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Domestic AssultDomestic assault in Minnesota involves either of the following against a family or household member, as defined by statute: (1) committing an act with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death; or (2) intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm upon another. The Minnesota domestic assault statute describes the circumstances that justify a domestic assault being charged as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony. Domestic assault is an "enhanceable" offense under Minnesota law, meaning a future charge can be more severe if there is a prior conviction for domestic assault. Family or Household Members A family or household member is defined to mean spouses and former spouses, parents and children, persons related by blood, persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past, persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time, a man and woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time and persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship. Consequences of a Conviction An Order for Protection often follows a charge of domestic assault. These Orders are civil in nature and prohibit future acts of domestic abuse, contact with the alleged victim and can, in some circumstances, govern ongoing parenting time and custody of children, child support, alimony and possession of property. The violation of an Order for Protection constitutes a crime in Minnesota. In addition, those convicted of a crime involving domestic abuse are prohibited from possessing firearms, in accordance with the federal legislation known as the Violence Against Women's Act. |
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Svingen, Karkela, Cline, Haugrud, Hunt, Larson & Jensen, PLLP is pleased to announce the addition of Jamison W. Cichosz as a partner, effective April 1, 2009. Mr. Cichosz will practice in the areas of criminal law, family law, workers’ compensation and general litigation.
Jamison W. Cichosz graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of St. Thomas in 1999 with degrees in both Business Administration and Spanish. He then went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2002 after which he moved to the Fergus Falls area. Mr. Cichosz has been practicing in the areas of criminal law, family law and general litigation since being licensed.
Mr. Cichosz has become active in the community since moving to Fergus Falls. He is a two-time past commander at VFW Post 612 in Fergus Falls. He has taught criminal law and criminal procedure at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls. He was the City Prosecutor between 2002 and 2007 and is currently a member of the Fergus Falls City Council. For enjoyment, Mr. Cichosz coaches youth football and spends time with his family.
Sheila Harms was a featured speaker for the Career Day on April 3, 2009 hosted by the Pelican Rapids Chapter of Rotary.
J.J. Cline, Allen Haugrud, and Paul Hunt served as attorney coaches in the 2009 Minnesota High School Mock Trial Competition. The Minnesota State Bar Association will recognize the more than 500 mock trial volunteers in the May/June issue of Bench & Bar.
Greg Larson has been selected for inclusion on the 2008 Minnesota Rising Stars list, featuring the top young lawyers in the state. Rising Stars is published in a special advertising section of the December 2007 issues of Minnesota Law & Politics, Twin Cities Business and Mpls/St. Paul Magazine. The list of Rising Stars also appears on the web at superlawyers.com.