A police offer cannot pull you over and detain you without a reason. But a law enforcement official can stop you and pull you over if he or she believes your driving behavior is due to alcohol consumption. According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, it is...
Criminal Defense
“The right to remain silent” and why it matters
It is one of the most widely known constitutional amendments, the 5th, the right to not incriminate yourself. Almost everyone has at least a basic understand of it, from TV if nothing else. Despite knowing about it, most people do not use it when they need to. I...
Reviewing Minnesota’s expungement criteria
Those convicted of a crime in Minnesota often fear what the long-term repercussions of their convictions may be (no matter the crime they stand accused of committing). Their fears are often justified; having a criminal record can negatively impact one's future ability...
Finding a good job with a criminal record
For many people in Minnesota, the experience of being arrested may give rise to many fears not just for the immediate moment but for what it may mean to their future. Relationships, school attendance, scholarships and jobs may all be impacted by a criminal charge....
What happens if I fail to register as a sex offender?
If you have been arrested for and charged with a sexual offense in Minnesota, you will want to understand some of the consequences that you may experience should your arrest result in a conviction. Some sex crime convictions require that the person participate in the...
What are the levels of sex offenders in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, as with most other states, if you are convicted of certain sexual crimes, you may be ordered to register as a sex offender via the state's sex offender registry program. The length of your registration may vary depending on the nature of your specific...
Report shows that the racial divide in prisons is narrowing
Racial disparities among state prison inmates in Minnesota and around the country are becoming much less pronounced, but the figures show that African Americans are still incarcerated at much higher rates than whites. This was just one of the conclusions found in a...
Experts question the value of forensic evidence
Minnesota residents who watch shows like 'CSI" on television may be surprised to learn that questions have been raised about the validity of forensic evidence and the qualifications of the experts who provide it. After studying the way hairs, fingerprints and fibers...
How witness testimony can influence a criminal proceeding
Minnesota residents could be harmed if a police officer engages in misconduct. In some cases, misconduct could include lying on a witness stand or otherwise providing inaccurate information in a criminal matter. Recognizing this possibility, groups in Florida,...
Monitoring devices and apps could reinforce racist views
In Minnesota and throughout the country, people use apps and social media channels to keep tabs on what is going on in their communities. However, these apps may not be the best way to stay informed about local events or issues. In some cases, the alerts that they...
