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Minnesota Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: I am an employee of the school. I fly a rebel flag on my car. The 1st amend? They asked me to take it down. Violation?
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jul 13, 2023

It's unlikely a violation of your first amendment rights. Constitutional rights are not absolute.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Employment Discrimination for Minnesota on
Q: Is it discrimination if I have to take down my rebel/confederate flag on my car, or park somewhere else?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 12, 2023

A private business owner can prohibit such display on its property. It does not constitute unlawful discrimination. Yes, the business owner has the right to refuse to allow you to park on his premises if your car displays a rebel/confederate flag.

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: A search warrant that states a offense that is not in the code books. Is stated offense actually a offense or crime?
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Jun 18, 2023

The question, as worded, is unclear. A "crime" is generally the equivalent of an "offense," however.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Minnesota on
Q: Today I was caught exiting a store with a few goods I did not pay for. Loss prevention came out, I said I would go with

Today I was caught exiting a store with a few goods I did not pay for. Loss prevention came out, I said I would go with them just to please not touch me. The lp grabbed my right arm, twisted it, bent my wrist back, physically pushed me down causing cuts on my knee, held me down by putting his knee... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on May 30, 2023

You may have a case if you can prove the facts as you allege. Evidence takes many forms, including witness testimony and video. Your medical bills would also be important. The aggressor will undoubtedly have a different account of the event and most likely have evidence. Police contact and charges... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: Can the courts go from my contested omnibus in which a motion was filed under state and federal law to dismiss.....

Back to my omnibus, for the second time..without addressing my motion.. because of a error made by the prosecutor..I have been in court almost 2 years and it seems to me that the state doesn't want to follow the law...I have had 3 public defenders 2 prosecutors and multiple judges.my newest... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on May 7, 2023

That was difficult to follow. Perhaps a phone call to a criminal defense attorney would enable a dialogue that could help tease out the issues.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Minnesota on
Q: Is it legal to hold a child (12) in Minnesota jail without letting parents see them at all.

My 12 year old brother has been arrested for assault for stabbing a staff member in his mental health group home with a knife. He was arrested and is now on a 36 to 72 hour hold in county jail waiting to see a judge. Is this legal? Minnesota says someone under 14 cannot commit a crime. How do you... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Apr 5, 2023

Last time I checked, the minimum age in Minnesota was 10, for prosecuting criminal violations in juvenile court. But a lawyer may have been able to help with these issues. Another idea would be to talk to the medical staff or social worker in the juvenile detention facility.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Minnesota on
Q: I was arrested over a year ago, charged with driving after cancelation, and pled guilty. The case was closed March 10.

I contacted the Isanti County MN court administrator requesting the cash bail that was posted ($1000) and was told there now was a hearing scheduled the end of April regarding the refund. The judge signed off March 12. Can they do this? Don't I have a right to this refund ASAP? What action can... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Mar 23, 2023

If you posted cash bail, the bail should be refunded to you absent the costs of any fines, court costs, etc. The only exception to this would be if you violated conditions of release or missed a court date during the pendency of your case. When that happens, bail can be revoked and in some cases... View More

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

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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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.

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