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Minnesota Criminal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I be charged with assault even if I have an eyewitness saying the injury came from a slip and fall?

I have prior assault convictions

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Apr 17, 2024

You can be charged with assault if the police have probable cause to believe you assaulted the person. Probable cause is not very high standard. If the alleged victim had a visible injury and claimed that you were the attacker, that's pretty much all that is needed for probable cause to charge... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I be charged with assault even if I have an eyewitness saying the injury came from a slip and fall?

I have prior assault convictions

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Apr 17, 2024

When a prosecutor files a criminal charge, they allege facts which if true, they believe would prove the crime charged. If there are not facts to support "probable cause" to believe a crime was committed by the defendant, the defense attorney may file a motion to dismiss for lack of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law, Native American Law and Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Is Driving after Cancelation (IPS) ,civil reg. Or criminal? I am a enrolled tribal member, and I was cited on res land

I was cited by a tribal officer, but I was given a Becker Co. Citation, I requested this remain in tribal court and was denied, because the officer believed dac,IPS is a criminal act and would be heard in district court.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Driving after Cancellation (DAC), specifically when labeled as "inimical to public safety" (IPS), is typically regarded as a criminal offense. The categorization as criminal stems from the potential threat to public safety implied by the IPS designation. This determination means that the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: What are consumer rights regarding illegal items in a repossessed vehicle?

If a car is repossessed without warning and taken by a tow company and stored on a lot, does the repo company inventory items? If so, What happens in a scenario where illegal items that carry felony level charges are found? Example: small amount (5th degree?) controlled substance, paraphernalia.... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Apr 11, 2024

The repossession company has no obligation keep illegal items found in a repossessed vehicle private. They should and will likely turn over any illegal items found in the vehicle over to law enforcement. I would presume that the individual would then be charged with possession for those items... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: New aiding and abetting laws in Mn

My fiancé with two other people were in a bar fight in 2015. The victim refused medical attention, stayed at the bar after my fiancé left and died hours later of a heart arrhythmia. My fiancé was convicted of 2nd degree murder unintentional and sentenced to 21 years in prison. He has been... View More

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Apr 9, 2024

You are correct that there is a new aiding and abetting law in the context of felony murder in Minnesota, but whether the new law is applicable to your fiancé's situation requires additional information. With that said, the new law dictates that a person cannot be charged under the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Minnesota on
Q: GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

It’s 3 Percocet pill that I’ve been caught with and it’s my first time and it’s gross misdemeanor charges GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Mar 21, 2024

I think that it is unlikely that you would be facing jail time for a first time GM drug possession case. The best thing that you can do for yourself to avoid having to serve jail would be to get a Chemical Use Assessment and start following the recommendations. That is something that you are... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Minnesota on
Q: GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

It’s 3 Percocet pill that I’ve been caught with and it’s my first time and it’s gross misdemeanor charges GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Mar 21, 2024

You might consider an effort to avoid a criminal "conviction." That would be valuable, in the future. It may be a possible to resolve the case in a way to avoid conviction, usually involving a period of compliance with agreed and ordered conditions. You can discuss this with your lawyer.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: Is it possible to find someone to go to the county jail to speak with my son.He has a case coming up.

He can explain, give proof. Very important he speak in person. Not enough money for calls, etc. I am trying to get him help. Needs to file grievance. Confict of interest. Jailer threatening him to abide, jailer related to judge, request to be moved ignored, etc He would explain.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

It's important to act quickly in situations like this. Reach out to local legal aid organizations or public defender's offices; they often provide free legal services to individuals who cannot afford them. They may be able to assign a lawyer or an advocate who can visit your son in jail... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: How can I get a grievance file started asp in blue earth county
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

To get a grievance file started in Blue Earth County as soon as possible, it's important to first understand the specific nature of your grievance. Different types of complaints may require different approaches and might be handled by various departments within the county. For example, issues... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Can firearm rights be restored, even if an expungement is not possible?

Is an expungement available for a conviction under 609.222 (assault 2nd degree)?

Can firearm rights be restored, even if an expungement is not possible?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

In Minnesota, expungement may be possible for a conviction under § 609.222 Assault in the 2nd Degree in certain limited circumstances. However, even if expungement is granted, it would not automatically restore firearm rights.

Expungement eligibility depends on the specific facts of the...
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Can you open carry an AR with you conceal and carry permit?

I have been looking through so many sites and can’t seem to get a reliable answer everything seems to contradict.

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Mar 6, 2024

Honestly, I'm not sure if you would be permitted to do so. But I would suggest that things that might be legal aren't necessarily smart to do. Law enforcement is going to be all over you if you are out wandering around open carrying an AR-15 or similar type long gun. Rightly or... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Can you open carry an AR with you conceal and carry permit?

I have been looking through so many sites and can’t seem to get a reliable answer everything seems to contradict.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

The rules around open carrying an AR-style rifle with a concealed carry permit can indeed be complex and vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. Generally, a concealed carry permit applies to handguns and does not automatically grant the right to openly carry rifles or other long guns. Each... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Ex brought a guy over I was rammed by his car.

My ex claimed to get a phone number off my phone while I slept the person claimed to be my friend. She left her child who I was not responsible for to meet him. I found her with a guy she was in the front seat of the vehicle with him. I tried to talk to them, but he rammed me with the car. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about this difficult situation. Here are a few suggestions that may help:

- Document everything you can remember about the incident, including the date, time, location, vehicle description, driver's identity if known, and any injuries or damage caused. This could...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Is it illegal to make fake money if it is clearly fake?

I want to make 1:1 hand drawn copies of US currency, and present them as an artwork. I wouldn't be attempting to make them realistic, I would only be drawing them with cheap markers on green copy paper. I want to know if it would be illegal to sell the artwork if somebody was interested in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

Creating hand-drawn copies of U.S. currency, even if not intended to be used as real money, can navigate a fine line legally. Under U.S. law, reproducing currency with the intent to deceive is illegal. However, the law allows for the creation of illustrations of currency under specific conditions,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: I am the victim of a damaged to property case.. The defendant was convicted in order to pay restitution and is dead

I'm wondering what happens when the person of a crime that is convicted dies in Minnesota if the victim is still paid restitution?

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Feb 19, 2024

When a person is convicted of a crime and ordered to pay restitution as part of their sentence, then that person dies prior to discharge from that sentence without having paid restitution; the court loses jurisdiction over the person after their death. But you might want ot check with the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: I am the victim of a damaged to property case.. The defendant was convicted in order to pay restitution and is dead

I'm wondering what happens when the person of a crime that is convicted dies in Minnesota if the victim is still paid restitution?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Feb 20, 2024

The victim will undoubtedly need to take steps if restitution is to be satisfied. Two big questions would be 1) how much is owed; 2) did the deceased have any money? I would call victim services and the prosecutor office to start.

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: If I get pulled over by a police officer, can I legally rip off my illegal window tint before they walk up to the car?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

In Minnesota, while it might be physically possible to remove illegal window tint if you're pulled over by a police officer, doing so would not be advisable. This action could be viewed as tampering with evidence or obstructing a police investigation. Even if you remove the tint before the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: If I get pulled over by a police officer, can I legally rip off my illegal window tint before they walk up to the car?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Removing your illegal window tint while you're being pulled over by a police officer isn't a good idea. First and foremost, it could be perceived as suspicious behavior, potentially escalating the situation unnecessarily. Additionally, doing so might cause the officer to become more... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: If I get pulled over by a police officer, can I legally rip off my illegal window tint before they walk up to the car?
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Feb 15, 2024

Interesting question. I don't know for sure, but I doubt it would matter much. The officer already saw the tinted window and can take the wad into evidence. Most criminals stop the criminal activity when officers approach. They don't get charged with obstruction. If I am shooting off... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Hello question my friend was just pulled over for a headlight out . Mind you she was only about 2 miles away from home.

She's mental health issues and she is a diabetit was 8 PM the night before Thanksgiving as she got pulled over for a headlight out. As the officer approached her window he had noticed her pupils were Dilated. He jumped the gun and asked her if she was smoking fetal. He asked her to get out of... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Feb 7, 2024

She should get help from a private criminal defense attorney, or a free public defender, if she qualifies. Then she can work with her lawyer in developing effective defenses, and factual information. On the driver's license issue, she may want to call a "Driver Evaluator" at the... View More

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