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Minnesota Criminal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Ofp

If the petitioner stops at say a gas station and is unaware the respondent is there, is it up to the petitioner to leave immediately? I have an ofp on my ex and he has it in his mind that that if he is there first I must be the one to leave. (I have to fuel up at this station for work) Ofp states... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Oct 22, 2023

A family court "Order for Protection" (OFP) restrains only one of the two parties, upon pain or arrest and criminal charge for a violation. An OFP restrains the Respondent not the Petitioner. But in the event of mutual OFPs, both parties could be restrained. Read the OFP itself for clarification.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can you be charged and convicted of a felony without knowing or ever having to appear in Front of a judge?

I've got police report of the situation but only cause I got it myself from the district attorney 2 years later. Once I discovered the charges when I ran my own background check. Until then I was unaware I was charged and not to mention convicted of these charges. How is this possible?

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Oct 22, 2023

No, you cannot be convicted of a felony without having appeared in Court unless things were handled remotely via Zoom hearings.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: What is the legality regarding lap dances in Inver grove heights, MN?

I am very confused by the laws concerning this. I have seen some people classify it as violating prostitution laws, others say that it violates obscenity laws. Still others say it is legal. If a dancer is doing light grinding on a patron, and the patron is fully clothed, does this violate any laws?... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Oct 21, 2023

It's probably a bad idea to do it if you are questioning it's legality. Perhaps the best thing to do is to avoid getting a lap dance where the dancer is "lightly grinding" on you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Basic ofp order question.

If the petitioner stops at say a gas station and is unaware the respondent is there, is it up to the petitioner to leave immediately? I have an ofp on my ex and he has it in his mind that that if he is there first I must be the one to leave. (I have to fuel up at this station for work) Ofp states... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Oct 20, 2023

Other way around. An "Order for Protection" ("OFP") in Minnesota will have a Petitioner and a Respondent, the two parties in the case. The only person who can be arrested and charged with a crime for violating the terms of the OFP, will be named in the OFP, and typically that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for Minnesota on
Q: Is it illegal to moan at strangers in public in Minnesota? Not at children or anything just adults
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Oct 15, 2023

Without context, there is no meaning. And this question seems like it might come out of some context, though it's missing here. I don't know of a criminal law specific to moaning. But you could take a look at Minnesota Statutes 609.72, Subd. 1 (3) "Disorderly Conduct."

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: I was charged and appointed public defender. State attorney filed to have a certain judge removed from my case . I was

Never informed about this . Recieved a probation sentence and violated . Was resentenced by the judge state had removed . Is this lagit

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Oct 12, 2023

Did you admit to the violation? Was there an agreement as to the sanction? If so, then you would simply receive the same disposition in front of a different judge. Otherwise, the case could be set in front a different judge for a formal probation violation. But I don't believe that this... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: Am I able to request that my ofp be turned into a danco?

I have an ofp on my ex and have had it renewed, if u will 3 times over the last almost 5 years. He has been violated on this ofp. He recently bought a house on my road and is even closer to my home then before. Just out of the 1000ft ordered range. He drives by all hours of the night and is... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Oct 4, 2023

No. a court cannot turn an OPF into a DANCO. A DANCO (Domestic Abuse No Contact Order) is based on a statute that allows a court to issue such an Order in a criminal case. So if a person is a defendant in a criminal case involving "domestic abuse" then the judge could issue a DANCO... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Landlord - Tenant for Minnesota on
Q: If someone on an isr program breaks the rules where they live can they be asked to move immediately?

The person on the isr program was to specifically get permission to have people he knows come over. He has continuously had people coming over when I'm gone at night working and my dog apparently bit one of these people. My dog has never but anyone before. I want him out of my house Bec I... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Oct 1, 2023

You don't indicate in your question what your relationship is to this individual. The legal issues surrounding asking them to leave - such as an eviction - are going to be different than the question of whether they are violating their supervised release conditions. I would advise you to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can the cops search your place if you at home if they have a warrant
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Sep 21, 2023

Yes, the cops can search your place if you at home if they have a warrant. You need to determine what type of attorney you need to call based on what is happening.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can the cops search your place if no one is home with a warrant
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Sep 21, 2023

If the police have a search warrant (signed by a judge) they can break in when no one is home, and search. Usually they conduct surveillance so that they can execute the search warrant when the targeted person(s) is home. But sometimes they decide to do it when no one is present.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for Minnesota on
Q: Can a 16 year old male date a 21 year old female in Minnesota?

The 21 Year Old female is in no position of power over the 16 Year Old, and met through work both as event attendants. The 21 Year Old does work at a school as a special education para, however not in the same school district as the 16 Year Old.

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Sep 19, 2023

"Dating" is not illegal. The actions that accompany "dating" - sex, sexting, etc. can be illegal. The sixteen year old is over the age of consent in Minnesota, but this is a terrible idea. Realistically, you have little or nothing in common with this child. Run away as fast as you can.

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: How do I go about being falsely accused of theft in a city I've never been. I don't know how to go about it to clear it.

Theft charges in a place I've never been. There's a remote hearing scheduled but I don't know what to do. They say they have a video can I or how do I request the video. What are the best steps to take.

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Sep 11, 2023

You should definitely appear at your remote hearing so a bench warrant is not issued. Get a lawyer as soon as reasonably possible, or if eligible, apply for a public defender. Tell your lawyer that you want access to the video. Most lawyers will file a discovery request to obtain the video, and if... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Minnesota on
Q: Did they have a right to search and charge me

One county sent a kops alert because the night before a person fleed on foot after the officer found a gun on him. The officer had the gun in his evidence now. Since the person fleed on foot, the officer sent out a kops alert. Sometime hours after the incident the person who ran took the van they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

Based on the situation you described, it seems there might be a valid concern regarding the legality of the search conducted on you and the rest of the vehicle.

In general, law enforcement officers need probable cause to search your person or your vehicle without a warrant. Probable cause...
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: can law enforement keep your under survellance based on false accusations of criminal activity
Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Sep 8, 2023

Can they watch what you are doing in public? Yes, that is not something that requires a warrant. They could not search your property without a warrant. They cannot put a tracking device on your car without a warrant. They cannot listen to your phone calls without a warrant. But surveillance... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: looking to hire a lawyer to help with my driver's license and dui charge. What is the typical cost/ retainer for this?

I am needing representation for a dui charge that has not been brought up yet, but I have lost my license. The officer's in this case did not follow the laws and have a history of harassment. I passed the field sobriety test, and afterwards another officer showed up saying he believed i was... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Sep 5, 2023

Your best best may be to reach out directly to criminal defense attorneys. Fees are going to vary some, especially for somewhere outstate like Becker County. Attorneys that have offices towards the Cities are likely going to have to charge for windshield time, especially if there are in person... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Were my rights violated?

I was supposed to get a jury trial to decide the outcome of my case, but the judge decided it all instead. Me and my boyfriend had the exact same charges, but he was given a much lighter outcome than me. I'm very confused and feel like I've been messed with a bit.

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Aug 30, 2023

The judge decided it instead? You must've waived your right to a jury trial. That would've occurred in court and on the record. None of us have seen the police reports. So there is no way to determine if the judge "got it right." But presumably, there must've been some... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: Can i find an attorney for a trial that starts tomorrow for False Allegations of Sexual assault and Maltreatment, MN?

Complex Case: Criminal CPS cases dismissed. Civil current. Appeals? Indefinitely suspended FamilyPT, Juvenile history. Lawyer terminated our client/att. Relationship. Cannot find anyone to represent me. Urgent ExParte; Daughter attempted suicide due to forced to lie about accusation and father... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Aug 29, 2023

An attorney is not going to be prepared who is retained the day for a hearing/trial. It is unclear from your question whether this is a criminal trial; an OFP/HRO hearing; a child protection trial; or something else. Your best bet is to go to the hearing and request additional time from the Court... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Minnesota on
Q: recently lost my DL due to test results that came back positive, what is the next step to getting my license reinstated?

I was parked in a gas station parking lot when an officer pulled in behind me activating his lights, he claimed he was pulling me over for a loud muffler. I did in fact have an exhaust leak. The officer stated my eyes were red ( explained due to the exhaust leak) he asked me to take a field... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Aug 26, 2023

If police give a person an administrative Notice of Revocation of driver's license, then it's important to file an "implied consent" court challenge to it, within the 60 day time limit (or it will be forever barred). However, most will want to do so ASAP, since the sooner the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Banking for Minnesota on
Q: I have not been charged yet. Is it possible to speak with a lawyer. The bank says their was a Zelle check/ in my name.

Over $4800

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Yes, simply call a lawyer on the phone. In the meantime, avoid talking to anyone else about it.

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: I know I will be charged. Is it possible to meet with lawyers before being charged?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 25, 2023

Yes, it is possible to meet with lawyers before being formally charged with a crime. In fact, it can be beneficial to consult with an attorney as soon as you become aware that you are under investigation or may potentially face charges. This early involvement can help protect your rights, guide you... View More

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