Clear Advice When The Stakes Are High

Vadnais Heights Criminal Defense Attorney

When you are accused of a crime, uncertainty can become its own burden. You may not know what the police have, whether charges will be filed, what will happen at court or how the accusation could affect your work and family. Good defense begins by replacing guesswork with reliable information.

I am attorney Charles Gerlach, and I defend people facing criminal investigations and charges in Vadnais Heights and throughout Ramsey County. I bring more than 25 years of criminal-law experience to my clients, including more than two decades as a prosecutor and more than 100 completed jury trials.

For a free and confidential consultation, call Gerlach Law at 952-210-5538 or send me a message online.

Help During An Investigation Or After Charges

You do not necessarily need to wait until a court date to speak with a defense lawyer. Police may ask you to come in for an interview, request access to your phone or seek your explanation of an allegation. What sounds like an informal conversation may be part of an active investigation.

If charges have already been filed, early attention remains important. Release conditions, no-contact orders and evidence-preservation issues can arise quickly. I can review the charging documents, explain what the state must prove and begin determining what information exists beyond the police report.

Criminal Matters I Handle

I represent Vadnais Heights clients accused of offenses ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including:

• Assault and disorderly conduct
• Domestic assault, DANCO and order-for-protection violations
• Theft, burglary and robbery
• Drug possession and sale allegations
• Weapons offenses
• Sexual-assault and indecent-exposure charges
• Juvenile offenses
• DWI and traffic crimes
• Probation violations
• Expungement matters

The label attached to a charge does not tell the complete story. The strength of the evidence, the way it was obtained, witness credibility, intent, identification and possible defenses all depend on the specific facts.

Domestic Assault And No-Contact Issues

Domestic cases often move quickly and may create immediate restrictions. A person can be ordered to have no contact with an alleged victim or to stay away from a shared home. Trying to resolve the situation privately can result in new allegations if a court order prohibits contact—even when the other person initiates the conversation.

Follow every order as written. A defense lawyer can help you understand the restrictions and, where appropriate, ask the court to modify them through lawful procedures. The underlying case may require close review of statements, recordings, injuries, photographs, prior communications and the context surrounding the call to police.

A Defense Strategy Built Around The Evidence

My prosecutorial background gives me insight into how the other side may organize and evaluate a case. My role now is to test that case, protect your rights and present the information necessary for a fair result.

Depending on the circumstances, that work may include challenging an unconstitutional search, seeking suppression of a statement, investigating an alternative account, addressing mental-health or chemical-health concerns, negotiating a reduced charge or preparing for trial. The goal is not to force every client into the same strategy. It is to understand what matters most in your life and pursue the best available path based on the evidence and law.

Serving Vadnais Heights From A Nearby Office

Gerlach Law’s office is located at 127 E County Road C, Suite 4, near I-35E and the I-694 corridor. Criminal cases arising in Vadnais Heights are generally handled in Ramsey County District Court. Always use your own court paperwork to confirm the required courthouse, date and time.

If you need a Vadnais Heights criminal defense lawyer, call 952-210-5538 or contact me online for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions