A knock at the door from a sheriff serving an Order for Protection (OFP) or an arrest for Domestic Assault can turn your world upside down in an instant. In Minnesota, these cases move fast, and the consequences often extend far beyond the courtroom.
At Refuge Legal, we understand that behind every file is a complex human story. Our mission is to provide the strategic “Refuge” you need when your home, your reputation, and your rights are under fire.
OFP vs. Domestic Assault: Understanding the Difference
It is common to confuse a criminal charge with a civil protective order, but they are distinct paths:
- Domestic Assault (Criminal): This is a charge brought by the State. Even if the other person “wants to drop the charges,” the prosecutor can—and often does—proceed.
- Order for Protection (OFP – Civil): This is a civil order that can remove you from your home, limit access to your children, and strip you of your firearm rights—often before you even have a chance to speak in court.
The “Hidden” Consequence: Your Second Amendment Rights
One of the most critical risks in Minnesota is the loss of firearm rights.
- State Law: A domestic assault conviction (even a misdemeanor) triggers a minimum 3-year prohibition on possessing firearms.
- Federal Law (Lautenberg Amendment): In many cases, a domestic violence conviction results in a lifetime ban under federal law.
Luke McClure’s background in law enforcement and military service makes him uniquely sensitive to these stakes. We don’t just defend the charge; we fight to protect your civil liberties and your way of life.
Our Strategy: Beyond the Allegations
When you are facing an OFP or a domestic charge, “Veritas liberabit vos” (The truth shall set you free) becomes our guiding principle. Our defense strategy involves:
- Challenging Inconsistencies: We meticulously examine police reports, text messages, and witness statements to find contradictions in the allegations.
- Defending Your Rights at the OFP Hearing: You have the right to contest an OFP. We represent you at the hearing to ensure that exaggerated or false claims do not become permanent orders.
- Negotiating with Precision: We use our decades of experience in Minnesota courts to negotiate for dismissals or reductions to non-domestic charges whenever possible.
You Are Not Alone
The weight of a domestic allegation can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to carry it by yourself. As stated in Psalm 91:4, we are here to be your shield and rampart during this storm.
¿Enfrentas una Orden de Protección o cargos de Violencia Doméstica? Hablamos tu idioma. En Refuge Legal, te ofrecemos una defensa agresiva y una atención personalizada 24/7 para proteger lo que más importa: tu familia y tu futuro.