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Felonies

St. Paul Felony Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with a felony in St. Paul, Minnesota, your life and freedom are at stake. Felony convictions carry severe consequences, including long prison sentences, substantial fines, and lasting effects on your personal and professional life. A felony conviction can have a permanent impact on your record, making it harder to find employment, secure housing, or live a normal life.

At DeVore Law Office, we understand the seriousness of felony charges and are committed to providing strong, aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case. Our firm has over 20 years of experience defending clients charged with a wide range of felony crimes, and we are prepared to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.

What Is a Felony?

In Minnesota, a felony is defined as a criminal offense that carries a penalty of more than one year in state prison. Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, and they are typically categorized by the severity of the offense. Depending on the crime, penalties can range from a few years in prison to life behind bars. Common examples of felony charges include assault, drug offenses, theft, burglary, and murder.

Types of Felony Charges We Defend

At DeVore Law Office, we defend individuals charged with a wide range of felony crimes in Minnesota. Below are some of the most common types of felonies we defend against:

Assault and Violent Crimes Felonies

Felony assault charges arise when a person causes harm or threatens harm to another individual. This includes charges like aggravated assault and battery. Felony assault charges can carry significant prison time, especially if the victim is a police officer, elderly, or a vulnerable individual.

Penalties:

  • Up to 20 years in prison

  • Fines up to $30,000

  • Long-term impacts on your criminal record and personal life

Drug Offenses Felonies

Drug crimes in Minnesota can carry felony charges, especially if they involve large quantities of illegal substances or drug trafficking. Felony drug offenses include drug manufacturing, drug possession, and drug distribution. The penalties can vary based on the type of drug and the amount involved.

Penalties:

  • Up to 25 years in prison (for large-scale trafficking)

  • Fines up to $500,000

  • Possible mandatory drug treatment programs

Theft and Property Crimes Felonies

Felony theft charges apply when a person steals property valued over a certain amount, or commits burglary, robbery, or grand larceny. Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, while robbery is a theft committed with the use of force or threats.

Penalties:

  • Up to 20 years in prison for aggravated theft or burglary

  • Fines up to $100,000

  • A permanent criminal record that impacts your future job prospects

Sex Crimes Felonies

Felony sex crimes can include offenses like rape, sexual assault, child pornography, and sexual exploitation of minors. These charges carry heavy penalties, as well as lifelong consequences, such as mandatory sex offender registration.

Penalties:

  • Up to life in prison for certain charges like first-degree criminal sexual conduct

  • Severe fines and mandatory sex offender registration

Weapons and Firearms Felonies

Felony charges related to firearms or weapons can involve unlawful possession of a weapon, using a weapon in the commission of a crime, or trafficking weapons. Minnesota has strict laws regulating firearm possession, and violations can lead to serious felony charges.

Penalties:

  • Up to 10 years in prison for illegal weapon possession

  • Fines up to $20,000

  • Potential for federal charges in cases of interstate weapon trafficking

Potential Consequences of Felony Convictions

Felony charges carry some of the harshest penalties in Minnesota law. Even if you’re facing a non-violent felony charge, the consequences of a conviction can change your life forever. Common penalties for felonies in Minnesota include:

  • Long prison sentences ranging from several years to life

  • Massive fines that can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars

  • Probation with strict conditions, including random drug testing, GPS monitoring, or house arrest

  • Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote, serve on a jury, and own firearms

  • A permanent criminal record that can impact your ability to find employment or housing

Defending Felony Charges

At DeVore Law Office, we are committed to providing a robust defense against felony charges. Our strategies may include:

  • Challenging the evidence: We will carefully examine all evidence, including witness statements, forensic reports, and law enforcement procedures.

  • Negotiating plea deals: We will work with the prosecution to negotiate a plea deal that may reduce charges or secure a more lenient sentence.

  • Presenting character witnesses: In some cases, a solid defense may include presenting witnesses who can speak to your character and help mitigate the severity of your charges.

  • Pursuing alternative sentencing: If a conviction seems likely, we may be able to argue for alternative sentencing options like drug treatment, mental health programs, or probation.

Why Choose DeVore Law Office?

  • Over 20 years of experience defending clients against serious felony charges

  • Aggressive and strategic defense aimed at minimizing penalties or securing dismissals

  • Personalized attention to each case to ensure your rights are protected

  • A track record of success in obtaining favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges

  • Free consultations to discuss your case and explore defense options

Super Lwyer Kevin DeVore

Kevin DeVore has been designated as a ‘Super Lawyer,’ for the past 9 years in a row, a recognition that is given to only 5% of the attorneys in the State of Minnesota. Kevin is a member of such prestigious organizations as the Minnesota Society of Criminal Justice (which has a membership limited to 50 Minnesota criminal defense attorneys). Other affiliations include National College for DUI Defense, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In addition, Kevin is frequently are asked to consult with other attorneys to assist them in preparing their own cases.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Charged With A Crime?

The sooner you contact an attorney, the quicker we can gather evidence and interview witnesses to produce a strong defense for you.

Kevin DeVore has adopted the concept of being an attorney who provides small firm commitment with big firm expertise. Kevin and his colleagues have developed an important understanding of the process of mounting a smart criminal defense. Our law office will be at your side from the beginning to the end of your case. You will never be left wondering what is on the horizon … you will know what is happening with your case at all times and you will understand fully the intensive defense that our firm will mount on your behalf. Kevin DeVore has an office in Woodbury, Minnesota and helps clients throughout the metro including surrounding St. Paul, Lake Elmo, and Oakdale.

If you are facing a felony charge, you can speak immediately to Minnesota criminal lawyer Kevin DeVore at 651-435-6500. We will schedule a no-charge, initial consultation for you.