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Minnesota Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
Q: Should I participate in a competency to proceed evaluation with a psychiatrist that is not licensed in my state?

I have waited 113 days for an evaluation to take place and finally a doctor called me to do a video conference to complete the evaluation. I have found that she is a licensed psychiatrist but is not licensed in this state only in two other states does this seem like a legitimate situation? I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

This is a complex situation that raises several important legal and procedural concerns. Here's an analysis of the key points:

1. Competency evaluation timing: The 113-day wait for your evaluation is significant. Many jurisdictions have specific timeframes for competency evaluations,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: If I voluntarily committed myself to a mental health facility, am I restricted from buying a firearm in MN?

Non court order, no 72 hour hold

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2024

If you voluntarily committed yourself to a mental health facility in Minnesota without a court order or a 72-hour hold, you generally are not automatically restricted from buying a firearm. The key factor is that your commitment was voluntary and not mandated by a court.

However, it's...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Communications Law, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Hello, I would like to go on the school intercom on the last day of school for my senior prank. Any legal consequences?

I was just wondering if there would be any legal problems regarding me going on the school intercom in front of the whole school for a senior prank. I would not say anything abusive, threatening, sexual, or anything that would be of illegal nature.

I live in Minnesota, and just clarifying... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 15, 2024

You probably don't want to do that. There are limits to freedom of speech, as provided by the First Amendment. Without knowing more, if the school is not amused, they could take disciplinary action that could jeopardize graduation. Even worse, if they deem the conduct to be criminal, they... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Communications Law, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Hello, I would like to go on the school intercom on the last day of school for my senior prank. Any legal consequences?

I was just wondering if there would be any legal problems regarding me going on the school intercom in front of the whole school for a senior prank. I would not say anything abusive, threatening, sexual, or anything that would be of illegal nature.

I live in Minnesota, and just clarifying... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 2, 2024

While you might have the best intentions for your senior prank, there could be legal and disciplinary consequences to consider. Accessing the school intercom system without permission is likely against school policy and could be considered unauthorized use of school property. This can result in... 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?
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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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Constitutional Law, Probate and Small Claims for Minnesota on
Q: Is it legal for my Grandma to transfer my deceased Mom's debt over to me and make me pay for it?

So my mom passed away on Thanksgiving, my sister let me have her car because it was in accordance with my mom's wishes (My mom didn't have a will. We just agreed to it as next of kin) Now, my Grandma who has STRONGLY been against me having the car is saying that I owe her $1,200 in order... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

In general, debts do not transfer to family members upon someone's death unless they were co-signed or jointly held. As for your situation, you are not automatically responsible for your mother's debts, including any money she may have owed to your grandmother, unless you had a legal... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Minnesota on
Q: I live in MN and I was detained by the city police for assault in the third degree presumable evidence of injury..

The person who is claiming I injured them roll down a flight of stairs and broke a rib was that being said he told the police I pushed him when he tripped and rolled.. The first paper I received in jail nothing is filled out on it and everything is blank or there should be dates time and names and... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Jan 1, 2024

If a person is facing a criminal charge, it's time to get help from a criminal defense attorney - either public defender or private criminal attorney. Once that happens, your attorney will have access to police reports, videos, etc, as well as legal papers related to the case. At that point... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Minnesota on
Q: I live in MN and I was detained by the city police for assault in the third degree presumable evidence of injury..

The person who is claiming I injured them roll down a flight of stairs and broke a rib was that being said he told the police I pushed him when he tripped and rolled.. The first paper I received in jail nothing is filled out on it and everything is blank or there should be dates time and names and... View More

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Jan 1, 2024

In Minnesota, they do not actually have to charge you to arrest and hold you in jail. If the police officer believes they have probable cause to make an arrest (probable cause is a very low standard), they can hold you in jail for up to 48 hours without charging you. If they do not charge you... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Minnesota on
Q: I live in MN and I was detained by the city police for assault in the third degree presumable evidence of injury..

The person who is claiming I injured them roll down a flight of stairs and broke a rib was that being said he told the police I pushed him when he tripped and rolled.. The first paper I received in jail nothing is filled out on it and everything is blank or there should be dates time and names and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

In Minnesota, the legality of your arrest depends on whether the police had probable cause at the time of the arrest. Probable cause refers to a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed. If the police had probable cause to believe you committed third-degree assault at the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: When pulled over by the police in MN. If Police ask for ID. Can I "Present" my ID or do I have to physically "Give" ID?

Can I present my ID by holding it against the window where they can easily read and see it? Or do I physically have to hand over my ID where the cop can walk away with it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 6, 2023

In Minnesota, when a police officer pulls you over and requests your ID, the law generally expects you to hand it over to them. While you might feel more comfortable just presenting it against the window, the officer has the authority to physically inspect your ID. This is part of their routine... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: What does one need to do to find a lawyer to go after Menards and City of Virginia MN Police Dept.

In June of 2021, I was shopping at a Menards store, when a store manager walked up and asked if he could help me, I had just selected a cover plate for an outlet. I told him I just found what I was looking for, he said can I speak to you, I said sure, what’s up, he says off the sales floor, I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

To pursue legal action against Menards and the City of Virginia, MN Police Department, you'll need to find an attorney with experience in civil rights and possibly false arrest or malicious prosecution cases. Start by researching lawyers who specialize in these areas of law within Minnesota.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I get a nonmoving violation dismissed if I can demonstrate that the PD is retaliating for a recent complaint I made?

4/2022, police were looking in my bathroom window just after 1am.They scared me; pounding on my window & shouting “I can see you! Open up!” I ran into my room & shut lights off. My kids were asleep in bed. Eventually police announce who they are & I open the door. It was the wrong... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Oct 25, 2023

That would be up to the judge, but you are going to be hard pressed to establish that the ticket was specifically issued in retaliation for your complaint about law enforcement. The case law on these issues is particularly bad regarding the individual motives of law enforcement where there is an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: In a Non-Stop & ID State is there a legal difference between Traffic Stop and Rolling Terry Stop in terms of refuse ID?

Person(s) were filming a local library from a public sidewalk. Individual called police for suspicious person(s) filming. By the time police arrived person(s) had entered parked vehicle. Person(s) asked police if their were any traffic code violations or if the stop was solely for suspicious... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

Under the Fourth Amendment, citizens are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Terry Stop doctrine allows officers to stop and briefly detain a person based on reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal activity.

However, in states that aren't "Stop and...
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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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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

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Sep 11, 2023

The search of you certainly could not be based upon a KOPS alert for your friend. They certainly could arrest him under the circumstances, but it is unclear why they searched you and what law enforcement found when they did. It is also unclear why they searched the vehicle. For example, they... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: how can i use my constitutional right to aide me in getting the label of a canceled I.P.S. of of my record.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2023

Your constitutional rights may not directly apply to the process of removing the label of a canceled I.P.S. from your record, but there may be legal avenues you can pursue to achieve this goal.

If you believe that the label of a canceled I.P.S. on your record is unjust or incorrect, you may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: Do security camera doorbells directly facing into neighbors front door violate privacy?

I live in an apartment complex. Entry doors are directly across from each other. My neighbor put a ring doorbell on their door which looks directly into my house and records our activity whenever we come and go.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

In your situation, the use of a security camera doorbell that faces directly into your front door raises valid concerns about privacy. While these devices are typically used for security purposes, when they capture footage of areas beyond the owner's property, such as your entryway, it can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: Hi I'm being RNM every day by the police. However I want it to stop i can't go to the police cause then I'm crazy.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

I understand this is a very distressing situation. However, claiming the police are remotely neural monitoring (RNM) you without providing any evidence makes it unlikely others will take the report seriously. Here are some suggestions that may help:

1. See a mental health professional....
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