Category: Criminal Defense
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What Are Penalties for Sex Crimes in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, it’s not uncommon for a local community to be shaken up when they hear the news of a high-profile arrest for a sex crime. This event, while unsettling, brings to light an important and often misunderstood aspect of criminal law in Minnesota – the penalties for sex crimes. The consequences of being convicted…
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When Can You Request to Speak to a Lawyer After a DUI Arrest?
In the stillness of the night, the flashing lights of law enforcement vehicles cast an ominous glow as reality sets in – you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). It’s a moment of terror, that can feel like the world is crashing down around you, as you are filled with fear, uncertainty, and…
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4 Ways a Felony Can Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Minnesota
Although facing a felony charge is a daunting experience, it is essential to remember you have rights and legal options. In some cases, felony charges may be eligible to be reduced to a misdemeanor upon completing certain conditions such as probation or a diversion program. However, advocating for these solutions can be legally complex and…
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Minnesota Signs Marijuana Legalization Bill Into Law: What You Need to Know
On May 30th, Governor Tim Waltz signed a bill into law legalizing recreational cannabis use for individuals over 21. The law will go into effect on August 1st, 2023, making Minnesota the 23rd state to officially end marijuana prohibition. This new law introduces many regulations, including possession limits, and even has provisions, including automatic expungement…
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Understanding the Criminal Justice Process in Minnesota
The criminal justice system in Minnesota can be complex and unfamiliar, leading to confusion and anxiety after being accused or charged of a crime. Minnesota has established a criminal justice system meant to value due process and fairness, and designed to protect the rights of the accused. But once you are accused, many in the…
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Everything You Need to Know About Manslaughter Laws in Minnesota
Facing manslaughter charges in Minnesota is a distressing and challenging experience. Because the charge involves the accidental loss of life, manslaughter comes with significant legal consequences, including potential jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record. If you have been accused of manslaughter in Minnesota, understanding the different degrees of manslaughter and the possible defense…
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Are Police Officers in Minnesota Ever Allowed to Conduct a Search Without a Warrant?
The United States Constitution and the State of Minnesota require that law enforcement obtain warrants to search non-public property. Generally, government searches without warrants are presumed to be unreasonable. Therefore, it would make sense to think that more of the time when law enforcement searches a private location and seizes the property, they have already…
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How Can Aggravating Factors Affect My Drug Charges?
Certain drugs have been decriminalized in some states, but that’s not the case in Minnesota. Being caught possessing any drug leaves a person open to being charged with a drug crime and facing hefty penalties. Furthermore, the penalties for a drug crime may worsen due to aggravating factors. Understanding these aggravating factors is important when…
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How to Respond to a Subpoena
Receiving a state or federal subpoena may be stressful and scary, and many individuals may be tempted to ignore it altogether. If you ignore a subpoena, you may face substantial consequences such as expensive fines, a warrant for your arrest, and even possibly time behind bars. If you have been served a subpoena in Minnesota,…
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What Types of Crimes Are Eligible for Expungement in Minnesota?
Being convicted of a crime is challenging, and convicts often face consequences for years after they serve their sentences. A criminal record is one of the most significant hurdles to getting back on the right track and living a normal life. Criminal records often make finding a job and a place to live difficult. They…