An Ally And Skilled Defense Attorney
For Minnesotans Facing Criminal Charges

Charles Gerlach

Charles
Gerlach

  • Owner and Sole Proprietor of Gerlach Law

Biography

Former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience

Charles graduated with honors (magna cum laude) from William Mitchell College of Law in 1998. He has been a criminal trial lawyer ever since. 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. Charles tried cases in Hennepin and Stearns Counties. 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. Charles also has a decade of experience as a juvenile delinquency prosecutor. Charles is experienced in all offense levels and is familiar with juvenile delinquency and disposition procedures, including extended jurisdiction juvenile and adult certification matters. Charles has extensive background working with the courts, probation officers, and social workers in crafting just juvenile dispositions. He can help your child navigate the complex rules of Juvenile Court.

Practice Areas

  • Criminal Defense 90%
  • Orders for Protection 5%
  • Trial Advocacy Training 5%

Education

  • William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
    • J.D. - 1998
    • Honors: magna cum laude
    • Honors: With Honors
  • Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
    • B.S. - 1992
    • Major: International Relations

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, 1998

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association, Advisory Board Member

Classes & Seminars

  • Trial Advocacy--Case Analysis/Opening, MCAA, 2016 to Present
  • Trial Advocacy--Cross Examination, MCAA, 2016 to Present
  • Forensic Interviewing, Stearns County Attorney, 2022
  • Trial Advocacy, NDAA, 2016
  • Cross Examination, NDAA, 2016

Past Positions

  • Stearns County Attorney's Office, Senior Assistant Attorney, 2019 to 2023
  • Hennepin County Attorney's Office, Assistant County Attorney, 1998 to 2019

Fraternities or Sororities

  • Theta Chi

Current Employment Position

  • Owner and Sole Proprietor of Gerlach Law