Most criminal cases in Minnesota are prosecuted at the county level in district court — not in the city where you were arrested. Each county attorney's office has its own charging policies, plea negotiation practices, diversion programs, and prosecutorial priorities that directly affect case outcomes. Minnesota also operates over 70 specialty treatment courts statewide, including drug courts, DWI courts, mental health courts, and veterans courts — but availability varies dramatically by county. Ashley Heaney, Attorney at Law, represents clients in 15 Minnesota counties across five judicial districts, with direct experience in each county's court system, prosecutors, and local procedures.
Service Area FAQs
Why does it matter which county my case is in?
Each county attorney's office has different charging priorities, plea negotiation policies, and approaches to sentencing recommendations. Some counties have robust diversion programs that can result in dismissed charges, while others take a stricter approach to the same offense. The assigned judge, available specialty courts (such as drug court, DWI court, or mental health court), and local court procedures also vary significantly. An attorney with experience in your specific county understands these dynamics and can use them strategically in your defense.
What is the difference between a county attorney and a city attorney in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, county attorneys prosecute all felony cases and juvenile cases countywide. City attorneys typically handle misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors that occur within their city limits. Some smaller cities contract with the county attorney to handle all prosecutions. This means the same conduct can be prosecuted by different offices depending on where it occurred and how severe the charge is, which affects plea negotiation dynamics and available outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer from the same county as my case?
Your attorney does not need to be from the same county, but they must be licensed in Minnesota and familiar with the local court's procedures, prosecutors, and judges. An attorney who regularly practices in your county's court understands local plea negotiation patterns, diversion program eligibility, and how specific prosecutors and judges approach different types of cases. This familiarity can be a meaningful advantage in case strategy.
What are specialty treatment courts and which counties have them?
Minnesota operates over 70 specialty treatment courts designed to address underlying issues through intensive supervision and treatment rather than incarceration alone. Types include drug court, DWI court, mental health court, veterans treatment court, and domestic violence court. Counties like Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Stearns, Olmsted, and St. Louis operate multiple specialty courts. Smaller counties may participate in regional programs. Successful completion can result in reduced charges or dismissed cases. Counsel evaluates whether a specialty court is available and appropriate for each client.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Minnesota?
Minnesota's expungement statute (Minn. Stat. § 609A) allows sealing of criminal records in certain circumstances. Expungement is available for dismissed or acquitted cases, petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and some felonies. Waiting periods range from immediately for dismissed cases to five years after discharge for felonies. Expungement does not erase the record but seals it from most public access, which can be critical for employment, housing, and professional licensing. Counsel evaluates eligibility based on the specific offense, outcome, and time elapsed.
What happens if I have charges in more than one county?
Multiple pending cases in different counties are handled separately, each with its own prosecutors, judges, and timelines. However, outcomes in one county can affect the other — a conviction in one case increases your criminal history score for sentencing in the other. Coordinating defense strategy across multiple counties is critical to avoid unintended consequences, and a single attorney handling all cases ensures consistent strategy.
Twin Cities Metro Area Counties
The seven-county Twin Cities metro area accounts for the majority of criminal cases in Minnesota. Each county's prosecutorial approach, available specialty courts, diversion programs, and local court culture differ significantly — even between neighboring counties.
Hennepin County
Minneapolis | 4th Judicial District
Hennepin County is the largest jurisdiction in Minnesota, handling the highest volume of criminal cases in the state. The county attorney's office has implemented policies addressing racial disparities in charging and plea decisions, new standards for eyewitness identification evidence, and enhanced protections against false confessions. A significant policy change: the office generally will not prosecute felony cases arising from non-public-safety traffic stops (broken taillights, expired tabs, tinted windows). Common charges include DWI, drug possession (fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine), domestic assault, carjacking, auto theft, robbery, weapons offenses, retail theft, and criminal sexual conduct. The county operates Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Community Court, and an Emerging Adults Court (ages 18–25), along with multiple diversion and restorative justice programs. We regularly defend clients in Hennepin County District Court across all offense levels.
Serving: Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Edina, St. Louis Park, Richfield, Golden Valley
Ramsey County
St. Paul | 2nd Judicial District
Ramsey County has adopted a policy of generally not prosecuting felony cases arising from low-level traffic stops where evidence of a more serious crime is discovered — unless public safety is endangered. Drug charges are the most common felony category (27% of felony probation), followed by assault (12%) and theft (11%). DWI accounts for 45% of misdemeanor probation cases. The office has also issued guidance asserting that local law enforcement should not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations. The county operates Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court, with community prosecution and restorative justice initiatives. We defend clients against the full range of charges in Ramsey County District Court, leveraging the county's policies where they benefit the defense.
Serving: St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Shoreview, New Brighton, North St. Paul
Anoka County
Anoka | 10th Judicial District
Anoka County is known for strict prosecution of assault and property crimes. Theft, property destruction, burglary, and assault are the most common charges, with charging of auto theft, catalytic converter theft, and retail theft. DWI volume is extremely high along the Highway 10 and I-35W corridors. The county enforces a 60-day timeline from first appearance to trial for misdemeanors and 90 days for gross misdemeanors and felonies, making early retention of counsel critical. Anoka County operates one of the most active Drug Courts in the state, along with DWI Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and a Community Accountability Board. We defend clients in Anoka County District Court and challenge the evidence and timelines at every stage.
Serving: Coon Rapids, Blaine, Andover, Anoka, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Ramsey, Ham Lake, East Bethel, Lino Lakes
Dakota County
Hastings | 1st Judicial District
Dakota County takes a balanced approach to prosecution and prioritizes timely case processing — courts scrutinize continuance requests closely. Common charges include DWI, drug possession, domestic assault, theft, weapons offenses, shoplifting, and probation violations. The I-35 corridor generates significant drug and DWI enforcement activity along the southern metro. The county operates Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Family Dependency Treatment Court, plus a Community Accountability program for eligible low-level offenses. Criminal cases may be heard at the Hastings courthouse or the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul. We evaluate diversion and alternative disposition options for every Dakota County client.
Serving: Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Hastings, Farmington, South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights
Washington County
Stillwater | 10th Judicial District
Washington County prosecutors handle felonies countywide, with city attorneys managing misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors within their jurisdictions. Common charges include assault (all degrees), DWI, drug and alcohol violations, theft, fraud, identity theft, and weapons offenses. The I-94 corridor and proximity to the Wisconsin border create unique DWI and drug traffic patterns, including cross-border enforcement. Crime victims have specific notification rights regarding plea negotiations and non-prosecution decisions in domestic assault and harassment cases. The county operates Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court with pretrial diversion and restorative justice options. We navigate these dynamics to build effective defense strategies in Washington County.
Serving: Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Forest Lake, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Oakdale, Mahtomedi
Scott County
Shakopee | 1st Judicial District
The Scott County Attorney's office is known for traditional prosecution across all criminal charge levels — from murder and robbery to theft, fraud, and ordinance violations. The rapidly growing suburban county has rising caseloads, and the Mystic Lake and Canterbury Park entertainment areas generate unique criminal activity including gambling-related fraud, DWI, and theft. Bail hearings are conducted separately at the Law Enforcement Center. The county participates in a combined Carver-Scott Drug Court program. We represent clients in Scott County District Court across all offense levels and challenge the prosecution's evidence at every stage.
Serving: Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, Jordan, Belle Plaine, New Prague, Elko New Market
Carver County
Chaska | 1st Judicial District
Carver County is an affluent suburban county with a lower overall crime rate but significant DWI and drug case volume, particularly along the Highway 212 and Highway 5 corridors. Common charges include DWI, drug offenses, domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, theft, property crimes, and fraud. Many defendants have ties to neighboring Hennepin County. The county participates in a combined Carver-Scott Drug Court and DWI Court, with first-offender diversion options available for select misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses. We defend clients through every stage of Carver County's court process.
Serving: Chaska, Chanhassen, Waconia, Victoria, Norwood Young America, Watertown
Greater Minnesota Counties
Criminal defense in greater Minnesota requires an attorney who understands each county's local court culture, prosecutorial approach, available treatment courts, and the unique dynamics that shape how cases are charged and resolved. From the I-94 corridor to the Iron Range, we represent clients across central, southern, and northern Minnesota.
Wright County
Buffalo | 10th Judicial District
Wright County has been significantly impacted by the methamphetamine and opioid crisis. The I-94 corridor between Minneapolis and St. Cloud is a major drug interdiction route, generating a high volume of highway stops. DWI is the single highest-volume charge, followed by drug offenses (methamphetamine, opioids, fentanyl), domestic assault, protection order violations, theft, burglary, and criminal sexual conduct. Cities like Buffalo, Monticello, and Annandale handle their own lower-level offenses. The county operates Drug Court, DWI Court, and Mental Health Court, plus a Community Accountability Program with pre-charge and post-charge diversion options. We defend clients in Wright County with attention to the corridor enforcement patterns and available alternatives.
Serving: Buffalo, Monticello, St. Michael, Otsego, Delano, Albertville, Maple Lake, Howard Lake
Sherburne County
Elk River | 10th Judicial District
Sherburne County vigorously prosecutes criminal and juvenile matters, including serious violent offenses, criminal sexual conduct, arson, burglary, and weapons charges. The I-94 and Highway 10 corridors drive significant drug interdiction and DWI enforcement. Methamphetamine has been a persistent issue in the county. A notable current factor: the Sherburne County Jail holds a contract with ICE to house federal immigration detainees, making the county directly relevant to current federal enforcement operations. The county offers a pretrial diversion program for eligible defendants with limited prior history. We identify diversion eligibility early and advocate for clients to access alternatives where appropriate.
Serving: Elk River, Big Lake, Zimmerman, Becker, Princeton
Stearns County
St. Cloud | 7th Judicial District
Stearns County has experienced rising felony prosecutions and operates under a long-tenured, thorough prosecution office. The county has a significant and growing immigrant community, making immigration enforcement directly relevant to the local population. St. Cloud State University adds DWI, drug, and assault case volume from the student population. The I-94 corridor between Minneapolis and St. Cloud is a major methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking route. The county operates one of the broadest specialty court systems among greater Minnesota counties: Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, Wellness Court, and a specialized Domestic Violence Court docket, plus adult diversion and restorative justice programs. We leverage these programs and negotiate effectively within the county's plea framework.
Serving: St. Cloud, Waite Park, Sartell, St. Joseph, Cold Spring, Richmond, Sauk Centre, Albany
Rice County
Faribault | 3rd Judicial District
Rice County has explicit Plea Negotiation Guidelines for adult felony prosecutions and policies prohibiting charging decisions based on race, gender, social, or economic status. Domestic violence is the fastest-growing felony category, with DWI, drug crimes (methamphetamine, opioids), assault, theft, and property offenses also common. Faribault has a significant Somali and Latino community drawn by food processing and manufacturing, making immigration enforcement directly relevant. Northfield is home to St. Olaf College and Carleton College, creating unique defendant demographics. All felony sentences follow Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines after a Pre-Sentence Investigation by Community Corrections. The county operates a Drug Court and offers diversion for eligible first-time offenders. We hold the prosecution to its own guidelines in every Rice County case.
Serving: Faribault, Northfield, Lonsdale, Dundas, Morristown
McLeod County
Glencoe | 1st Judicial District
McLeod County is a small, rural agricultural community where the courthouse is in Glencoe but the largest city is Hutchinson — a distinction that can confuse defendants unfamiliar with the system. Common charges include DWI, drug crimes (methamphetamine is a significant issue), domestic assault, property crimes, theft, and burglary. The agricultural economy generates unique offenses including equipment theft, trespassing, and rural drug manufacturing. McLeod County has more limited specialty court infrastructure than metro counties, with possible participation in 1st Judicial District regional programs. Diversion is available for certain misdemeanors and first-time offenders. We evaluate every available path — diversion, plea negotiation, or trial — for McLeod County clients.
Serving: Glencoe, Hutchinson, Lester Prairie, Winsted, Silver Lake, Brownton, Stewart
Kandiyohi County
Willmar | 8th Judicial District
Kandiyohi County's prosecutor exercises complete prosecutorial discretion over charging, plea negotiations, trials, and dismissals. Willmar has one of the largest per-capita Somali and Latino populations in Minnesota, drawn by food processing and meatpacking plants — making immigration enforcement extremely relevant to this community. Common charges include DWI, drug possession (particularly methamphetamine), domestic assault, theft (especially by check and shoplifting), forgery, probation violations, and failure to appear. The Highway 12 and Highway 71 corridors serve as drug trafficking routes. Kandiyohi County has more limited specialty court resources, with possible participation in 8th Judicial District regional programs, and offers diversion for certain misdemeanors. We navigate the county attorney's broad discretion to pursue the strongest possible outcome for each client.
Serving: Willmar, Spicer, New London, Pennock, Kandiyohi, Atwater, Raymond
Olmsted County
Rochester | 3rd Judicial District
Olmsted County is anchored by Rochester, Minnesota's third-largest city and home to the Mayo Clinic. This creates a unique population of professionals, international patients, and healthcare workers, alongside a growing and diverse immigrant community. The city attorney handles most gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors within Rochester, while the county attorney prosecutes felonies countywide. DWI arrests are rising, warrant volumes are high, and methamphetamine possession is a common drug charge. Pharmaceutical diversion cases are notable given the medical community. The county operates Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court, with specialized investigation teams for sex assaults and child abuse. We distinguish between county and city prosecution tracks and leverage all available programs in Olmsted County defense.
Serving: Rochester, Byron, Stewartville, Pine Island, Dover, Eyota, Chatfield
St. Louis County
Duluth, Virginia & Hibbing | 6th Judicial District
St. Louis County is geographically the largest county in Minnesota — larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined — with prosecutors operating across three courthouses in Duluth, Virginia, and Hibbing. Defendants must know which courthouse they are assigned to. Common charges include DWI, drug crimes (methamphetamine and opioids have devastated Iron Range mining communities), domestic assault, assault, weapons violations, property crimes, and trespassing. Duluth's port city status and the I-35 corridor from the Twin Cities drive drug trafficking. The county has a significant Native American population, with reservation-adjacent jurisdictions creating complex federal, state, and tribal jurisdiction questions. UMD adds student-age DWI, drug, and assault volume. The county operates Drug Court, DWI Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Wellness Court in Duluth. We represent clients across all three St. Louis County court locations.
Serving: Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, Ely, Chisholm, Hermantown, Proctor, Eveleth, Mountain Iron
Facing Criminal Charges in Any Minnesota County?
Contact Ashley Heaney, Attorney at Law, for a consultation about your case. We represent clients across all 15 counties listed above and in federal court in the District of Minnesota.
Call 612‑547‑6053