Dedicated Minnesota Defense Lawyer Fighting Assault Charges

Last updated on April 17, 2026

When you are facing an assault charge, not knowing what comes next can be the hardest part. Every unanswered question adds to the weight of an already difficult situation. You deserve an attorney who gives you honest answers and a clear path forward from day one.

Attorney Amanda Montgomery founded Montgomery Law to serve clients across the Twin Cities and all of Minnesota. Not defaulting to quick plea deals, she brings a rare combination of courtroom skill and genuine compassion to every case, always focused on building the strongest case for you.

What Is Assault Under Minnesota Law?

Minnesota law defines assault more broadly than most people expect. An assault occurs when someone acts with the deliberate purpose of making another person fear immediate physical harm or death. Another instance is when they intentionally inflict or attempt to inflict bodily harm on another person.

However, physical contact does not always have to occur for a charge to apply. The state further divides assault into five degrees based on injury severity, weapon use and victim status:

• First-degree assault: Causing great bodily harm to another person, with penalties up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000.
• Second-degree assault: Using a dangerous weapon such as a firearm or knife during an assault, even if no bodily harm occurs. Penalties reach up to seven years in prison, or 10 years if substantial bodily harm results.
• Third-degree assault: Inflicting substantial bodily harm on another person. This charge also covers past patterns of child abuse and assaults against victims under age four, and penalties reach up to five years in prison.
• Fourth-degree assault: Assaulting a person with a protected status under Minnesota law, including law enforcement officers, firefighters and health care workers. This charge ranges from a gross misdemeanor to a felony.
• Fifth-degree assault: Causing bodily harm or fear of immediate harm, making it the most commonly charged assault offense in Minnesota. A first offense is typically a misdemeanor, but prior convictions can elevate the charge to a gross misdemeanor.

The degree of your charge shapes every aspect of your criminal defense. Understanding what you face is the first step toward building a strong case.

Misdemeanor Versus Felony Assault: Why The Difference Matters

Not all assault charges carry the same weight, but none of them should be taken lightly. A misdemeanor conviction can affect your employment, housing and custody arrangements. A felony conviction can mean years in prison, a permanent criminal record and the loss of certain civil rights.

The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony can sometimes come down to the quality of your defense. Retaining an experienced attorney early in the process can make a critical difference.

Assault Cases Montgomery Law Handles

Amanda Montgomery defends clients against a wide range of assault charges across Minnesota. No matter what you are up against, Montgomery Law provides skilled defense for clients facing charges, including:

• Domestic assault
• Felony assault and aggravated assault
• Simple assault and misdemeanor assault
• Assault with a dangerous weapon

For each of these charges, Amanda approaches every case with the same thorough preparation and dedication to protecting your rights and your future.

Assault Defense Lawyer Ready To Fight On Your Side

Facing an assault charge is one of the most stressful experiences a person can endure. You need an advocate who knows the law, respects your voice and fights hard for your future. Amanda Montgomery stands beside every client through every step of the legal process.

Call Montgomery Law today at 651-867-9496 or reach the firm online to schedule a confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and you will receive honest answers from an attorney who genuinely cares about your outcome.