PRACTICE AREAS

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

>> Criminal Sexual Conduct

>> Child Abuse

>> Rape

>> Drug Crimes

>> Drug Posession

>> Domestic Spousal Abuse

>> Domestic Child Abuse

>> Homicide

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

>> Doctor/Nurse Error

>> Birth Injuries

>> Failure to Diagnose

>> Surgical Errors

>> Medical Wrongful Death

PERSONAL INJURY

>> Wrongful Death

TESTIMONIALS

Contact Us
For a Free Comprehensive Consultation call
us now or use the form below.
Office | 651-686-5347
Cell | 651-214-8624

Minneapolis Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

When representing a client charged with spousal abuse or another form of domestic violence, I take the time to listen closely to my client’s story. Only when I really know my client and understand the domestic relationships involved can I provide the appropriate defense to an assault charge.

If you face a charge of domestic assault or of terroristic threats against your spouse or partner, or if a restraining order (no contact order) has been issued against you, it is important that you take immediate action. By doing so, you will protect your freedom, your right to return to your home and your right to have contact with your children and other family members.

You need a criminal defense lawyer with the right experience – a lawyer who will be there for you at every stage of your case. I have extensive experience in domestic violence defense. As your attorney, I will work hard to get the results you want.

Domestic violence laws are designed to protect vulnerable family members from harm by those close to them. Too often those DV laws are are wielded as weapons in relationships. I ask the court to consider relevant questions: Is the charge a fabrication resulting from a rocky relationship? Did an injury really result from a blow or was it caused by an accidental fall? Was a violation of a restraining order intentional or the result of a misunderstanding? Was the call to 911 just a way to get attention? If there is evidence of physical abuse, is there proof my client was the abuser? Was an accusation of emotional or sexual abuse contrived as a ploy to remove my client from his or her home and contact with the children?

The charge is domestic violence – what really happened?

I will listen carefully to your story, question witnesses, challenge your accuser, examine the evidence the court has considered in issuing a restraining order and consider the evidence the prosecutor used as a basis for charges of assault or abuse. As all of the pieces fall into place, will I understand what really is going on, and will be ready to go to battle. I do not shy away from trials – in fact, I have tried hundreds of cases.

If a domestic assault or battery did occur, what were the underlying circumstances – alcohol, drug abuse, stress or mental illness? If there is a chemical addiction problem, an anger issue, or some other problem, I will help arrange for counseling before the court appearance, in order to demonstrate your sincerity and commitment to resolving the issue.

I am also prepared to handle other difficult and sensitive criminal cases, including those involving the following:

• Child sexual abuse
• Domestic assaults against children
• Spousal rape

Minneapolis attorney Patrick L. Cotter ∙ Free Comprehensive Consultations ∙ Assault, domestic violence defense, restraining order