Criminal Defense Frequently Asked Questions
Duggins Law Firm LLC

The following information includes frequently asked criminal defense questions. The answers stated are general in nature and do not apply to every criminal defense situation. Each case is different and carries its own set of circumstances that must be taken into consideration by competent legal counsel. Contact the St. Paul, Minnesota criminal defense Attorneys at the Duggins Law Firm, to receive a personal consultation regarding your criminal defense case.

What happens if I am arrested for breaking a criminal law?

If you are arrested for breaking a criminal law, the case is taken before a judge who issues a warrant (if necessary) and sets a bond for appearance in court. If the defendant cannot post bond, he or she may be incarcerated pending appearance in court. If bond is posted, he or she will remain free pending appearance at an arraignment. An arraignment usually occurs within 48 hours of the arrest. The arraignment is held before a judge who formally tells the defendant the offense with which he or she is being charged and informs the defendant of their constitutional rights and of the possible penalties involved. The defendant may or may not enter a plea of guilty or not guilty at this time. The bond or bail may be reviewed and a date for the next hearing is scheduled.

Is domestic violence a crime punishable under criminal law?

Whether domestic violence is a crime depends upon the particular circumstances as well as the laws of Minnesota. Domestic violence can be both a crime subject to criminal punishment and a civil wrong subject to restraint upon personal conduct and award of monetary damages.

It is a frequent pattern in domestic violence cases, for the victim to be abused, call the police, press charges, then reconcile with the abuser and seek to have the charges dropped before having the entire process repeated. Because of this, in some local communities and other states, domestic violence is now prosecuted as a crime by city and district attorneys, even without charges being filed by the victim.

Can police officers use force to arrest me?

A police officer may use as much force as necessary for a criminal arrest, as long as it is reasonable and lawful. After an arrest is made, a police officer may apply handcuffs to a defendant if the officer thinks that it is necessary to prevent injury or escape. If the defendant claims an unlawful application of force was used by the arresting officer, a judge will hear the defendant's argument and decide whether the force used was reasonable under the circumstances.

Will I be fingerprinted or have to be in a line-up?

If you are arrested, the police have the right to take your fingerprints and photographs. You may also be required to participate in a line-up, to provide a sample of your handwriting, to speak phrases associated with the offense and/or to have samples of your hair taken. However, you may insist that an attorney be present during this time.

What is the role of the judge in a criminal trial?

In a criminal trial, the judge controls all legal proceedings in the courtroom. The judge determines whether certain evidence is admissible or not and rules on preliminary matters and discovery issues that the defense and prosecution may have. Before the jury decides a case, the judge instructs the jury as to how they must proceed to reach a decision.

What is the role of the jury in a criminal trial?

The jury in a criminal trial considers all aspects of the case for as long as necessary to come to a unanimous decision. Once a verdict is reached, it is presented to the defendant in court. A jury may find a person guilty of all, some, or none of the crimes charged in a criminal trial.

In some cases, depending on the evidence presented and the nature of the instructions given by the court to the jury, a jury can convict a defendant of a lesser crime than initially charged. If the jury presents a not guilty verdict, the proceedings are over and the jury verdict may not be overturned. If the verdict is guilty, however, the defense may proceed with an appeal.

What is bail?

Bail is money or other property deposited with the court in order to ensure that the person accused returns to court when he or she is required to do so. If the defendant does not come to court when required or violates his or her bail conditions, the bail will be forfeited to the court and will not be returned. If the defendant makes all of his appearances, the bail is returned when the case is over.

What happens during a bail hearing?

Upon arrest, the accused appears before a magistrate or judge for a violation of a criminal law. The magistrate or judge will conduct a pre-trial bail hearing resulting in four possible results:

• Recognizance - This is the defendant's verbal promise to appear in court on the date set and abide by the terms set by the magistrate or judge. No monetary pledge, cash deposit, or security by property or professional bondsman is required.
• Conditional Release - This release, pending court appearance, is based on the defendant's written agreement to appear in court on the date set and abide by the conditions set by the magistrate or judge. It is backed by an agreement by the defendant to contact the probation department periodically, in addition to other conditions which might be set by the judge.
  
• Bail Bond - This is secured by either a cash deposit or a pledge by a third party, who provides the cash to guarantee that the defendant will appear in court on the date set and abide by the conditions of the release. The judge may forfeit the cash in the event the defendant does not appear in court on the date set.
• Ineligible for Bail

  The bail decision may be appealed to a judge who re-examines the evidence. A violation of any agreement of release pending court appearance can result in the issuance of a bench warrant to arrest the person.

What happens at an arraignment?

A suspect has the right to be arraigned without unnecessary delay, usually within 48 hours after being arrested, except weekends and holidays. He or she appears before a judge who will read the offenses with which the suspect is officially being charged.

They are informed of their constitutional rights and advised of applicable penalties. At the arraignment, an attorney is appointed in the event of financial hardship, and bail can be raised or lowered. A suspect may also ask to be released on personal recognizance at this time, even if bail was previously set.

If charged with a misdemeanor, a suspect pleads guilty or not guilty at the arraignment. Or, if the court approves, a suspect can enter a plea known as "Alford Plea" meaning the charges will not be contested. Legally, this is the same as a guilty plea.

If misdemeanor charges are not dropped, a trial is held later in a court of law. If charged with a felony, however, and the charges are not dismissed, the next step is a preliminary hearing.

Why should I 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 his or her fundamental freedom. Act quickly to protect your 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.

If you or someone you know in St. Paul, the Twin Cities, or throughout Minnesota or North Dakota, need the legal counsel or assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, contact the Duggins Law Firm LLC today at 866-248-0086, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your free consultation.