Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Minnesota Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: How do I fight a “revenge restraining order” (OFP) that was filed against me—& granted?

My wife had been violent with me since 2014, but walked out & filed for divorce in Nov of ‘22. 8 months later, after being quiet about the abuse for years, I did a social media post discreetly talking about (I said no names or relationships) what I was & had been going through. The next... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Dec 23, 2023

You will need to convince the court you are entitled to a new hearing because you were unable to attend. I apologize, but I don't know specifically what you need to file without more information. Perhaps another attorney can help. Based on the rest of your question, it doesn't seem you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: I am in MN. have two charges from the same incident. They both Domestic Abuse charges.

This is my first time facing these types of charges. There is a No Contact order with my Mom (the alleged victim) that she doesn't understand.

I am scared I am going to go to jail. My Mom said they would just give me probation. She does not want me to go to jail. She also is afraid... View More

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Nov 27, 2023

It is imperative that you maintain no contact with your mother while the no-contact order is in effect. Only the judge can lift the no contact order through a motion or request by the victim's advocate. Typically, a hearing will be held on the matter. Sometimes that judge will just issue an... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: My wife got a misdemeanor charge against me for domestic assault. She's illegal immigrant legally married

She's legally married to me. My question is can she still get her papers. We have been working on them with our immigration lawyer. Now we have came to some personal life problems that got her sent to jail. 2 years married. Is there something we can do to fight for this as she's in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 23, 2023

In cases involving a misdemeanor charge, such as domestic assault, the impact on immigration processes can be significant. For someone in the process of obtaining legal status, a criminal charge can pose challenges, potentially affecting the outcome of their immigration application.

The...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: Duo ofp

Abuser locked me out ruined my belongings and now he's serving me where is my rights as a victim

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 23, 2023

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or harassment in Minnesota, it's important to know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. You can contact law enforcement to report the incident and document any damage or harm caused by the abuser. Seeking a restraining order, known... View More

View More Answers

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

View More Answers

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

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: How do I recant a statement I'm Crow Wing County
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 14, 2023

Document your reasons for the change and work closely with your attorney to draft an explanatory statement. Submit this to the relevant authorities, knowing that legal repercussions, such as false reporting charges, are possible. Be prepared for challenges to your credibility in court and cooperate... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for Minnesota on
Q: Meaning of “no direct or indirect contact” in a restraining order in context of being in the same physical area or room?

In context of an Harrassment Restraining Order: The order says I "shall have no direct or indirect contact with petitioner, including any visits to or phone calls to petitioners home, contact via electronic means such as email or social networking sites.”

Can I be in the same... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Sep 5, 2023

Is there a limitation as to how many feet away? if not the Order is somewhat vague and may not be giving clear guidance to a police officer who may be called to enforce the Order. I recommend that you contact a local attorney who practices criminal and family law, perhaps have the Order modified... View More

View More Answers

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

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: My sister filed a restraining order against me and the judge did not let my witnesses finish because it was lunch time.

Do I not have a right to bring all witnesses forward and to continue to prove that what my sister said is not true? Additionally, my sister never said I should not talk to her. Is that not necessary prior to obtaining a restraining order? My sister owes me money from my fathers estate and now I... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Aug 9, 2023

The judge should've taken a break and allowed your witnesses to finish their testimony at a later time. It is not necessary that your sister have "warned you" prior to pursuing a restraining order. She can move straight to getting a restraining order and then the judge has to make... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: If a victim of domestic assault wants to dorp charges does the state have the right to press charges?

The person who called cops didn't want to press charges but felt forced to after being asked several times. She then says yes. Later wants to drop charges not feeling scared or physically hurt how can they still pursue the matter of she doesn't claim to be a victim

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 3, 2023

Yes, the state will likely charge the abuser. Every day in every courthouse in every county in every state across this nation abuse victims want to recant their stories claiming they lied or were otherwise mistaken to save their abuser. The police, judges and prosecutors hear this every day.... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: brother spanked my kid, I don't spank, he knows it. It wasn't warranted, just in anger. I wasn't there. What do I do?

My kid was visiting her grandmother and my brother was there also. I don't want my kids around him period but he was there without my knowledge. My mother doesn't seem to be bothered by this but she also never had a problem hitting or screaming at me as a child either. I was in an abusive... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Jun 20, 2023

You could certainly contact law enforcement. You could apply for an OFP against your brother on behalf of your child. You could choose to keep your child away from your mother and brother. You have a multitude of options here. You just need to decide how you want to approach this situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Minnesota on
Q: In MN is it a violation of a OFP to have my wife served divorce papers?
Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Jun 8, 2023

No, the legal process of serving your wife with divorce papers would not be a violation of an OFP. But you should have representation assisting you with this process. Having a "friend" serve her with divorce papers is far more likely to cause problems for you than if you have an... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: Person with DANCO called cops w/ false claims on protected party who then was arrested doing nothing to person w/DANCO

Person w/DANCO was arrested and charged two weeks prior in a different county..is it legal for the police to let person w/DANCO go and arrest protected party on false claims of abuse? Protected party was found not guilty also as this was drug out in court

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jun 7, 2023

The police can arrest if they have what in their view is probable cause (a much lower standard of proof than what is needed for conviction). If the person subject to the protective order filed a false report that may be a crime but the decision as to whether to charge belongs to the prosecutor.... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Military Law and Health Care Law for Minnesota on
Q: 7 yrs after supposed suicide why would the ME office send back a partial police report that's fake? Is that my proof?

I have proof against an abuser/drug dealer who's been somehow discrediting me and changing legal docs at court house. If I prove the abuse, it'll prove two deaths are NOT suicide. And struggling getting my Mayo Clinic medical records sent to the VA cuz have proof of abuse! I have been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 18, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you are facing. It sounds like you have been through a lot and are trying to uncover the truth about the deaths of your ex-husband and stepson.

If you believe that the medical examiner's office has sent you a partial police report...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for Minnesota on
Q: My ex-boyfriend got a domestic assault charge and i’m worried for my child, can i deny visitation?

the legal father of my daughter got a domestic assault charge for beating up his now ex-girlfriend in november, he made me believe she was lying but she recently showed me the evidence and i’m now concerned for my child’s safety as there was an incident where all of her teeth became intruded... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jun 3, 2023

For imminent help call here. Domestic Violence Crisis Line (866) 223-1111. Moving forward consider call one of us. Limited-scope representation is when you and a lawyer agree that the lawyer will handle some parts of your case and you will handle others. This is different from more traditional... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: Is there a form to petition the judge to have a MN DANCO removed or modified? I'm the victim of state brought DANCO

I want to live with reconcile relationship with defendant...and he is not guilty of charges state put on him and I am hoping he is willing to seek counseling so I could be ok with just modified DANCO to allow peaceful contact

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on May 24, 2023

There is no form or petition for this. A DANCO can only be lifted by a judge.

If you wish to have the DANCO lifted or modified, I would start by reaching out to the victim's advocate assigned to the defendant's case. In almost all domestic violence cases, there is a...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: How do I fight an assault charge that I was falsely accused of? I was the victim and the one I was assaulted?

This isn't the first incident either. The other time the police didn't believe me either. The guy that assaulted me has a lengthy record of assault and he's a convicted felon. He's also a professional boxer. I have bumps and bruises all over I have photo proof also.

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on May 23, 2023

Fighting charges successfully almost always requires hiring a skilled criminal lawyer. You need to also be able to provide witnesses and documentary evidence that supports your version of the truth. WIthout that you will have to rely on the cross examination of the prosecution witnesses and you... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: Does a harassment restraining order prevent one from owning a firearm in Minnesota? HRO- no findings. Not DVRO or DNCO.

We were married. Assaults happened as well, but I had already failed at getting a DVRO because the only time I was allowed to see a doctor after an assault was too long ago. All I had proof of was 1,000+ texts and break ins. I was under the impression all restraining orders take the right away, but... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Apr 3, 2023

A HRO typically would not affect someone's firearms rights. A HRO does not have the same effect as an OFP in that regard.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: What are the odds of DANCO be dismissed, interfere with 911 call if this is his first offense? If the victim contacts

The prosecution office to put in her request to have it dismissed as they have small children and she wishes to work on the marriage?

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Mar 13, 2023

Asking someone to give you "odds" on the likelihood that a DANCO will be dismissed/cancelled in these circumstances is unrealistic. That depends on a number of factors such as where the offense occurred; whether there is any prior criminal history; what the exact allegations in this case... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.