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...