Mike Brandt represented a client who was charged with Domestic Assault after allegedly scratching and injuring her husband. The client was a healthcare professional, which meant that if she was convicted of this charge, she faced losing her income and life-long career. The Minnesota Department of Human Services strictly bans service providers from having any contact with clients if the person has certain convictions on their record. A conviction for Domestic Assault would have resulted in a ban from contact with clients.
In preparation with the case, Mike thoroughly investigated the events leading up to the charge and uncovered that the couple had been quarreling for two days prior to the alleged assault. The alleged victim admitted that the injuries were an accident and stated that he reported the incident to the police because he was upset due to their argument. Mike raised a self-defense claim and argued that any injuries to the alleged victim were done in self-defense. Based upon this information, the prosecutor agreed to continue the matter for one year at which time the charges would be dismissed as long as his client had no same or similar incidents.