Minnesota has many excellent criminal defense attorneys.  Many of the best criminal defense attorneys are in Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota or the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs.  One reason that many of the best criminal defense lawyers in Minnesota are located in the Minneapolis area is because there is, frankly, more crime in the metro area than there is in rural Minnesota.

I have met a large number of criminal defense attorneys during my time in court and practicing as an attorney in Minnesota.  In my opinion, one attorney stands out as the best: Jesse Hall.  First, a disclaimer: Jesse Hall is my brother.  However, he has a few characteristics that set him far above most criminal defense attorneys in Minnesota.

First, Jesse’s years of experience as a public defender in the criminal justice system have given him hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of courtroom experience beyond what most private criminal defense attorneys could obtain.  Jesse Hall has represented over one thousand criminal defendants, with an outstanding record of success.

Second, Jesse’s assertive, tenacious, dedicated passion for his clients is, from my experience, unmatched.  When Jesse Hall fights in the courtroom, it is literally an oral battle.  He is willing to stand up to judges, prosecutors, and others in order to assert and defend the rights of his clients.

Finally, Jesse Hall’s skills in the courtroom and in preparation for trial set him apart as one of the most advanced criminal defense attorneys in Minnesota.  He understands courtroom procedure inside and out, knowing the games that prosecutors play, factors considered by judges, and knowing procedures and constitutional rights (often called loop holes) to give his clients the best advantage in negotiation, plea bargaining, and trial.  Jesse Hall knows what judges and juries want to hear and how to effectively communicate that message to them.

Jesse Hall is experienced in countless criminal felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors including murder, rape, grand theft, arson, traffic offenses, and countless other crimes.  If you have questions about Minnesota criminal law matters, Jesse Hall may be reached here: Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.

Most people have heard of overtime laws – if you work more than 40 hours in one work week, you are entitled to pay of one-and-a-half times your regular rate for all hours exceeding 40.   The law includes exemptions for several professionals or highly paid people.   The Fair Labor Standards Act provides overtime protection to many people who are in white collar or professional jobs too, however.  There are many situations where employees may be entitled to seek overtime pay:

• Employee is incorrectly categorized as exempt from overtime pay.  One example from the legal field is paralegals or legal assistants.  Law firms argued that paralegals have the type of specialized training and duties that make them exempt from overtime pay.  The Department of Labor has issued opinions that paralegals and legal assistants are not exempt from overtime pay, however.  Incorrect classification is a common occurrence in other industries as well, such as mortgage and banking.
• Employee is salaried.  Just because you are paid a salary rather than on an hourly basis, that does not mean you are exempt from overtime.  It depends on the details of your work based on specific guidelines set by statute.
• Employee is misclassified as an independent contractor.  A true independent contractor is probably not entitled to overtime pay.  Sometimes employers will call employees independent contractors to avoid overtime and other expenses, but the relationship is really one of employer/employee.
• Employee is reclassified as non-exempt.  If your employer changes your classification from exempt to non-exempt, you may be entitled to recover up to two years of overtime pay if you were misclassified as exempt.
• Employee falls below the minimum salary.  If you earn less than $455 per week, you are automatically entitled to overtime protection.
• Employee is required to work off the clock.  Often employees have to set up before beginning work or clean up after work.  You are generally entitled to credit for that time as working time.  For example, a bank teller may be required to work an extra twenty minutes every day to balance the drawer.  This is working time and you should receive credit for it even if you have “technically” clocked out.

An experienced overtime lawyer can help you evaluate whether you have a claim for overtime wages.  Keep in mind that there are strict time limits for filing a claim for overtime wages.  Consider hiring the attorneys at Twin Cities Law Firm to investigate whether you have a claim.

What is the Fair Labor Standards Act?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides a number of protections for Minnesota workers. It established the minimum wage, working hours rights, and overtime payment rules. The Fair Labor Standards Act provides a number of rights for Minnesota employees related to work hours and employment standards.

Fair Labor Standards Act Lawyer in Minnesota

Attorney Aaron Hall is experienced in representing employees who have had their rights denied by employers. He helps mistreated Minnesota employees get the financial compensation they deserve under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

“Exempt” Jobs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act

The Fair Labor Standards Act provides that employees who work over 40 hours per week must be paid time and a half. Some types of employment are “exempt” from these overtime laws. But just because an employer says the employee is “exempt” doesn’t mean the employee actually is “exempt.” In other words, the employee may still be owed time and a half.

“Exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act is determined by weighing various factors. Attorney Aaron Hall can help analyze your situation to determine whether your job should be deemed “exempt.”

Other Fair Labor Standards Act Questions

If you have questions about your work hours, your boss’s conduct, your work’s policies, or other issues that may involve the Fair Labor Standards Act, contact Aaron Hall by phone or using the form on this page.

When you have been hurt in an accident, life can be overwhelming. You probably have medical bills. You may have a damaged car, truck, or motorcycle. You might miss work because of your injury.

The stress, anxiety, and pain may also affect your performance at work, relationships at home, and other lifestyle activities. Sadly, insurance companies don’t always compensate those who are injured in the amount they deserve.

As a Minnesota accident and injury attorney, I help people understand their legal rights, coach them through their options, and represent them in claims against those who are responsible for the accident. If you have been injured and are not sure if you need a lawyer, call me and I will listen to your situation and explain your legal options.

Car, Truck, Motorcycle, or Motor Vehicle Accident

Traffic accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles are common. Automobile accidents may result in serious injury or minor injury. Either way, the result may be temporary or long-term physical injury.

The law may require that you be compensated for your injury, medical expenses, automobile damage, or other losses. As an accident and injury attorney, I can help those injured on Minnesota roads by explaining the legal options and pursuing a legal claim against those who are responsible.

Boat, Jetski, or Watercraft Accident

An injury on the water may involve a boat, jetski, or other watercraft. Sometimes, the accidents involve someone drinking alcohol. Although a Minnesota county sheriff’s department may bring criminal charges, those who were injured in a boating accident often need a lawyer to bring a civil lawsuit so the injured party is compensated for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.

If you have questions about an accident on the water, contact me to discuss whether you have a claim and learn your legal options.

Accident Resulting in Death: Negligence & Wrongful Death

Serious accidents may result in death. When this happends, the victim’s loved ones may bring a wrongful death claim against whoever negligently caused the accident.

Wrongful death lawsuits are often complex, and they also may result in high financial compensation for family members.

If someone you know died, and it is possible that someone’s negligence caused the death, contact me to discuss your legal options. Since evidence may be discarded, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the death. I would be glad to offer a consultation so you can determine your legal options.

Experienced Minnesota Accident Injury Lawyers

The lawyers in our firm are experienced in accidents and injuries, including accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, jetskis, and more. Minnesota negligence law provides compensation for minor injuries, major injuries, and wrongful death. If you or someone you know has been injuried, contact the attorneys in our firm to learn your legal rights and consider having us represent you to get the financial compensation you deserve.

Minnesota employees have a number of legal rights. When those rights are violated, an employee has a right to legal recourse.

As an employment law attorney, I help employees whose rights have been violated and advise employees regarding how to protect their rights in the workplace. If your rights as a Minnesota employee have been violated, please contact me to discuss your situation and learn your legal options.

What are your rights as a Minnesota employee?

1. Minimum Wage. You must receive at least the minimum wage each hour for all hours your employer requires you to work, including preparation time, opening and closing times, and required meetings.

2. Full Pay. Your employer may not deduct from your wages for breakages, cash shortages, tools and uniforms. Some exceptions to this rule are allowed. Any deductions from your paycheck must be authorized in writing by you.

3. Disclosed Deductions. Each time you are paid, you must receive a statement listing all deductions, such as taxes, from your earnings.

4. Payment for Time Worked. Keep accurate records of hours worked. If there is a difference between your record and the employer’s, review your records together.

5. Rest Breaks. Rest breaks are not required. However, you must be allowed time to use the nearest restroom within each four consecutive hours of work.

6. Meals. If you work eight or more consecutive hours, you must be allowed sufficient time to eat a meal.

7. Overtime. Your employer must pay one and one-half times your regular rate of pay for overtime hours worked. State law requires overtime after 48 hours in a workweek. Employers with more than $500,000 in annual sales or revenue are covered by federal law and require overtime after 40 hours in a workweek.

8. Minors. Minors (younger than 18 years of age) are prohibited from working certain jobs. High school students younger than 18 may not work after 11 p.m. on evenings before school days or before 5 a.m. on school days. Minors younger than 16 years of age have limited work hours. Contact the Labor Standards unit for jobs not allowed and hour limitations.

9. Safety. You have a right to a safe workplace! If safety or health hazards exist, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

10. Workplace Injuries. If you are injured on the job, immediately inform the employer! The employer has an obligation to provide you with workers’ compensation insurance.

11. Harassment. Your employer must provide a work environment free from racial, sexual and religious harassment. Report violations to the human resources office.

12. Unemployment. If your employment ends, contact the nearest Minnesota WorkForce Center to file a claim for re-employment insurance.

Author: Aaron Hall is an employment law attorney licensed in Minnesota, and admitted to practice in state and federal court. As a employment lawyer, he provides legal counsel and advice to employees and small business employers throughout the year. His service area includes Minneapolis, St. Paul, the MN Twin Cities area, and greater Minnesota.

Credits: Much of this information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.