Criminal Defense

We believe that everyone, regardless of income, should have equal access to high quality legal representation and equal opportunity to exercise their legal rights.

Do you have a qualifying criminal case?

The Legal Rights Center is a criminal defense law firm. We can offer representation on criminal cases in Hennepin County, ranging from low level traffic misdemeanors to first degree murder. 


We are not able to assist on any civil case, which may include housing, family, immigration, or other civil issues. For support on these types of cases, please call one of our trusted community partners listed below.

  • Family: Tubman Law Center, 612-870-2426
  • Housing: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, 612-332-1441 or HOME Line, 612-728-5767
  • Immigration: Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, 651-641-1011
  • Other Civil Issues: Volunteer Lawyers Network | 612-752-6677

If you have a criminal case in Hennepin County, please complete our intake form or call our office at 612-337-0030.

Case selection Guidelines

The Legal Rights Center will not accept a case when the client can afford a private attorney and reserves the right to accept or decline a case for any reason. We have limited resources and must allocate them efficiently for the greater good.

 

Income Guidelines

  • Felonies – 175% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • Misdemeanors – 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

 

We also inquire about and consider additional factors that could make private attorney representation unaffordable to a particular client.

 

Preferred Cases

  • Youth and first time adult offenders
  • Cases which present issues affecting the quality of justice for people of color
  • Cases in which the Legal Rights Center’s involvement is likely to positively impact the client’s future
  • Cases impacting constitutional rights

 

Cases LRC is Unlikely to Accept

  • Cases likely to inflame ill within or between communities
  • Cases for which the client already has paid representation
  • Cases which are charged outside of Hennepin County
  • Requests made too close to a trial date for us to adequately prepare
  • Cases in which the defendant’s criminal history suggests LRC’s involvement is not likely to positively impact the client’s future
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