What is a crime?
Crimes are acts punishable by loss of liberty or life. But Minnesota state law abolished the death penalty long ago. And yet, the federal government might assert federal death penalty jurisdiction in Minnesota one day.
So, for decades, criminal cases in Minnesota involve taking away a person’s Liberty, and labeling them a criminal.
Who are the accused?
Many great people in history faced criminal charges.
So check out our article about the most famous criminal trial in history: the Trial of Jesus.
And Socrates, Joan of Arc. But were they guilty of real crimes?
These cases teach us skepticism about criminal law.
To err is human: The criminal laws and the legal system are the product of humans – imperfect and flawed. And the accused is at a disadvantage. So a person facing an accuser needs a good defense lawyer to be heard.
For example, see our article about, Jesus as Defense Lawyer: The Woman Accused of Adultery.
Crimes: It is written
No person can be held criminally responsible unless the law is:
- written, and
- clearly prohibits an intentional act,
- with a defined penalty.
So statutes serve those purposes.
But judges and juries apply the laws to cases based upon evidence presented. And judges write legal opinions interpreting statutes and other criminal laws.
“There ought to be a law?”
Remember the Ten Commandments? Ok.
So, now, do you remember the 648 Chapters of Minnesota Statutes?
We have so many laws today; so many criminal laws. And every year, more laws; more crimes.
First, do no harm: Do people really believe that laws are magic solutions? And can laws solve every human problem; with words and the brute force of the State?
Or, have we reached a point where our criminal laws cause problems, rather than solve them?
The Defense
Each one of us has a role to play in guarding the Liberty of the individual. So protect his or hers; and you’re protecting yours and that of your family. And this is the only way you can.
If “the other” is at risk, so are you.
But the jury and the judge are the last defense against government violation of human rights. And the defense attorney is the advocate of our Liberty, on behalf of the accused.
Types of crimes
Gallagher Criminal Defense represents clients facing criminal charges in Minnesota state and federal courts. And these include:
Property, Theft and White Collar crimes
Marijuana and other drug crimes
Assault and other crimes against persons
Domestic crimes related & Violation of an Order for Protection, DANCO
Impaired Driving and Alcohol related
Felony, Gross Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor, and Petty Misdemeanor consequences
Inchoate Crimes: Attempts, Solicitation, Aiding and abetting, Conspiracy
Why Gallagher Criminal Defense?
When you learn that you are a target of a police investigation or prosecution, you need a criminal defense lawyer. After all, these are legal problems with legal solutions.
A good criminal defense attorney will begin to untangle the knot. And early intervention works better. So, we can do more with more time.
We hope this main crimes page, which links to several individual crimes pages, will help you. And our other pages cover:
- criminal defenses,
- steps in the process, and information
- about Defense Attorney Gallagher.
So if you have a question about criminal charges in Minnesota, call Minneapolis Defense Attorney Thomas C. Gallagher, at 612 333-1500