Generally speaking, there are timelines outlined by law governing when criminal offenses can be charged by the State of Minnesota. Those timelines are called the “statute of limitations” and they start running once the crime itself occurs. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. There are crimes which have no limitations period under Minnesota law. Homicide; kidnapping; labor trafficking...
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 serial killers that either have roots in Minnesota or have preyed on Minnesota residents. Part one covers Paul Michael Stephani, who is more commonly known as the “Weepy-Voiced Killer.” Paul Stephani was born on...
On September 18, 2021, the Minnesota Supreme Court published their decision in the case of State v. Mohamed Noor, who was a former Minneapolis police officer, who was convicted of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the killing of Justine Ruszczyk in July 2017. As a result of the conviction, Noor was sentenced to 12 ½ years in prison for...
Car accidents are commonplace and part of the everyday risks of driving. Unfortunately, sometimes these accidents result in a loss of life. Depending on your driving conduct at the time of the accident, you could be looking at a wide range of criminal consequences. Of these consequences, one of the most serious charges is Criminal Vehicular Homicide. Under Minnesota Statute...
In all jury trials, the general format is the same. First, there is jury selection and then opening statements where the Prosecution goes first, and the Defense follows. After opening statements, the Prosecution presents their side of the case. This is done by calling witnesses, taking their testimony, and introducing evidence. In the death of George Floyd case, also known...
Many people, specifically Minnesotans, recall George Floyd’s death this last May. Nearly 10 months later, the criminal trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin, who is accused of causing George Floyd’s death, is underway. So, what is really going on in that trial? First, it is important to know what Mr. Chauvin has been charged with. Although the charges...
Following the tragic death of George Floyd, many wondered whether Derek Chauvin would be charged with murder, and if so, what degree of murder would he be charged with. After finding out Derek Chauvin was charged with 2rd degree murder, 3rd degree murder, and 2nd degree manslaughter, you might be wondering, why? Many people know that 1st degree murder is...
A police officer is someone who is supposed to protect people and keep communities safe. But during the Parkland, Florida school shooting in 2018 the school resource officer, Scot Peterson, stood outside the school not doing enough to mitigate the situation, according to prosecutors in Florida. Meanwhile, innocent students lost their lives inside. However, Mr. Peterson said he did respond,...
In Minnesota, persons convicted of a Felony “Crime of Violence” are subject to a lifetime firearms prohibition. In order for the prohibition to apply, the conviction must be for a felony, including a stay of imposition where the conviction is a felony conviction while on probation and then reduces to a misdemeanor conviction following successful completion of probation. See State...
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...
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