Domestic Allegations Demand Immediate Legal Response

Domestic Abuse Defense representation in St Cloud and Apple Valley and across Minnesota.

When you are accused of domestic abuse in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, the consequences begin before you are convicted. You may be arrested, removed from your home, and served with a no contact order that prevents you from speaking to your family. The criminal charge itself affects custody arrangements, employment background checks, and your ability to possess firearms. Even if the allegation is exaggerated or false, the charge carries weight in family court and can shape the outcome of divorce or custody proceedings.

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC represents individuals facing domestic abuse allegations throughout Minnesota, including related criminal charges and court orders. The firm responds immediately to new allegations, addresses emergency hearings for orders for protection, and builds a long-term defense strategy that accounts for the criminal case and its collateral consequences. In St Cloud, Apple Valley, and surrounding communities, this often involves coordinating with family law attorneys, addressing probation violations, and preparing for high-emotion courtroom proceedings. The firm provides discreet and firm advocacy in cases where the stakes are personal and immediate.

If you are facing domestic abuse allegations in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, contact Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC to discuss your options.

How the Criminal Case Affects Family Court

Your attorney begins by reviewing the criminal complaint, the emergency order for protection, and any police reports filed after the incident. In St Cloud, Apple Valley, and surrounding areas, this often includes reviewing 911 recordings, body camera footage, and text messages exchanged before or after the alleged abuse. The firm addresses both the criminal charge and the civil order, preparing for separate hearings that occur within days of the arrest.

After the defense is built, you will know whether the criminal charge can be reduced or dismissed, whether the order for protection will become permanent, and what conditions you must follow to avoid additional charges. You will understand how the outcome affects custody, parenting time, and your ability to return home. The firm also advises you on how to comply with no contact orders while protecting your rights in family court.

The firm handles criminal defense but does not represent clients in divorce or custody cases. It coordinates with family law counsel to ensure the criminal case does not undermine your position in family court. After the criminal matter is resolved, you will know what restrictions remain in place, what shows up on background checks, and whether you can petition for expungement or firearm rights restoration.

Domestic abuse allegations are different from other criminal charges because they affect your family, your home, and your relationship with your children. These questions address the concerns that arise most often in the days following an arrest.

You likely have concerns about what comes next

Domestic assault involves harm or threats against a family or household member, including spouses, former spouses, parents of a child in common, or people who live together. The charge carries additional consequences such as firearm restrictions and mandatory arrest policies.
What is the difference between domestic assault and regular assault?
A no contact order typically prohibits all contact with the alleged victim, including indirect contact through third parties. If the alleged victim is your spouse or co-parent, you may lose access to your children until the order is modified or dismissed, which requires a court hearing.
How does a no contact order affect custody and parenting time?
The prosecutor decides whether to pursue the case, not the alleged victim. Even if the victim recants, the prosecutor can proceed using other evidence such as police observations, photos of injuries, or statements made at the time of the incident.
What happens if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges?
You cannot return home if a no contact order is in place, even if you own the property. Your attorney can request modifications to the order that allow supervised contact or access to the home, but the judge must approve any changes.
When can I return home after being arrested for domestic abuse?
A first-time domestic assault conviction is typically a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail, but a second offense within ten years becomes a felony with up to three years in prison. Convictions also result in permanent firearm restrictions under federal law.
What are the penalties for a domestic abuse conviction in Minnesota?

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC provides statewide representation from offices in St Cloud and Apple Valley, handling high-risk and high-emotion cases with discretion and urgency. The firm responds quickly to new allegations and works to protect your rights and your family. Learn more by getting in touch today.