Theoretically when the prosecution dismisses a codefendant's criminal charges it could have no effect on other codefendants' cases. But in practice there can be some effects. For example, it could have impacts on whether the dismissed codefendant can be forced to testify at the... View More

Who will do the considering, after hearing & seeing the evidence? Likely would be a judge. If the person being served could reasonably understand that they were being personally delivered papers, a judge would likely view that as effective personal service (even if the person never looked at... View More

Can a defendant move (ask the judge) to withdraw their guilty plea at a sentencing hearing? Yes. Is that a good idea? Maybe not. Minnesota has a relatively recent law reducing some "Controlled Substance 5th Degree Possession" cases from a felony to a Gross Misdemeanor if the amount is... View More

I presume that when you plead that you told the officer under the oath that you understood the rights that you were waiving when you plead guilty and that you were not under the influence. You can certainly try withdraw the plea, but I don't expect that the court is going to let you withdraw... View More

A defendant can make a motion (ask the judge) to withdraw their prior guilty plea. The judge could grant or deny that motion. Note that under the Minnesota Rule of Criminal Procedure, the legal standard for a judge allowing plea withdrawal is higher (more difficult) after sentencing than before.... View More

Is this restitution from a criminal conviction or are you using the term in the general sense? In either case, most attorneys who deal with civil disputes in general practice can assist you. Firms that specialize in personal injury probably not. You and your attorney will need evaluate the... View More

The defense can file a motion to suppress evidence based upon an illegal traffic stop. If the judge grants it, all evidence police obtained as a result of the illegal traffic stop would be suppressed by the judge. Almost always, this results in the criminal and traffic charges being dismissed.... View More

Police can lawfully stop a driver if they observe a violation, or facts amounting to "reasonable, articulable suspicion of criminal activity." Since Minnesota laws requires a working plate light, lack of one can be a lawful basis for a stop. If working, but police claim the contrary, a... View More

Quite often individuals ask in this forum (and similar online forums): how much jail/prison time am I going to do for my crime or other penalties? Frankly, we have no idea. It depends on many factors. (e.g. specific charges, defenses, evidence, criminal record, legal representation, place where... View More

Quite often individuals ask in this forum (and similar online forums): how much jail/prison time am I going to do for my crime or other penalties? Frankly, we have no idea. It depends on many factors. (e.g. specific charges, defenses, evidence, criminal record, legal representation, place where... View More

If you are prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony charge, being caught with a felony could result in a charge for unlawful possession by an ineligible person pursuant to Minnesota Statute 624.713. This is a serious felony charge which carries significant prison time. However,... View More

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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,... View More

It sounds like you were pulled over on suspicion of a DUI and the police officer searched the car and allegedly discovered a controlled substance in the vehicle. It is pretty atypical for someone to be charged separately for alleged offenses arising from the same incident, but it is permissible and... View More

James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 21, 2024

I understand you're in a difficult situation and feeling frustrated with the legal process. While I can't provide specific legal advice, I can offer some general information and suggestions that may be helpful:

1. Multiple charges from one incident: It's not uncommon for... View More

You need to follow your conditions of supervised release. If supervised release requires sobriety, you need to remain sober. If you have a prescription for medical marijuana, then you need to get your pot from a dispensary. I'm not sure why she is requiring you to do MRT, but you are likely... View More

Given the small amount of money involved, it would not likely be worth the administrative overhead of setting up the file even if you were paying the attorney on an hourly fee basis. And it's way too small for a contingency fee. Most very small cases like this (under $15,000) can be... View More

"Say I was forced to use lethal force to defend myself and children from say a carjacking?" There is too much to fit into an answer here. But I'll try to get you started in your research. First, in Minnesota such a person carrying a firearm without a permit would be charged with that... View More

You can carry your firearm in your vehicle as long as it is unloaded and in the closed trunk of your vehicle. If you want immediate access to the firearm, you need a permit to carry. The law does not regard self-defense as an excuse to not not have a permit to carry.

You can apply for a... View More

Get a permit. You cannot legally transfer a loaded gun without a permit. You certainly could be charged with carrying in public without a permit and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to simply accept a claim that you acted in self-defense.

No, you cannot legally carry a gun while picking up your daughter.

Minnesota Statutes, section 97B.045, prohibits transporting a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is unloaded and either:

Fully secured in a gun case expressly made for that purpose, where the case is... View More