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COVID-19 Minnesota Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Is it proper for prosecutor to enter NG plea when not in open court and where all talks were off the record?

Petty traffic case. Remote hearing (arraignment) takes place. Pros offers a plea and I decline. Pros then instructs clerk to schedule for trial. I never said that I would plead NG, nor did I refuse to enter a plea. I presumed I would have a hearing before a judge to do this, but it has been entered... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Apr 24, 2021

Nothing here was improper. It would be typical, particularly in a petty misdemeanor, that you wouldn’t necessarily enter a not guilty plea in front of a judge. It is a procedural step and the failure to do so isn’t a significant error.

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Is there a consequence to waiting until Monday to contest a ticket when today is the 30th day
William Bailey
William Bailey
answered on Dec 27, 2020

Unlikely. Courts are generally extending the 30 day deadline due to covid. A lawyer can give you more assistance as it is clear you are unfamiliar with how this works.

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: Why is my appearance in court mandatory?

I was in an accident due to a failure to yield left and they found me at fault for the accident. I was told by the officer in charge that I would be able to pay my citation and plead guilty for the charge, but now it says I have a mandatory court appearance. It is a misdemeanor for crim/traffic and... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Nov 30, 2020

If the officer checks the "property damage or injury" box on the citation, the court appearance becomes mandatory. That means failure to appear will result in an arrest warrant. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by a maximum of 90 days jail, though jail is rare in cases like this.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Earlier this year I received a ticket claiming I passed a bus with its red lights blinking. Is there a way to fight this

I was behind the bus but passed it before it started to slow down or put on it’s lights. I received a call for cop who told me the bus driver gave them my plates but I could fight the ticket in court. I have no witnesses as I was alone in my car. Is it possible to fight and win this? I was... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Nov 15, 2020

Paying the fine is a guilty plea and it will go on your record. It will also likely affect your insurance rates. You should consider challenging the ticket. An attorney can help make success more likely.

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Could a prosecutor amend a speeding ticket that was reduced, if I contest it?

I was stopped by a state trooper for speeding and was issued a ticket for 9 mile over the limit, noting that the trooper claimed I was going faster.. I have a clean driving record and do not want a conviction. I am unemployed due to COVID and cannot afford a lawyer. If I contest this hoping to get... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Aug 10, 2020

It is unlikely that the prosecutor would amend the ticket simply because you set the matter on for a court hearing to try and keep the matter off of your record. However, I would expect that if you were unable to resolve the matter and it was set for trial that the ticket could be amended.

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: What are the chances I would win if I take it to court, (especially given the covid-19 situation).

Cop was driving in the opposite direction and made a U-turn. By the time he flashed his lights, the speed limit had changed from 35 to 45 after a right turn. He claimed I was going 50 in a 35 (before the right turn), but I'm sure I wasn't going more than 45. He did end up giving me a... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on May 6, 2020

The CFR would keep it off of your record. That seems like a reasonable disposition. There is no guarantee that taking the matter to court will get you a better result. The COVID-19 issues will not have any effect whatsoever on things. Court dates are simply being delayed because of the... View More

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