Minneapolis-St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyers

We at Cloutier & Brandl, P.A. defend individuals charged with all types of crimes, ranging from petty misdemeanors to complex homicides. Whether you have faced criminal charges in the past or this is your first time, we understand that the criminal justice system can be a frightening and confusing place. We also handle post-conviction matters and appeals, regardless of whether we originally handled your case or not.

Attorney Jean Brandl has experience on both sides of criminal matters, having worked as a criminal defense lawyer and prosecutor for over 18 years. She has defended more than 1000 criminal cases, representing criminal defendants against every imaginable kind of charge. Her many years of defense work have prepared her to negotiate hard for the best possible offer or dismissal, but always be ready to go to trial if necessary. She has personally taken over 50 criminal cases to jury trial, including murder cases. With her prosecution experience, she knows what weaknesses exist in the government's case against you and how to exploit those weaknesses.

Jean Brandl will guide you through the criminal justice process in the least stressful manner possible. She understands the system and knows how to make it work for you. Regardless of whether trial or plea negotiations are in your best interests, she will work tirelessly to secure a successful outcome for you. She has won cases involving DUI, drug sales, theft, assault, homicide and numerous others.

Ms. Brandl is licensed in both the State and Federal courts of Minnesota and the Eighth Circuit, so no matter what charges you face, she is prepared to offer an aggressive defense.

What should you do if contacted by law enforcement?

Do not talk to them no matter what they threaten you with, or how kind they seem. Tell them in no uncertain terms that you want an attorney present before any further conversation takes place. Even if you are completely innocent of the allegations against you, the old adage that "anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law" is absolutely true. Police officers are trained in interrogation techniques and in asking questions where the answers might implicate you. Sometimes, under pressure, you might say something that is not completely accurate because you are under stress. One simple comment could come back to haunt you if the case is charged. Almost no one helps themselves by talking to police.

What should you expect once charges have been filed?

Every jurisdiction in Minnesota has its own way of doing things and the Federal court procedures are vastly different from the State's. No matter where you are charged, the courts will give your attorney time to obtain the prosecution's discovery, file necessary motions, obtain your own witnesses and evidence, and develop your case before trial.

If you have been charged with a crime, you have a right to an attorney who listens to you, who diligently prepares your witnesses and evidence, who fights for all of your rights, and who works closely with you to forge the best defense possible.

Payment for Services

At Cloutier & Brandl, P.A. we don't believe in taking thousands of your hard-earned dollars for a couple hours of work. You wouldn't pay a flat fee to your plumber or car mechanic, why should you pay a flat fee to your attorney? We take a retainer and charge hourly off of that retainer, so you pay for actual time worked, not some inflated fee. If we don't earn the whole retainer, you get money back at the end of the case. Please contact us at (612) 332-5100 today for an initial free consultation or email us through our website at the contact us page.

Please see our resources page if you have further questions, or feel free to email us for more information. Or view one of our other pages on:

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Cloutier & Brandl, P.A.
12 S. 6th Street, Suite 510
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: (612) 332-5100
Fax: (612) 344-1220
Toll Free: (800) 878-2334

At the law offices of Cloutier & Brandl, P.A. in Minneapolis, we represent clients throughout the Twin Cities Metro area, including St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Fridley, Bloomington and Roseville, MN; and in Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Washington County, Anoka County, Dakota County, Carver County, Scott County, Wright County and Sherburne County, in addition to locations outside the Metro area.