Criminal/Traffic Law

There are specific rules which law enforcement (police, sheriffs deputies, conservation officers, highway patrol, any other law enforcement officer) must follow to make an arrest and sustain a charge. These rules are defined in the United States and Minnesota Constitutions, and by the state and federal courts.

Criminal and traffic cases are often resolved with a ‘plea bargain’ where either the charge, or the punishment is reduced in exchange for a guilty plea. The person charged with a crime gets less punishment than if they went to trial and lost.

Drunk Driving/D.U.I.

Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol is a crime. Being under the influence is usually defined as having a blood alcohol content of more than 10% (.10 or greater). Blood alcohol is measured by breath, blood, or urine tests.

Assault/Disorderly Conduct

These charges usually come up in domestic situations, or conflicts at bars and other public places.

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense with a maximum punishment of time in the county jail. Misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, but, a misdemeanor conviction will give you a criminal record, which may be held against you in job applications.

Felonies

Felonies are offenses that are punishable by time in the state prison. A felony conviction generally stays on your permanent adult criminal record, and limits your right to vote and other civil rights.