Highly unlikely. Over the past decade or two, dashboard-mounted police squad vehicle cameras have proliferated across Minnesota law enforcement agencies. Accordingly, squad video has become common evidence in cases involving traffic stops. But just because squad video may not exist in some criminal cases, that does not mean the prosecutor will dismiss the case. In these situations, it just means...
No, as long as we’re talking about a push-pedal bike and not a motorbike. Minnesota DWI/DUI laws only criminalize driving, operating, or being in physical control of motor vehicles. Under Minnesota law, motor vehicles are those that are self-propelled or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, including motorboats in operation and off-road recreational vehicles. People have picked...
Some police departments in Minnesota are already equipped with body cameras. More departments are now likely to adopt them after Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton recently signed a bill into law that sets regulations for the cameras’ use effective August 1, 2016. In the wake of recent officer-involved shootings, such as Michael Brown in Ferguson and Jamar Clark in Minneapolis, the...
On May 22nd Governor Dayton signed Senate File 3481 into law. This drug sentencing legislation has been described as one of the most significant reforms to Minnesota’s criminal justice system in about three decades. It will result in an estimated 700 fewer people charged with felonies for drug possession per year and 650 fewer people in prison for drug offenses 10 years from now.
In the legal world, deadlines are deadlines are deadlines (almost always). This is especially true when it comes to filing an implied consent petition which is usually filed in conjunction with a DUI case and today, the Minnesota Court of Appeals reiterated this message while it applied the 30 day hard-and-fast deadline to unique case:
The recent Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling in State v. S.A.M. will have a big impact on Minnesotans seeking to expunge felony convictions. Unless the felony is one of those listed in Minn. Stat. § 609A.02, subd. 3(b), the conviction is not eligible for expungement.
The Minnesota Legislature recently passed gun legislation (Senate File Number 878) that took effect August 1, 2015. One part of the bill legalized firearm suppressors or silencers. These are defined under Minn. Stat. 609.66, Subd. 1a(c) as “any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm . . .” However, it’s still a felony to sell...
One’s driver’s license is canceled as inimical to public safety after a third DWI offense within 10 years, a DWI offense within 10 years of special review, or four or more alcohol offenses in a lifetime. So, if this happens, what needs to be done to reinstate driving privileges after being canceled as inimical to public safety? Ignition interlock is required and the following steps must be taken, in accordance with Minnesota Administrative Rule 7503.1725.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) conducts background studies on individuals before they can provide any direct contact services or, in the case of nursing homes or boarding care homes, before they can access residents and their belongings. This applies to facilities licensed by DHS, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Department of Corrections (for programs serving youth and children), and non-licensed personal care provider organizations. The background study is thorough and includes criminal history from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and records from county adult and child protection services, DHS, and MDH.
How is the Length of Probation Determined? In Minnesota, as long as life imprisonment or a mandatory minimum sentence is not required by law, a sentence of jail or prison time may be stayed. This means that the full sentence will not have to be served, provided the offender successfully completes probation. Someone cannot be placed on probation indefinitely, however....