Experienced Defense Close To Home

Little Canada Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested, charged with a crime or contacted by investigators in Little Canada, you need clear information before making decisions that can affect the rest of your life. I am attorney Charles Gerlach. From my office near Little Canada Road and Interstate 35E, I defend people facing criminal accusations in Little Canada and throughout Ramsey County.

I have worked in criminal law for more than 25 years. Before becoming a defense attorney, I spent more than two decades as a prosecutor and completed more than 100 jury trials. That experience helps me recognize how the government is likely to approach a case, which facts it may emphasize and where the evidence may deserve closer scrutiny.

Call Gerlach Law at 952-210-5538 or contact me online for a free, confidential consultation.

Criminal Charges Can Create Immediate Problems

A criminal case does not begin and end in the courtroom. An arrest can affect your job, housing, professional license, immigration status, firearm rights and relationships. In some cases, release conditions or a no-contact order can change where you are permitted to live and whom you may contact before the case has been resolved.

My first job is to help you understand what has happened and what comes next. I explain the allegations, the possible consequences and the choices in front of you in direct language. Once we understand the facts, I can begin identifying the legal and factual issues that may shape your defense.

Defense For Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor And Felony Cases

I represent Little Canada clients in a broad range of Minnesota criminal matters, including:

• Assault charges
• Domestic assault and domestic violence allegations
• Drug possession and controlled-substance charges
• Theft, burglary and robbery allegations
• Weapons and firearm charges
• Juvenile delinquency matters
• Probation violations
• Sex-crime investigations and charges
• DWI and serious traffic offenses

Every case requires an individual analysis. An effective defense may involve challenging a stop or search, examining statements and body-camera footage, testing the reliability of witnesses, reviewing digital evidence, presenting additional context or preparing the case for trial. I do not assume that a police report tells the complete story.

A Former Prosecutor Working On Your Side

My years as a prosecutor taught me how criminal cases are investigated, charged, negotiated and tried. They also taught me that important details can be overlooked and that the government’s first version of an event is not necessarily the final word.

As your defense attorney, I use that experience to evaluate the case from both directions. I consider what the prosecutor will likely try to prove while looking for weaknesses, missing context and lawful ways to reduce the damage the accusation could cause. When a fair resolution is available, I will explain it honestly. When the case should be challenged, I am prepared to litigate and try it.

Criminal Cases From Little Canada

Criminal charges arising in Little Canada are generally handled through Ramsey County District Court in St. Paul. The location of the courthouse, however, is only one part of the process. Your case may involve appearances, pretrial motions, negotiations, evidentiary issues and potentially a trial. The decisions made early in that process can matter.

Do not discuss the facts with police, alleged victims, witnesses or on social media in an attempt to clear things up. Preserve any messages, photographs, video or other information that may be relevant. If a court has issued a no-contact order or another condition of release, follow it strictly while your lawyer works through the proper legal channels.

Talk With A Little Canada Criminal Defense Lawyer

You do not have to understand the entire criminal justice system before asking for help. Bring me your questions. I will listen to what happened, explain the process and help you make informed decisions about your defense.

Gerlach Law is located at 127 E County Road C, Suite 4, near Little Canada Road and I-35E. Call 952-210-5538 or schedule a free consultation online.

Frequently Asked Questions