Can conviction of a sex crime affect renting or buying housing?
Yes. When you are deciding on a place to live, background checks, registration rules and other restrictions may keep you from being able to buy or rent housing. Learn more.
Can a juvenile be charged as an adult in Minnesota?
Yes, a juvenile can be charged as an adult in Minnesota, in some circumstances. There are some specific rules about Adult Certification, as well as room for argument. Learn more.
What is an arraignment or first appearance?
In an arraignment or first appearance, the judge will learn whether you have an attorney. The judge will also explain your charges if you wish. Then the conditions of your pre-trial release will be determined. In Minnesota, arraignment is the term used for misdemeanor charges, and first appearance is the term used for gross misdemeanor or [...]
Do I need an attorney for a DWI?
Having an attorney on your side can be of great benefit in a DWI case. Your charges could be reduced or thrown out entirely. Learn more Additionally, you have a right to speak with an attorney before taking the breath test. See article
Do I have to comply with a police search of my vehicle?
No. In fact, you should never consent to a search of your vehicle. However, if the officer has probable cause to search, they will search the vehicle anyway. Learn more.
Is marijuana odor enough to cause a police search?
On September 13, 2023, the Minnesota Supreme Court held in State v. Torgerson that marijuana odor alone is not enough to search a vehicle. Learn more.
I have been served with a harassment restraining order, what should I do?
It can be very unsettling and scary to learn that a harassment restraining order has been issued against you. It is important that you consult an experienced attorney to help you with next steps as you only have a short period of time to fight the order. Learn More
What is a harassment restraining order?
A harassment restraining order is an order that prohibits a person from harassing or contacting another individual. Contact includes verbal, phone, text message, or through a third party. It can also prohibit a person from going to the protected party’s place of employment, residence, or other locations. Learn More
Is one eyewitness enough to file charges?
However unfair as it may seem; the prosecutor can file charges against you even if they only have one eyewitness to support the charges. Learn more about eyewitnesses here.
What if I receive a Target Letter or Call?”
One of the most common ways for you to find out that you are under investigation is when you are approached by a government agent. Learn more about your rights and possible responses here
How long does an expungement take?
At least 4 months. By law, at least 63 days must pass from when your forms are served to the government agencies to when a judge holds the hearing to consider your request. If the judge grants the expungement, another 60 days will pass before the court actually seals your record.
What is an expungement?
An expungement is a sealing of your criminal records. This action does not completely "erase" your criminal case history, but it does limit who can see it. If you record is expunged, a sealed state court record still exists but it is "invisible" to the general public. Most employers and landlords cannot see sealed records; law enforcement [...]
My case was dismissed, do I still have a record?
Yes. You have a public criminal record that says you were charged with a crime and that your charge was later dismissed.
What part of my criminal case is public?
The type of crime charged, the name of the court that convicted or dismissed the charges, the date of conviction or dismissal, a description of the sentence served, if any, and other details of the crime and court process are public. Employers, landlords or any other person can view these records.
If I find lost property can I keep it?
Finding lost property can lead to theft charges if you do not first make a reasonable effort to find and turn over the property to the true owner. It is best to turn the property over to authorities, if they do not find an owner then it may become yours.