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Minnesota Consumer Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: Does a shoplifting citation require a court appearance in MN if it's a first offense?

I received a citation for shoplifting at Walmart in Hopkins, MN. The citation includes a payment option but does not mention a court date. As this is my first offense, does receiving this citation mean I will be charged in court, or can I just pay the fee to resolve the matter?

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Mar 23, 2025

Most people would not want a theft conviction on their public record. If a theft charge was a payable offense, it would result in a public conviction record, though a "petty." You could try to pay it via the Minnesota Courts website "pay fines" tab. But I doubt that it is a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: Does a shoplifting citation require a court appearance in MN if it's a first offense?

I received a citation for shoplifting at Walmart in Hopkins, MN. The citation includes a payment option but does not mention a court date. As this is my first offense, does receiving this citation mean I will be charged in court, or can I just pay the fee to resolve the matter?

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Mar 23, 2025

In Minnesota, even if the citation you received doesn’t list a court date, shoplifting offenses require a court appearance. That court appearance typically comes by way of a summons that will be mailed to you, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your mail in the coming weeks. If you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: We hired Servpro because our storage room and one bedroom got flooded. They took out my clothes out of the house with ou

Without permission from me or insurance company? Now they want to get paid for storage. Do they get paid for stealing my property

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

If Servpro removed your belongings without your permission or consent from the insurance company, it's essential to address this matter promptly. Start by reviewing the terms of your agreement or contract with Servpro to understand their responsibilities and your rights regarding the handling... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: A Verizon employee accepted money to print my private phone records and give them to an estranged BF without my consent.

What are my options for filing a lawsuit against Verizon because one of their employees conspired with and accepted payment from my abusive ex boyfriend for the release of numerous pages of my private cellphone records knowing that my ex boyfriend was not on my account and had no authorization to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

If you believe that a Verizon employee conspired with your abusive ex-boyfriend to release your private phone records without your consent, you may have legal grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Consult an Attorney: Start by consulting with an attorney who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Minnesota on
Q: Stupidly borrowed money to someone on cash app now they won’t pay back can I sue ? 5000+$
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Nov 17, 2023

Conciliation court seems to be in your future. Perhaps an attorney can assist you in getting your money back with going to court. Even if the attorney is unsuccessful, it will likely help you prepare your case. Some attorneys are affordable; most attorneys are not.

You have to determine...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I sue for damages due to false advertising of a phone?

I attempted to purchase a phone that was falsely advertised online for a lower price. After contacting the company, initially, a representative stated I could obtain the phone for the advertised price by calling a specific number. Upon calling, I was informed that I had to pay a higher price than... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It sounds frustrating to be misled by false advertising, especially when it caused you to waste time and have other personal inconveniences. Under consumer protection laws, businesses are generally prohibited from engaging in deceptive or false advertising. In your case, since the phone was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Collections, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Minnesota on
Q: Recourse for impound fees post car accident in MN?

My son was involved in a car accident in June in Brooklyn Park, MN, caused by another driver. My son only had liability insurance, and the other driver had a $10,000 limit on their insurance. Our car was valued at over $4,000, but we only received about $2,500 from the other driver's insurance... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

What happened to your son sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when you acted in good faith and relied on the insurer to handle the process. In Minnesota, impound fees can legally accrue until a vehicle is claimed or released, even if the accident wasn’t your son’s fault. Unfortunately,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: Are tribal loans with 130% interest legal in Minnesota?

I have a tribal loan in Minnesota with an interest rate of 130%, which I took out one month ago. Are such high-interest rates legal for tribal loans in Minnesota, and what can I do about it? I have not tried negotiating the terms yet.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

In Minnesota, tribal loans with an interest rate of 130% are considered illegal. Minnesota law imposes strict caps on interest rates for small and short-term loans, generally limiting them to 36% annually. This includes loans issued by tribal entities operating within the state.

Recent...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: Grandson cosigned car loan, now stuck. Options?

My grandson cosigned a car loan, and his girlfriend left him with the car. The car loan is overpriced, and the credit company insurance is too high for his income. The lender will not negotiate the terms, and the car needs repairs before it can be sold. It likely wouldn't sell for as much as... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 11, 2025

Bankruptcy may be his best option but he should consult a bankruptcy lawyer who can assess his complete financial situation and determine his best option.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: How do I file a case against capital one credit card bank I live in Minnesota
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Feb 6, 2025

Unfortunately, you provide no information as to why you believe you have a case against capital one credit card bank. Suing corporations, especially financial corporations, gets harder everyday. They may very well have immunity under this administration.

Rob Kane Eagan Business Attorney...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Landlord - Tenant and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: Is it civil discrimination if a landlord ( his company) is intentionally not doing repairs on his low income housing?

He is maintaining and hiring competent people for his properties where rent is higher and threatens to evict people who complain and fraudulent charges to keep the low income people’s deposits for bogus cleaning? Is this a Civil Class Act? He’s doing it to multiple people in the low income... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a landlord who is neglecting repairs in low-income housing while properly maintaining his higher-rent properties. This behavior could be considered discriminatory, especially if it disproportionately affects tenants based on protected characteristics like... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Small Claims for Minnesota on
Q: Do I have any rights in regards to dealing with Best Western?

I was checking into a Best Western hotel. They first refused my Synchrony card required for incidentals because it has a 2049 expiration date. The manager later told me it is "not possible" to have a 2049 expiration date. I then gave them the only other card I had in my wallet. The name... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

You have rights when dealing with businesses like Best Western, especially if you feel you were treated unfairly. If the hotel staff refused to accept your valid payment methods and did not provide reasonable alternatives, you may have grounds for a complaint. It's important to document all... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Business Law and Libel & Slander for Minnesota on
Q: Do I have a case against hertz rental if they denied me the opportunity to respond to or just be notified what was said?

There were multiple people making false reports against me, which would be defamation since I can prove it correct?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jun 15, 2024

The employer has no obligation to conduct an investigation. A defamation lawsuit would be against the individuals who made the statement, not Hertz. Feel free to consult with an employment attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Libel & Slander and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: In MN. how long does a tow company have to notify me that they have it and/or dispose of it.

My vehicle was parked at a friend's house while I was working upon returning roughly 30days later my vehicle was no longer at my friends (stolen) I notified police & then informed that they had it towed as an abandoned vehicle. I called tow company & they informed me that they had my... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on May 25, 2024

I apologize, I don't know what notice you were entitled to without reaching the law and knowing exactly what happened. Why didn't you receive notice from your friend who was letting you park there? Why was it deemed abandoned?

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: In April of 2023, my lyfted car that I was renting fr hertz had been stolen along with my cell phone. It was stolen by t

In April of 2023, my lyfted car that I was renting fr hertz had been stolen along with my cell phone. It was stolen by this guy that came over to buy some speakers from my boyfriend. I fell asleep and when I woke up my cell phone and my keys were missing. I went outside and my car was also stolen.... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jan 27, 2024

Apparently, your rental car was stolen. You were required have it properly insured. The facts your boyfriend was ran over and your phone was also stolen are irrelevant. I don't know what to say about the vehicle registration. Your insurance company should be addressing this matter.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for Minnesota on
Q: Does soverned nation status of Indian reservations in Minnesota, make them immune from criminal activity such as

organized criminal activity? This activity should lead to criminal charges and civil liability for damages and restitution that would fall under the federal RICO act in my opinion.

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Dec 8, 2023

Crimes committed in Indian country among AIANs may be subject to concurrent jurisdiction by tribal, federal, state, or local criminal justice agencies. This is due to the sovereign status of federally recognized tribes and to Public Law 83-280 (commonly referred to as P.L. 280).

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: if a website posted something for the wrong price and I buy it before they fix it they have to sell it to me right ?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 9, 2023

In general, yes, if a website posts something for the wrong price and you buy it before they fix it, they have to sell it to you at that price. This is because the posting of the price constitutes an offer to sell the item at that price, and your purchase of the item is an acceptance of that offer.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Minnesota on
Q: I have a rental agreement for two Minnesota vehicles fo pay $75 a month for each vehicle for storage. It have been almos

I have a rental agreement for two Minnesota vehicles fo pay $75 a month for each vehicle for storage. It have been almost 3 years and the owners have paid me for one month only. My storage is in Wisconsin. The owners of the vehicles owe me approximately $4k+ what do I need to do to gain ownership... View More

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answered on Nov 8, 2023

To pursue ownership of the vehicles for unpaid storage fees, you would typically need to follow the lien sale process outlined in Wisconsin’s statutes. This often involves sending a notice of the lien to the vehicle owners, advertising the lien sale, and conducting the sale in compliance with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander, Personal Injury and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: My life was ruined by a surgeon who lied to me about what happened while I was unconscious. I was poisoned-nearly died.

I have medical records to prove that HE was the trauma that required my 20-plus surgeries. Is there no recourse? Why? Is it because he refused to tell me what happened within the Statute of Limitations (four years)? My hospital records were "missing" and absolute evidence of the wrong... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Oct 23, 2023

If you expose the truth about what happened to you through social media and autobiography/memoir/literary plays and/or historical fiction you will likely be sued. Be prepared to defend yourself in court. It will be expensive for you. Any publishers will certainly run your allegations by their legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Contracts and Consumer Law for Minnesota on
Q: We have a restaurant that has a party room that we want to convert into commercial retail in mn.

The city says we HAVE to have a bathroom accessible to the public, is this true? There is a public restroom in the restaurant. The customers can exit the retail store to the restaurant and technically use it there?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 30, 2023

I don't believe a retail store is required to have a public restroom. Who told you that it does? The "city" could mean various things or people.

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