Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney Lynne Torgerson wins reduction of felony
Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney Lynne Torgerson obtained a reduction of a felony to a gross misdemeanor. Client was charged with felony threats of violence, a/k/a felony terroristic threats. Defendant had pulled an unloaded firearm on her significant other and struck him on the head with the handle of the gun. The defendant was a 60 something female with no prior criminal convictions. However, she needs to continue to work. Thus, her record is important. The parties agreed to plead guilty to the charge, with the ability of the sentencing judge to sentence as a gross misdemeanor, thus avoiding a felony conviction. The victim wanted the charges dismissed. The State did not adamantly oppose a durational departure downward. Probation even wrote that a gross misdemeanor sentence would be appropriate. The original sentencing judge resisted. Upon rescheduling by the Clerk of Court, a new judge was serendipitously assigned, The Honorable Judge Wermeger, and sentenced defendant to a gross misdemeanor. Victory! Well done Ms. Torgerson!