There has been a new bill that passed Minnesota’s House of Representatives that aims to help make expungements easier for those with criminal records – it is called the Clean Slate Act. Representative Jamie Long drafted the bill with the premise of allowing the population of Minnesotans with a criminal background, approximately 25 percent of residents, an “opportunity for redemption.”...
It’s not only big people that get into trouble with the law; sometimes our kids break the law and can get charged. Charges can vary from a petty misdemeanor up to a felony. When the police are investigating a crime involving a juvenile, there is a common misperception that a parent must be present when a child is interrogated. That’s...
Fingerprinting laws are different for adults and juveniles. For juveniles, fingerprinting is required under Minnesota law if the child is arrested for, appearing in court on a charge of, adjudicated delinquent for, or alleged to have committed a felony or gross misdemeanor. Juveniles admitted to jails or detention facilities or referred by a law enforcement agency to a diversion program...
We hear people talk about getting fingerprinted for a variety of reasons. But where do these fingerprints go? And when does someone need to get fingerprinted? Fingerprinting data is sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA compiles fingerprints and other identification data into a criminal database to facilitate connecting individuals to crimes. Fingerprinting data will stay within...
Many people may believe that an arrest is only legal if a police officer has a warrant to arrest the person or if the police officer sees the person commit a crime. However, this is not always the case; warrantless arrests are allowed under limited circumstances depending on the offense. For example, if the crime at issue is a misdemeanor,...
The word “conspiracy” is often thrown around in both criminal law and popular culture. People could be referencing anything from the moon landing to organized crime when they chat about conspiracies. Despite “conspiracy” being widely used, in criminal law at the state level, individuals are often shocked to be charged as a part of a criminal conspiracy. They often wonder...
There are three levels of DWI in Minnesota—misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony. How is the level of a DWI determined? Typically, a first-time DWI in Minnesota is classified as a misdemeanor—which means up to 90 days in jail. A second or third offense in 10 years is typically a gross misdemeanor—which means up to one year in jail. However, there...
If someone says you are persuasive, you would probably take that as a compliment, right? The power of persuasion is often highly valued, especially in the legal field. But if someone says you are being coercive, this is less complimentary. In fact, coercion is a crime in Minnesota. Minnesota Statute § 609.27 defines the crime of coercion. Coercion is an...
The United States is currently facing uncertainty with the country’s future after the 2020 election. Emotions are running high and within these next few days, many will want to invoke their First Amendment right of Freedom of Speech. But, before acting on a whim, think twice and consider the legal consequences of your actions, such as, could your actions lead...
The Office is an iconic television series that was known for placing its characters in awkward and uncomfortable situations. In the episode “Dinner Party,” Michael (the boss) invites his employees over for a relaxing get together where Michael attempts to solicit funds for his ex-boss/girlfriend Jan’s failing candle company. Instead of a relaxing dinner party, Michael’s guests are treated to...
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