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Minnesota Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Native American Law for Minnesota on
Q: can a person be denied permission to visit a dying family member if they have a removal order from the reservation.

they have an active civil petition for having the removal order lifted court case.ongoing for almost 3 yrs

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2023

It is possible for a person to be denied permission to visit a dying family member if they have a removal order from the reservation. The decision to grant or deny permission to visit would depend on the specific circumstances of the case, including any applicable tribal laws or regulations.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: I'm a "victim" however I wish to not be considered that and am sick of the state calling me that. Can I press charges
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Feb 13, 2023

In Minnesota, only the government can initiate a criminal charge; by filing a charging document with the Court. But an individual can make a complaint about a criminal act to the government: its police officers and-or its prosecuting attorneys. In contrast, an individual can file a civil lawsuit... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: i was pulled over because of an anonymous tip.

the tip said a drug deal would be happening at my place of employment at 2 involving a blue truck and black jeep. i drive a red truck. on my day off at 230 i stop by work and talk to a coworker. upon leaving i get pulled over because he believes i was involved in a drug deal and asked if they can... View More

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Jan 28, 2023

Generally speaking, if a police officer has probable cause to believe that a car has drugs or other contraband, then they are permitted to stop the driver of that car and search it without a warrant. This means that they can temporarily detain you and bring in K9 dogs, etc. while they search... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Proper course of action.

Our son crossed the US border in Mexicali (October 2022). His court appearance in Fort Snelling is scheduled for February 2024. He was a beneficiary of I-130 filed in 2013; however, he doesn’t have 1-90 and we cannot apply for adjustment of status. He cannot apply neither for driver’s license... View More

Monica E Rottermann
Monica E Rottermann
answered on Jan 16, 2023

First, your son should make sure that he keeps the immigration court updated on his address, as court dates can be changed, and the court notifies respondents of the change in court date by mailing hearing notices. If he fails to attend a scheduled court hearing, he will be ordered deported.... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: After a motion to dismiss is denied & an order is entered specifying facts on the wrong date of an offense can I object?

The finding of facts is dated incorrectly for the offense's commission. What can I do as defendant?

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Jan 11, 2023

Provided that the wrong date listed is a clerical error, you (or your attorney) can certainly bring the error to the Court's attention and ask that they correct it. You can do so by filing a motion to correct the clerical error; in doing so, be sure to identify the page numbers and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: What if the suspect just keeps repeatedly saying they do not understand their rights or the charges against them?

What happens if the defendant continously says they do not understand their rights or the charges throughout an arrest, detainment, interrogation, court appearance? How does the court proceed if the defendant refuses to even acknowledge any understanding of what is happening?

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Jan 8, 2023

Generally speaking, a defendant cannot be required to stand trial if they are not mentally competent or fit to do so. Competency in the legal sense requires, at minimum, that a person be able to understand the nature of the proceedings against them and play a role in their own defense. In a 1975... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: Is it legal to put a spy camera on my daughter for daycare to catch the teacher who’s been abusing her?
Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Jan 3, 2023

Contact law enforcement if you believe that your daughter is somehow being abused at daycare.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can Minnesota residents be fined today, for not wearing a face mask back in the 'Peacetime Emergency' times?

Hello

Even though as of today those various COVID mask requirements and executive orders in Minnesota have expired, can someone be still fined, if for example this person was recorded and identified on video visiting a bar or restaurant without a mask back in 2020, during 'Peacetime... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Dec 16, 2022

Because Minnesota Statutes §609.735 CONCEALING IDENTITY, appears to make wearing a mask "to prevent spread of disease" (as opposed to "medical treatment"), in public, a crime; I would challenge any attempt to enforce an "executive order" to the contrary. I've... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Minnesota on
Q: how can i be so violated in my rights and yet not have legal assistance in civil claims? is it easier to not help?

i have valid claim for county liability.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 4, 2022

A Minnesota attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It isn't clear what the matter is about, but keep in mind that if your claim involves a county or public agency, it's possible there could be notice of claim elements. Only a Minnesota attorney could advise... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, International Law and Libel & Slander for Minnesota on
Q: needing help with dealing with a uruguayan resident in minnesota.

I have a uruguayan resident cyberstalking me and others for 2+ years, affecting my mental health + work. They started stalking me in early 2020, and i am afraid to have social media accounts so they won’t affect me/my friends anymore. i am a disabled artist and this person has affected my ability... View More

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Nov 26, 2022

Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a cyberstalker, and you're not alone. As many as 8% of Americans report being stalked online at some point in their life. In many cases, it's possible to get rid of the person on your own by locking down your social media and other accounts. But if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Public Benefits for Minnesota on
Q: Is there a lawyer willing to help me sue a hotel after I was violently robbed and beaten

I had no phone in my hotel room to call 911 and the doors were broken and hotel was really understaffed

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Sep 21, 2022

You probably have a decent case. Your case would be stronger if you did not know the attackers. When did this happen? There is a statute of limitations that applies to these types of cases.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: Can I sue the hotel after a violent robbery

No phone in my room to call 911 and hotel was understaffed

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Sep 19, 2022

Yes.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Iv made a mistake that can cause me 5years in jail how can I prove to the judge and prosecutor I’m a good person
Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Jul 2, 2022

First get an attorney. Don’t represent yourself. Your attorney can help to minimize any consequences that you might be facing here.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: In regards to searching my purse..my purse was in car with the passenger and I was in cop car. For at 10 minutes then

The cop searched my purse and found what appeared to be drugs charged 5th degree possession and 4th degree DUI...2.5 years later the timing is that legal statute of limitations?

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Mar 14, 2022

There are two separate issues here. The constitutionality of your encounter with law enforcement. Was the traffic stop legitimate? Was the search of your purse constitutional permissible? Issues along those lines could result in suppression of the evidence against you and dismissal of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: If police raid my house for drugs and detain me do they have to show me the warrant before they search if I demand tol
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Jan 26, 2022

If police break into a house with a Search Warrant, they are required to either leave a copy or give a copy to a person present. I am not aware of a requirement that they do so, *before* they come in and search. That could create security risks, and that is likely the reason. Normally they will,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: Do you have to provide ID when being trespassed from a bar in minnesota?

I was originally told that I was being arrested for assault by the officer unless I talked to him. I touched no one. He detained me for assault. After the investigation they determined that I never touched anyone. I was already off the property awaiting my cab and then was told that the bar just... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Jan 10, 2022

You would typically be provided a written trespass notice which would require that the the notice include your name, DOB, etc. I'm not sure how refusing to provide ID would justify charging you with both Disorderly Conduct and Obstructing Legal Process. You should secure legal representation... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination for Minnesota on
Q: I'm in 18 year who started a job kwikTrip for 2 weeks and today I had a man walk in with facial hair

And wanted to purchase alcohol I assumed he was old enough and sold it to him not sure after a cop came in took me in the bag and said I just sold a minor alcohol I am distraught I'm devastated I've never committed a crime I'm an emotional wreck I in fearful of even going back to... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Dec 12, 2021

The charge of selling alcohol to an underage customer is a gross misdemeanor. Law enforcement performs these types of sting operations all the time. You are presumed innocent and cannot be found guilty unless you are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You are entitled to an attorney and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: I was came onto by and underage girl from NC she’s 17 I’m 27. Her dad is seeking legal action against me. What do I do?

She matched with me on a dating app. Where I think it stated she was above the legal age. She Flirted with me for a couple days, then let me know she was 17. I told her nothing could happen between us physically until she turned 18 in December. She continued to be suggestive and flirt with me ie... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Nov 20, 2021

This is a scam. I’m assuming dad is looking for you to pay some money for medical bills or therapy? This scam happens all the time.

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: Police fabricated probable cause statement to charge and convicted me assault when there was NO injuries. Police and Dr

Have both testified stating there were NO INJURIES and yet I was still found guilty of assault and the judge lied in his findings of facts saying the doctor witnessed injuries when she testified stating that there were NO injuries and I believe that is "fraud on the court" and voids... View More

Charles William Michaels
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Charles William Michaels
answered on Oct 24, 2021

There is "assault" and "battery." You could have an assault WITHOUT a battery, but the reverse doesn't apply. So even if there were no injuries, a person can commit an assault. Putting someone else in fear of their safety or possible injuries, or worse, when there is intent... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: If a judge lies in his findings that a doctor testified the "victim" had injuries when the doctor said opposite = fraud?

Is that not the definition of (fraud on the court) or judicial error?

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Oct 23, 2021

The use of the term lies implies that the judge intentionally said or wrote something that was untrue knowing that it was untrue. Making a finding that was inconsistent with the record presented in court would be error. But error is only significant if it is reversible error and you don’t... View More

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