penalties include:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars
• Probation or supervised release
• Mandatory anger management, counseling, or classes
• No-contact or restraining orders
• Loss of firearm rights
• Permanent criminal record

Examples of possible penalties include:

• Fifth-Degree Assault (Misdemeanor): Up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Fourth-Degree Assault: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000
• Third-Degree Assault: Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Second-Degree Assault: Up to 7 years (20+ in some cases) and a fine of up to $14,000
• First-Degree Assault: Up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000+ fine

In addition to criminal penalties, you could face civil lawsuits from the alleged victim seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Our St. Paul assault defense attorney at Tamburino Law Group can build a strong defense strategy to minimize or eliminate these consequences.

Legal Defenses to Assault Charges

Not every accusation of assault leads to a conviction. There are many potential defenses that can be used to challenge the prosecution’s case, including:

Self-Defense or Defense of Others

If you were protecting yourself or someone else from imminent harm, your actions may be legally justified under Minnesota law.

Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. If your actions were accidental or misunderstood, this can be a powerful defense.

False Accusations

Sometimes assault allegations are motivated by anger, revenge, jealousy, or attempts to gain leverage in family or civil court matters. We work to uncover inconsistencies and credibility issues in the accuser’s story.

Insufficient Evidence

If there is no video footage, independent witnesses, or physical evidence, the case may rely solely on statements. We aggressively challenge weak or unreliable evidence.

Violation of Your Rights

If police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, we may be able to have evidence suppressed or the case dismissed entirely.

At Tamburino Law Group, our St. Paul assault defense lawyers carefully examine the facts, evidence, witness statements, and police procedures in every case to determine the strongest defense available.

What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for Assault in St. Paul

If you are accused of assault, your actions right now matter. Follow these important steps:

• Do not speak to police without an attorney present
• Avoid discussing your case on social media
• Do not contact the alleged victim
• Write down what you remember while it’s fresh
• Contact a St. Paul assault defense lawyer immediately

Getting legal representation early gives your attorney the opportunity to preserve evidence, speak to witnesses, and possibly influence charging decisions.

Assault FAQs

Is assault always a felony in Minnesota?

No. Some assault charges are misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors. The seriousness depends on injuries, weapons, and the identity of the alleged victim.

Can I still be charged if no one was injured?

Yes. You can be charged even if no one was physically hurt, as long as the alleged victim feared immediate harm.

Will an assault charge show up on a background check?

Yes. Even an arrest can appear on some background checks. A conviction will typically remain on your record unless it is expunged.

Can my case be dismissed or expunged?

Depending on your situation, it may be possible to have charges dismissed or petition for expungement in the future. A St. Paul assault defense lawyer can discuss your options.

Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?

Never plead guilty without first consulting an experienced attorney. You may have defenses you are unaware of, and a conviction can have long-term consequences.

Why Choosing the Right St. Paul Assault Attorney Matters

Not every lawyer is ready for the specific demands of assault defense in St. Paul. These charges can move quickly through Ramsey County District Court, include complicated details, and carry significant consequences. Selecting the right attorney early can help protect your future.

Our team stands out because of Board Certification in Criminal Law—a credential awarded to only a small group of Minnesota attorneys—and a record that includes hundreds of jury trials. Board Certified founding partner Joseph Tamburino leads our approach, bringing uncommon experience to your side.

Many of our attorneys have worked as both defense counsel and prosecutors in Minnesota. This experience gives us a strategic edge when anticipating the prosecution’s approach. We know what tactics are common in St. Paul and how to defend clients effectively.

Call Tamburino Law Group at (612) 444-5020 for immediate assistance with your assault case in St. Paul.