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Gross Misdemeanor in Minnesota

A gross misdemeanor in Minnesota is a crime more serious than a misdemeanor but less serious than a felony. Under Minn. Stat. § 609.03, it carries a maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both, unless a specific law sets a different penalty for that offense. Charles Segal defends gross misdemeanor charges for clients throughout Minnesota, not only in Bloomington and the Twin Cities.

Gross Misdemeanor Lawyer & Defense Attorney Serving Minnesota

A gross misdemeanor is more serious than a misdemeanor but not as serious as a felony offense. If you have been accused of a gross misdemeanor, it is important to seek the representation of a qualified Minnesota criminal lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and effectively fight the charges.

Fighting For The Best Outcome Possible

There are many criminal offenses that are charged as gross misdemeanors. These offenses include:

  • Assault, especially when there is more than one offense
  • Second and third DWI/DUI offenses
  • Subsequent traffic offenses or those involving bodily harm
  • Repeat Shoplifting and other theft offenses
  • Repeating the same violation multiple times
  • Some sex crimes like fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct
  • Repeated Prostitution

This list is simply an example of the types of offenses that are classified as gross misdemeanors. It is important to talk to your defense attorney as soon as you're charged so that you know what you should or shouldn't say to authorities. It is important to never speak without an attorney present since any statement you say can be used against you in court, even if what you said wasn't what you meant.

Guidance Through The Legal Process

Charles Segal will help you throughout the entire legal process. A criminal charge leads to an arraignment hearing, which is then followed by an omnibus hearing. Next is pre-trial where a plea can possibly be entered. It is your constitutional right to have a trial that consists of a judge and at least six jurors because the Constitution gives you the right to defend yourself. With a competent Minnesota criminal lawyer advocating for you, showing evidence in your favor, and making an argument that casts doubt on the severity of the charge, you can obtain a fair outcome. Sometimes a fair outcome is an acquittal and other times it is a reduced charge that leads to penalties that aren't as severe as they would be had the maximum penalty been handed down.

You are never alone. You never have to have unanswered questions. You never have to worry that you aren't getting an adequate defense.

You have options and Charles Segal will ensure you are aware of all of them so you can make informed decisions that will have an impact on the end of your case.

Gross Misdemeanor Questions, Answered

What is a gross misdemeanor in MN?

A gross misdemeanor in Minnesota is a crime that is more serious than a misdemeanor but not as serious as a felony. Under Minn. Stat. § 609.02, it is any crime that is not a felony (punishable by a year or more) or a misdemeanor (punishable by up to 90 days). Minn. Stat. § 609.03 sets the default maximum penalty at up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both, unless a specific statute sets a different penalty for that offense.

What does gross misdemeanor mean?

The meaning of a gross misdemeanor is a mid-level criminal charge, above a misdemeanor and below a felony. The label describes how serious Minnesota law treats the offense, which sets the maximum possible jail time and fine a judge can impose, not how the facts of any particular case will turn out.

Is a gross misdemeanor a felony or a misdemeanor in Minnesota?

Neither. Minnesota treats a gross misdemeanor as its own middle category under Minn. Stat. § 609.02, separate from both a misdemeanor and a felony, with its own maximum jail time and fine. A gross misdemeanor conviction is still serious and still goes on your record.

What should I do if I'm charged with a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota?

Talk to a defense attorney before you say anything else to police or prosecutors, since anything you say can be used against you even if it isn't what you meant. Whether to fight the charge or negotiate it down depends on the facts of your case. Call Charles Segal at 612-299-1110 before you decide.

Contact A Minnesota Criminal Lawyer

People throughout Minnesota, in the Twin Cities metro and in counties across the state, are charged with gross misdemeanors. Sometimes judges determine that there is merit to the charges and sometimes they don't. Either way, you need to have a solid criminal defense in your corner so that you can effectively combat the charges against you. To learn more about how Segal Defense, P.A. can help you, call 612-299-1110 to request a free consultation.

Where Charles Practices

Charles Segal is not tied to one courthouse. Over more than 30 years he has handled cases in more than 50 of Minnesota's 87 counties, from the Twin Cities metro to central, southern and eastern Minnesota. Wherever your case is charged, he travels to the court that is hearing it.

Counties Charles Appears In Most Often

  • Hennepin County
  • Ramsey County
  • Anoka County
  • Dakota County
  • Scott County
  • Carver County
  • McLeod County
  • Sherburne County
  • Stearns County
  • Wright County
  • Washington County
  • Nicollet County
  • Blue Earth County
  • Goodhue County
  • Chisago County
  • Isanti County
  • Le Sueur County
  • Rice County
  • Olmsted County

These are the counties Charles appears in most frequently, not the full list. Representative outcomes are on the case results page. If your case is in a county that is not shown, get in touch or call (612) 299-1110 for a free consultation.

When You're Ready to Build A Strong Defense, Charles Segal is here for you.

Call today at (612) 299-1110 to discuss your case.

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Updated September 2026