Theft offenses range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. Theft of property under $500 is a misdemeanor offense. Theft of property valued at $500 to $1000 is a gross misdemeanor. $1,000-$5,000 is a 5-year felony offense. Theft of property more than $5,000 is a 10-year felony. Finally, theft of property over $35,000 is a 20-year [...]
A small amount of marijuana means 42.5 grams or less. It is even less if you are in a motor vehicle. A person in possession of a small amount of marijuana is only guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Possessing or selling any amount over 42.5 grams is a felony level offense.
The drugs do not have to be on your person for you to be in possession. Constructive possession is where the drugs are found in a place under your exclusive control to which other people did not normally have access, or if found in a place to which others had access, you knowingly exercised dominion and [...]
No! No contact orders are one-sided and inflexible. It doesn’t matter if the person says its okay to see or speak to them. Once the order is issued, it can only be changed by a judge. While the order is in effect, if the two of you have contact, no matter who initiates it, the only [...]
A crime of violence includes any conviction for: murder; aiding suicide; 1st-4th-degree assault; crimes for the benefit of a gang; robber; kidnapping; false imprisonment; prostitution; 1st-4th-degree criminal sexual conduct; malicious punishment, endangerment or neglect of a child; 1st-2nd-degree arson; 1st-3rd-degree burglary; drive by shooting; riot; terroristic threats; and stalking. Also, including all felony drug offenses and [...]
The firearm rights restoration process in Minnesota can take from seven to eight months, depending on your particular circumstances, the court’s workload at the time of your petition, and whether there are any objections from the government.
Minnesota courts have not provided an exact definition of "good cause". However, we have had success with the court restoring firearm rights based on any of the following: needing a firearm for employment purposes personal security “in proximity” (family members own guns, activities related to guns, or live on a military base) because there is no [...]
Many states have enacted “Romeo and Juliet” exceptions to protect young people from criminal charges as a result of consensual sexual activity with other young people. Minnesota’s laws criminalize any sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13. PERIOD. For children between the ages 13, 14, or 15 the age difference depends on whether there [...]
The age of consent in Minnesota is 16. Statutory rape occurs when a person older than 16-years engages in sexual contact (touching) or sexual penetration with a person under the age of 16. Consent is not a defense in these cases because the laws assume that no one under 16 can give valid consent. If you [...]
A predatory offender may be assigned a Risk Level of I, II, or III. An offender found to be a Risk Level I is considered the LEAST likely to re-offend and only local law enforcement and victims or witnesses are notified of the offenders release or relocation. An offender found to be a Risk Level II [...]
What to do if you have been stopped for a DWI in Minnesota If you have been drinking and driving you have a various rights related to DWI, or any other traffic offense in Minnesota. These Do’s and Don’ts will apply if you have been drinking, and believe that it is likely that if you [...]
Generally, police need a search warrant to search your car or home. When it comes to your car police may only need probable cause in order to search. Probable Cause means that the officer must have certain trustworthy facts to believe that a crime has been committed, or evidence will be found inside your vehicle. Minor [...]
You may be charged immediately by citation, or later by Complaint by a city or county attorney’s office. It is important to immediately seek representation if you are, or think you will be, charged with a crime in Minnesota. You must establish a strong defense for your case from the very beginning. A strong defense can [...]
Questioning by the police can be intimidating, aggressive, and frightening. It is important that you understand your rights so that you can protect yourself. If you are arrested or detained you have constitutional rights, known as Miranda Rights. This means you have the right to speak with an attorney. You have the right to have [...]
Minnesota law requires you to take a blood, breath, or urine test if you are arrested for a DWI. Minnesota’s implied consent law says that if you are lawfully arrested by an officer who has probable cause to believe that you have been driving or boating while intoxicated, then you consent to taking a chemical [...]
