Q: Minor in Possession 340A.503.3 but case type is Crim/Traf Non-Mand. I was walking not driving and it looks like this sh
Driver box is checked but it looks like I can just pay a $180 fine? I'm so confused, I was walking and not driving. It also is labeled as a misdemeanor but from what I can tell this should be a petty misdemeanor?
A: It is a payable misdemeanor which means that upon payment of the fine it becomes a petty misdemeanor. It is not unusual that boxes get erroneously checked. You could always set a court date and have the prosecutor amend that provision.
A: Some Minnesota misdemeanors are treated as "payable offenses" by Minnesota courts, meaning the defendant can be convicted by paying a fine without a court appearance. But taka a look at Minnesota Statutes Section 171.173, saying that such a conviction would trigger a suspension of driver's license. Bottom line: It's worth the inconvenience to set up a court appearance, and try to avoid a conviction.
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