Thomas C Gallagher

Minneapolis criminal lawyer Thomas C Gallagher fights for you and your Liberty in Minnesota state and federal courts, and has for over 30 years. His practice is limited to criminal defense.

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Minnesota

Since 1988

Trial Lawyer

Gallagher Criminal Defense

1993 - Current

Criminal defense services for clients charged with crimes in Minnesota state and federal courts.

Associate Attorney

Cloutier & Musech

1988 - 1993

Criminal defense for firm's clients, as well as personal injury and other civil litigation.

University of Minnesota Law School

J.D. | Law

1984 - 1988

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

B.A. | Psychology

1978 - 1983

Minnesota NORML

Director - Board of Directors

2011 - Current

Activities: Founding members of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. We work for the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota.

Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice

Member

2000 - Current

Activities: Membership limited to fifty criminal defense lawyers, voted in by existing membership. Members work together to lead the way towards criminal justice in Minnesota courts.

Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1995 - Current

Activities: Member of the largest criminal defense bar association in Minnesota, working together to protect the rights of Minnesotans.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1995 - Current

Activities: Member of the largest criminal defense bar association in the United States, championing the cause of the People.

NORML Legal Committee

Member

1995 - Current

Activities: Member of the Norml Legal Committee. (Legal Committee of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.) We share information and insights helpful in defending those charged with marijuana crimes, and work on legalization efforts.

Q. Is it legal for police to threaten charges to compel cooperation after dismissal?

April 2, 2025

A: While the answer would depend upon all the facts and circumstances, most police officers pressuring a target to work off a case should know how to do so without giving the target a defense to a subsequent charge. Your lawyer would have access to more information as well as the ability to ask you questions that might shed light on the issue. But I'd shift focus towards how to win the case, prevent a conviction. And that would make all the events important. Discuss with your lawyer.

Q. Does a shoplifting citation require a court appearance in MN if it's a first offense?

March 23, 2025

A: Most people would not want a theft conviction on their public record. If a theft charge was a payable offense, it would result in a public conviction record, though a "petty." You could try to pay it via the Minnesota Courts website "pay fines" tab. But I doubt that it is a payable. Even if it were, most folks would want to set up a court appearance date to try to get an outcome that would avoid a "conviction" record. Also, it would then be possible to apply for a public defender.

Q. Can still shots serve as evidence in theft by swindle case?

March 4, 2025

A: The question touches upon two legal topics: evidence law and the elements of the crime claimed. A photograph can be evidence admitted into a trial, if properly authenticated, including testimony that it fairly represents what it is purported to depict, as well as being material and relevant to the prosecution or defense case. Once admitted into evidence by the judge, then the jury can give it whatever weight they choose. Next, the prosecution is required to present evidence to support each and every statutory element of every crime they claim. If the sole evidence in a trial was pictures of the defendant standing by a customer service desk, and no other evidence, at all, were admitted into the trial, that would almost certainly be inadequate proof for multiple elements of the criminal statue charged. However, it's difficult to imagine a prosecutor doing that. More likely there will be additional evidence. Discuss the case with your lawyer. ... Read More