Minnesota Criminal Defense & Trial Attorney

Charles Gerlach provides criminal defense services throughout Minnesota. He is a former prosecutor with 25+ years of experience and has conducted over 120 jury trials. If you are facing criminal charges, contact us for a free consultation and ensure your rights are being protected.

Meet Defense Attorney Charles Gerlach

Former District Attorney - 25 Years Experience

Charles is an experienced criminal lawyer serving greater Minnesota and the metro area. He brings 25 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor into the courtroom.

Charles knows how prosecutors think, their goals and strategies, what they intend to do, and how they will attempt to do it. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. Charles’ experience as a veteran prosecutor gives his clients the advantage and helps obtain favorable results.

He has tried approximately 120 jury trials to completion and negotiated resolutions in thousands of others. He is an expert criminal litigator, having tried numerous murders, aggravated assaults, domestic violence crimes, vulnerable adult crimes, sexual assaults, child abuse cases, and weapons crimes, juvenile delinquency.

Areas of Practice

We handle all areas of criminal law including:

Criminal Vehicular Operation/Homicide

Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under Influence DWI/DUI

Aggravated Assaults

Sexual Assault

Murder

Child Abuse

Domestic Violence

- Domestic assault
- Violations of orders protection
- Harassment/restraining orders

Vulnerable Adult Crimes

All Felonies & Misdemeanors

Weapons Offenses

- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Negligent storage of a firearm
- Reckless discharge
- Mandatory minimums

Juvenile Court

- Delinquency
- Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile
- Adult Certification

Our Results

Experience wins. Our results prove it.

Charge: Felony Theft, Facing
Jail Time Result: Misdemeanor Plea, No Jail Case: State v. J.J. 73-CR-23-9094 The client was charged with theft by swindle in Stearns County. Gerlach Law resolved the case... Read More →

Charge: Felony Domestic Assault
by Strangulation Result: Plea to Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct Case: State v. R.N., 05-CR-23-1935 The client, a veteran, was charged in Benton County with felony domestic assault by strangulation... Read More →

Charge: 2nd Degree Assault
(mandatory minimum 1 year prison) Result: Case Dismissed Case: State v. J.B., 48-CR-24-534 The client was charged in Mille Lacs County with second-degree assault, which carries a mandatory minimum of one... Read More →

Charge: Felony Aiding and
Abetting Theft Result: Non-Felony Plea, Credit Time Served Case: State v. K.W.V., 13-CR-23-291 The prosecutor charged the client with aiding and abetting theft of property (a catalytic converter). Gerlach Law... Read More →

Charge: Felony 1st Degree Criminal Damage, 4th Degree Assault and Other Charges Result: Stay of Adjudication - No Criminal Record Case: State v. V.G., 48-CR-21-1814 The client was charged in Benton County with first-degree criminal damage to property (a felony), fifth-degree drug... Read More →

Charge: Felony 2nd Degree Burglary
and Felony Attempted 1st Degree Burglury Result: Non-Felony Plea, No Jail Case: State v. D.K., 73-CR-23-7985 Stearns County charged the client with second-degree burglary (felony) and attempted first-degree burglary (felony)... Read More →

Charge: Misdemeanor Shoplifting Result: Restitution Paid, No Plea or Record Case: State v. L.T., 27-CR-24-20349 The client was charged with shoplifting, a misdemeanor, in Hennepin County. At the first hearing, Gerlach got the prosecutor... Read More →

Charge: Disorderly Condcut Result: Stay of Adjudication, No Criminal Record Case: State v. M.E. 02-CR-22-2199 The client got into a school fight shortly after his 18th birthday. The State charged him with disorderly conduct. Gerlach Law... Read More →

Charge: Gross Misdemeanor, Facing License Suspension and Job Loss Result: No License Suspension, Job Not Affected Case: State v. I.S. 73-CR-23-8703 The client ran a school bus arm with children present, a gross misdemeanor. If convicted, the Commissioner of Public... Read More →

Gerlach Law serves the following counties

Do You Need To Hire a Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you are reading this, you or a family member are likely having a very bad day. You, or someone you love, are being investigated or charged with a crime. Maybe a loved one is in jail tonight. Criminal charges are scary. You are in one of the most stressful situations you can face.

Adding to that stress is the need to sort through numerous questions that need answers quickly. Am I going to jail? What’s going to happen at my next court date? What happened at my last hearing? What are my choices? What do I do? Do I need an attorney?

Science tells us that stress destroys good decision-making. Gerlach Law reduces stress so you can have confidence in your decisions. What we do is simple: we arm you with knowledge. Gerlach Law breaks down the complex and bewildering legal process, making it simple and easy to understand.

We Take Pride In Representing

LGBTQI+ Criminal Defense

Charles has experience and passion for
working with people in the LGBTQI+
community.

Mental Health Issues Criminal Defense

We also work with those who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other diagnoses affecting clients’ abilities to function comfortably in society. We bring compassionate representation to seek the best possible resolution.

Trial Advocacy for Attorneys

Consulting and Training for Your Law Firm

Charles is an experienced trainer and trial advocacy presenter. He can bring his experience and training skills to your firm. He is an expert in case analysis, preparation and planning, opening statements, designing a direct examination, cross-examination, including cross-examination of experts, and closing arguments.

He has taught trial advocacy for over 15 years. Charles inaugurated the Minnesota District Attorneys Association’s Trial Advocacy Course and taught for the MCAA for over a decade. Charles taught trial advocacy with the National District Attorney’s Association, the Minnesota County Attorney’s Association, and Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He was also an advisory board member of the Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association.

The National District Attorneys Association in Columbia, South Carolina, trained Charles as a faculty member. He is also in the process of earning a Professional Train the Trainer Certificate from the University of Minnesota. Charles can bring the important concepts of adult learning to your firm’s leadership team.

Our Clients Testimonials

"This message is as a Dad, not necessarily as a lawyer. I wanted to thank you immensely on behalf of my family and me for the grace and empathy you have extended [my son].

Client's Father

My experience with Charles has been absolutely amazing. He answers his phone, texts back, listens to what you say and cares about me and my case.
I'm very happy with how he represented me. I'm very happy with suggesting that if you have a chance to have him as your lawyer . . . whatever it may be, you are in good hands

Chuck is extremely responsive and thorough in his approach to working with his clients. I’d highly recommend his legal services.

"Chuck-- I just wanted to thank you so very much for everything you did for me in the case in Minnesota. It means a lot that you took the time to listen, understand, and fight for me. Kindness that matters makes a difference and pushes me to keep focused on my future. I can and will move past this and be better because of your help.

...

Schedule Free Consultation

Meet Mr. Gerlach, have your questions answered and learn how he would protect your interests and defend you. All consultations are confidential and professional.