Richard P. Holmstrom

Homicide & Assault

Northern Minnesota Assault and Homicide Lawyer

An assault charge can lead to serious jail time. Don't settle for anything less than a highly experienced, trial-hardened defense attorney.

Attorney Richard P. Holmstrom has practiced criminal defense law for over 35 years. He is familiar with all forms of assault charges:

• assault on a minor
• assault on a peace officer, firefighter or EMT
• assault with a dangerous weapon.
• sexual and domestic assault

Self-Defense: Better to Be Tried by 12 than Carried by Six

Anyone — from a corporate executive to a street person — can suddenly find his or her life threatened.

Imagine this: You're at a party, and someone with a grudge against you has been drinking heavily. You decide to leave. Suddenly, you sense him behind you. You see something metallic is in his hand. You must decide in a split second — is he out to harm me? You react, instinctively, and hit him. He falls to the ground and his head hits a rock. You feel for a pulse. He's dead.

The police arrive. They ask around and learn that there was bad blood between the two of you. They don't buy your story about a weapon in his hand — all they find is his car keys. They charge you with manslaughter.

Fortunately, the law presumes you innocent until proven guilty. Fortunately, you can retain the services of Richard Holmstrom.

Mr. Holmstrom knows the argument of self-defense. As he likes to tell the juries, "It is better to be tried by 12" — that is, tried before a jury — "than to be carried by six" — that is, carried to your grave by six pall bearers. In other words, a reasonable person in your position would rather protect himself and live to tell his story to a jury, than risk death at the hands of an attacker.

The Tools of the Criminal Defense Trade

Police methods today are very sophisticated. So, too, are defense methods. Medical forensics, toxicology and other crime sciences can be used to prove guilt, but they can also prove innocence, or at least help raise reasonable doubt. Mr. Holmstrom is proficient in the use of these sciences, and he will use them in your defense.

Don't dwell in doubt and worry. Contact Mr. Holmstrom today for a free consultation.

Mr. Holmstrom accepts credit cards. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Richard P. Holmstrom, attorney at law, represents clients throughout the state of Minnesota, particularly in the northern Minnesota cities of Duluth, Bemidji, Carlton, Cloquet, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, International Falls, Pine City, Two Harbors, Virginia, Walker, as well as St. Louis County, Beltrami County, Carlton County, Cass County, Cook County, Itasca County, Koochiching County, Lake County and Pine County, and in the federal courts throughout the United States.