How a Criminal Defense Attorney Builds Your Case
By Sullivan Rice
When you’re facing criminal charges in Minnesota, everything is on the line—your freedom, your reputation, and your future. One of the most powerful tools you have is your criminal defense attorney. But what exactly does your lawyer do to build your case?
At Jack Rice Defense, we treat every case as a unique battle—because no two clients, no two charges, and no two stories are the same. Here’s how a skilled Minnesota defense attorney builds a case from the ground up.
1. We Start with Listening—To You
The foundation of a strong defense starts with your story. That includes:
What happened before, during, and after the incident
Your background, character, and goals
Any witnesses or evidence you know of
What law enforcement said or did during arrest or questioning
This first step is about trust and understanding. We listen without judgment—and start identifying potential defenses from the very beginning.
Jack’s Note: I’ve learned that what a client says in the first meeting often becomes the core of how we fight for them.
2. We Investigate—Independently
Law enforcement builds a case to prove guilt. We investigate to challenge it.
Our investigation may include:
Interviewing witnesses independently
Visiting the scene of the alleged crime
Reviewing body camera footage, police reports, and lab results
Consulting with experts (forensics, toxicology, ballistics, etc.)
If there are flaws in the state’s case—we find them.
3. We Analyze the Law and Look for Violations
In every criminal case, how evidence is collected and handled is just as important as the evidence itself. We look at whether your rights were violated through:
Illegal searches or seizures (Fourth Amendment issues)
Improper interrogations or Miranda violations
Unlawful traffic stops or detentions
Chain of custody problems with evidence
If the police violated your constitutional rights, we’ll file motions to suppress evidence or even dismiss charges.
4. We Build a Defense Strategy—Tailored to You
No two cases are the same. Our strategy depends on:
The charges you're facing
The strength (or weakness) of the prosecution’s case
Your personal goals (dismissal, reduced charges, plea deal, or trial)
We might pursue:
A factual defense (e.g., “You didn’t do it”)
A legal defense (e.g., “The search was unconstitutional”)
A mitigating strategy (e.g., “You made a mistake but deserve a second chance”)
Whatever the path, we fight to get you the best outcome possible.
5. We Negotiate When It’s in Your Best Interest
Sometimes, the strongest move isn’t in the courtroom—it’s across the negotiation table.
With the right strategy, we can:
Get charges reduced or dropped
Avoid jail time through diversion programs
Protect your criminal record from permanent damage
We’ll never pressure you into a plea—but we’ll always explain the risks and benefits so you can make the right call.
6. We Fight Relentlessly in Court
If your case goes to trial, we come prepared to win. That means:
Selecting a fair jury
Challenging every piece of the prosecution’s evidence
Presenting compelling witnesses and expert testimony
Telling your story with clarity and power
We don’t back down. We don’t fold. We fight for you every step of the way.
At Jack Rice Defense, You’re More Than a Case
We believe in preparation. We believe in truth. And we believe that everyone—no matter the charge—deserves a defense that’s built with honor, strategy, and heart.
