Veterans Criminal Defense Lawyers in Minneapolis
Attorneys Brock Hunter and Ryan Else Literally Wrote the Book on Defending Military Veterans in Criminal Court!
When our nation sends young men and women to prepare for and fight wars, it unleashes certain things in a human being
that we do not allow in civic society. Getting it all back in the box can be difficult for some people. Like each of their predecessors, the Iraq and Afghan Wars have been accompanied by a tidal wave of invisible psychological and physiological wounds.
Those suffering most severely often find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system. It is critical to hire an attorney who not only understands these unique issues but also has the experience to recognize the special legal options available to veterans.
At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our Minneapolis veterans criminal defense attorneys stand up for those who have risked everything to protect this country. Schedule a consultation with a member of our team by calling (612) 979-1112 or submitting an online contact form today.
Special Considerations in Criminal Cases Involving Veterans
When a military member returns to civilian life after service, they bring with them their experiences in the armed forces. While some of those experiences allow veterans to make considerable contributions to society, others can lead to violent behavior. Veterans struggling with afflictions such as PTSD, drug addiction, or alcohol dependency might engage in unlawful conduct and find themselves facing criminal charges.
An attorney handling a veteran’s case must recognize the underlying issues associated with criminal conduct. They must be prepared to seek resolutions that address afflictions and do not merely impose punishments upon the veteran.
At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our veterans defense lawyers in Minneapolis, MN, are former service members themselves. We appreciate and understand the struggles veterans face and do everything in our legal power to protect the veteran’s rights and future.
Imposing criminal penalties upon a veteran can be a detriment to the individual and society. Such sanctions do not allow the veteran to reintegrate into and become a productive member of the community. Recognizing this, our team pursues every legal avenue to help veterans get the treatment they need to end the cycle of criminal behavior.
Alternatives to Incarceration for Veterans
Generally, courts impose criminal penalties on those convicted of crimes. For veterans suffering from service-related issues, punitive measures can do more harm than help. Fortunately, alternatives to incarceration may be available, allowing veterans to get the treatment they need for an underlying affliction.
In some cases, there may be special sentencing structures for veterans with service-related issues. Often, they require the veteran to plead guilty to the offense and enter a rehabilitation or treatment program. If the veteran completes the conditions, their case may be dismissed. However, if they violate the terms, they may be convicted.
If you are a former service member charged with a crime, speak with our Minneapolis veterans defense attorneys to learn about your legal options.
The Veterans Defense Project
In an effort to enhance the public and criminal defense community’s understanding of the need for specialized legal representation of veterans, our attorneys recently founded the Veterans Defense Project, a nonprofit organization.
The Veterans Defense Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed for the purpose of educating the public about the unique issues facing combat veterans in the criminal justice system.
The VDP’s mission is to:
- Promote and perform education, research, and informational programs to increase public awareness of issues affecting veterans in the criminal justice system;
- Support strong legal defense for military veterans charged with crimes; and
- Facilitate the rehabilitation of criminally charged veterans.
Representing Our Nation’s Heroes
A veteran himself, Brock Hunter dedicates a significant portion of his legal practice to defending military veterans who find themselves in criminal court. Together with fellow veteran and associate Ryan Else, Brockton D. Hunter P.A. has become Minnesota’s, and perhaps the nation’s, premier law firm advocating for veterans in criminal court.
What Sets Our Minnesota Veterans Criminal Defense Firm Apart?
- Included in Minnesota Super Lawyers list (Top 5% of MN attorneys receive this distinction)
- Nationally recognized authority on veterans defense
- Proven record of reduced charges, dismissed cases, and not guilty verdicts
- Founders of the Veterans Defense Project
Trusted Advocate for Veteran Issues in Minnesota
In 2008, Brock drafted and led the passage of Minnesota’s new Veterans Sentencing Mitigation law (Minnesota Statute 609.115, Subd. 10). This pioneering law made Minnesota only the second state in the nation to encourage treatment over incarceration for veterans whose service-related psychological injury played a role in their criminal offense.
A nationally recognized authority in this area, Brock regularly travels the country from coast to coast, lecturing judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals. Our Minneapolis veterans defense lawyers at Brockton D. Hunter, P.A. continue to receive honors and awards for their dedication to defending our nation’s heroes. This includes an invitation to help brief the Presidential Transition Team on policies to assist combat veterans in criminal courts.
Contact us at (612) 979-1112 to speak with our criminal lawyer for veterans. Our Minneapolis veterans defense attorneys are ready to zealously defend you.
OUR VICTORIES
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their case might be.
-
The Result: Constitutional right to own firearms Gun Right Restoration: Right to Own Firearms Despite Felony Conviction
Our client, P.C. was convicted in the early 1990s for a felony offense which disqualified him from owning a firearm under Minnesota state and federal laws.
-
Child Custody Victory Recent Divorce Case: Recouped Over $50,000 Worth of Pre-marital Funds and Assets
In 2014 a young single mother arrived in the law office of Brockton D. Hunter, P.A. desperate to tell her side of the story in a contentious divorce proceeding against her ex-husband.
-
Not Guilty State of Minnesota v. Brady Zipoy
Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Illness verdict in State of Minnesota v. Brady Zipoy, a 2nd Degree murder case involving U.S. Marine veteran of the war in Syria, March 25, 2021.
-
State of Minnesota v. FB
Stay of Adjudication Pursuant to Veterans Restorative Justice Act
-
Not Guilty State of Minnesota v. Mustafa Shabazz
In June and July 2022 we won two back-to-back high profile jury trials, involving the same client, Mustafa Shabazz, a kids wrestling coach, who was falsely accused of sexually touching two of his wrestlers and prosecuted in two separate counties.
-
Reduced STATE OF MINNESOTA v. N.J.: Client Charged With Gross Misdemeanor Third Degree Dui Pleads to Reduced Charge of Misdeameanor Four
N. J. Was charged with Third Degree DUI in Hennepin County after a blood test showed his blood alcohol content was .25, more than 3x the legal limit.