Charged with DWI but not driving? I was charged with DWI, but I was not driving, how is that possible? You can be found guilty of DWI if you are in physical control of a vehicle. You can be guilty of DWI even if you were not driving your vehicle [...]
When is a Traffic Stop Legal? When Can Police Pull You Over in Minnesota? Understanding your rights. Minnesota law enforcement officers must have a legally valid reason to for a traffic stop. If an officer pulls you over without a valid reason, any evidence they obtain after pulling you over [...]
Order For Protection in Minnesota I have been served with an order for protection, what should I do? It can be nerve-wracking to learn that an order for protection has been issued against you. It is important that you consult an experienced attorney to help you with next steps, as [...]
Appealing a Criminal Case A successful appeal requires understanding criminal procedure, following rules and timing, and arguing your case both through documentation and in person What is an appeal? An appeal in a criminal case is the process of arguing that some ruling or event that happened during your case [...]
How do I get out of jail while my case is pending? We get a lot of calls from concerned and anxious loved ones of those who have been arrested for criminal activity. Understandably, their usual first question is how they get their loved one out of jail. If and [...]
Should I refuse to take a DWI breath test? The types of breath tests If you ever get pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, you may have to take two different types of breath tests. The first test the officer might give you is called a preliminary breath [...]
When the Victim Wants the Case Dismissed It is common in domestic assault cases that after a person is arrested and charged, the alleged victim wants the case dismissed or does not want to testify. Many people believe that if the alleged victim feels this way, they can simply drop [...]
Sieben & Cotter Recognized: 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers Best Lawyers 2025, Patrick Cotter, Tom Sieben, Sieben & Cotter, PLLC The founding attorneys of Sieben & Cotter, PLLC, were recently included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for their exceptional work. Tom Sieben is recognized for his work in [...]
Patrick Cotter Recognized by Super Lawyers 2024: Top 100 Attorney Patrick Cotter, a founding partner of Sieben & Cotter Trial Lawyers PLLC, celebrates his 9th consecutive year being rated among the Top 100 in Minnesota by Super Lawyers® in 2024. Patrick has been selected to the Super Lawyers Top 100 List [...]
Tom Sieben, Patrick Cotter Recognized by Super Lawyers 2024 Founding partners of Sieben & Cotter PLLC, Tom Sieben and Patrick Cotter, are recognized again by Super Lawyers® in 2024. Tom and Patrick are recognized for their expert defense, and are proud to announce this 11th year of recognition. Super Lawyers is a rating service providing [...]
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Sexual Conduct Conviction Charged with a Criminal Sexual Conduct Crime (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th) Degree? Wondering what the consequences would be aside from a Felony on your Record and registering as a Predatory Offender? Being convicted of a criminal sexual conduct offense is not [...]
Exploring Alternatives to Jail or Prison in Minnesota Your attorney is your advocate for appropriate sentencing and rehabilitation alternatives In Minnesota, the criminal justice system is increasingly recognizing the need for alternatives to traditional incarceration. As advocates for justice and rehabilitation, attorneys play a crucial role in exploring these alternatives, [...]
Juveniles Certified as Adults Avoiding Adult Certification for minors charged with criminal offenses There are several situations in which a minor may not be able to avoid being certified as an adult for criminal charges, however some circumstances and arguments may allow a youth to remain in the juvenile court [...]
Your First Hearing in a Minnesota Criminal Case Understanding what happens in a first criminal court appearance or hearing in Minnesota: definitions and what to expect In Minnesota, your first hearing will be a bail hearing, an arraignment, or a first appearance. It could also be a bail hearing combined [...]
Downward Durational Departure Shortening the length of a felony sentence The evidence against me is strong, and I do not like the plea offer I have been given, what should I do? In many criminal cases, it is simply not possible to get the case dismissed or to win at [...]
