The 2023 legislative session was a busy one for Minnesota’s elected officials. The DFL-controlled House and Senate passed many bills tweaking old laws and adding brand new ones. Here are some of the most important things to know about the new criminal bills passed by the legislature: Cannabis This year Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana...
School is out, the sun is shining, and it is the first national holiday of the summer. Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers who died in the Civil War, it has since expanded to honor all fallen members of the U.S. Military. Unfortunately, in modern times, Memorial Day has become one...
As summer rolls around, many people across Minnesota are hitting the road to the lake, to the park, or to spend time with family, and they are bringing their pets along with them. With the increase in traveling, however, the risk of coming across a pet left alone in a hot car also goes up. Many people don’t realize that...
The Minnesota Legislature has been considering a bill that would allow for automatic expungement for certain minor offenses after a specified number of years. While this bill has passed the Minnesota House of Representatives, it has yet to pass the Minnesota Senate. The bill, known formally as SF 2055, was introduced in February to the Senate. Shortly after being introduced,...
The most unrealistic part of any police procedural program such as Law and Order, or CSI is the speed and efficiency of forensic science. Within days of receiving a complaint the police receive definitive evidence of who committed the crime, they can then arrest the “bad guy” and the prosecution has an open and shut case. In this format the...
The Minnesota State Legislature has been working since the beginning of the year on legislation that would legalize the possession and use of marijuana in the state. When this bill passes, it will no longer be illegal for Minnesotans to possess up to two pounds of marijuana. But this begs the question: What happens to my charges relating to marijuana...
Minnesota will likely legalize recreational marijuana in the very near future, as the state House and Senate approved different versions of the bill in April 2023. This leaves only reconciliation of differences between these versions and the Governor’s signature left to make the bill Minnesota law. One major component of the bill is it provides for the automatic expungement, the...
What happens if you have been charged with or convicted of a crime in another state and there is a warrant for your arrest, but you are now in Minnesota? Can the other state come and get you? What is Extradition? Extradition is the process that allows authorities from one state (say Florida, which we call the demanding state), to...
Ever wonder if Minnesota has been terrorized by a serial killer? Or perhaps Minnesota is where a serial killer calls home? This blog series will explore potential serial killers that either have roots in Minnesota or have been accused of preying on Minnesota residents. Part five covers Lawrence Scott Dame. Lawrence Scott Dame was born on September 16, 1972. Larry’s...
St. Patrick’s Day is known as a popular drinking holiday. But is it worth it to drink and drive tonight? Here are some consequences of getting a DWI on St. Patrick’s Day. Jail Time It’s not a given that you’ll spend time in jail if you are arrested for a DWI. However, you will be locked up if any of...