Minnesota, like numerous other states, criminalizes not just the possession of illegal narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, and other banned substances, but also punishes people who sell the chemicals necessary to make them. Here are the five essential things about Drug crime you need to know if you live in the state. Illegal drugs in [...]
The defense of a criminal sexual conduct charge in Minnesota requires hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney. When a women fabricates a rape charge, there is usually a good reason for it. The alleged victim may have cheated on her boyfriend or husband and is now worried about her lover posting the news of [...]
The police are a crafty lot. They will go to great lengths to catch a citizen who had no intention of ever committing a crime. They will use the internet to lure their unsuspecting prey into a trap by using a bait and switch tactic. I represented a doctor in Duluth, Minnesota who was charged [...]
If you have been charged with a drug or alcohol criminal offense in Minnesota, seeking out prompt treatment with the right provider can make the difference between going to prison or jail and staying free. I have represented many clients over 36 years in practice as a Minnesota criminal defense attorney who have been [...]
Yes, this is what is called a physical control case. If you were under the influence of alcohol or tested above the legal limit, and in a position to start the engine and operate the vehicle, you can be charged and convicted of a DWI. It doesn't matter that you never intended to start the [...]
Snitching for the police has always been dangerous business. Police are very interested in climbing up the drug dealer food chain. They want to know who you bought your drugs from and who else you may know that sells drugs. They want the big fish, not the small time dealer. Soon after your arrest, an [...]
The prosecution is allowed to introduce into evidence at a criminal trial prior acts of domestic abuse committed by a defendant against a victim of domestic abuse or against any other family or household members. See https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=634.20. The statute has been interpreted to permit the prosecution to also introduce evidence of prior assaults committed by an accused against former girlfriends. Evidence of similar [...]
Does a defendant have the right to refuse probation? The answer is yes. Often times the conditions of probation are more onerous to the defendant then serving out a jail or prison sentence. For example, in a felony drug case a judge may sentence a defendant to 6 months in jail but decide to stay the execution of [...]
Was the self-defense claim doomed in the Clifford case when he failed to retreat to avoid the conflict with Vander Lee? The best defense for Sgt. Clifford would have been to simply walk away and put an end to the conflict. Minnesota law authorizes the use of a reasonable amount of force to resist "an [...]
The police may obtain and execute a no-knock search warrant in Minnesota when they have reason to believe that the evidence inside a home or business may be destroyed if advance warning of the police entry was given to the occupants. A no-knock warrant may also be justified in a situation where the circumstances present [...]
