The Minnesota Supreme Court recently issued a decision in State v. Bernard, a case that challenged the constitutionality of a state law that criminalizes a breath test refusal in an investigation for driving under the influence of alcohol (DWI).
Mandatory minimum sentencing laws exist on both the federal and state levels. These laws require prison or jail sentences for certain criminal offenses. For example, in Minnesota, offenders may face mandatory minimum sentences for multiple DWI convictions, sex offenses, gun and weapon charges, and for controlled substance charges.
Having your driver’s license revoked as a result of a DWI can cause significant hardship, as you may not have transportation to your job, school, medical appointments, and more. Additionally, if your job duties require you to have a driver’s license, you may risk losing your employment. Fortunately, Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Device Program can help most people with an alcohol-related revocation to get their driving privileges reinstated.
The Ramsey County criminal justice system recognizes that many criminal offenders have significant underlying issues that attributed to their criminal actions and, therefore, may require additional resources to ensure they do not end up back in court in the future. For this reason, specialized programs such as drug courts, DUI courts, and veterans courts are in place to assist eligible offenders.
Often, veterans returning home from active duty face many struggles. Some veterans suffer from physical disabilities or mental health conditions that may keep them from returning to their past professions, cause financial struggles, and create strains in family relationships. Though some help is available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, too many veterans do not realize that help is available or do not seek assistance for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, some veterans who are struggling end up facing criminal charges.
Drug courts are a specialized part of the Minnesota court system that serve more than 30 counties throughout the state. Drug courts are a potential alternative to long-term prison sentences for individuals facing felony drug charges, and aim to address the underlying issues of drug crimes, such as substance abuse.
The laws in Minnesota and across the country are ever-changing, with new proposals being introduced by both liberal and conservative legislators on a regular basis. While it is difficult to predict exactly what new developments may come to light in regard to laws, it is possible to examine trends to try to know what to expect in the coming years. Laws regarding drunk driving can have a substantial effect on the way many Americans live their lives and the choices they make.
If you have been convicted of a crime in Minnesota, you know that your criminal record can make it difficult to qualify for a job or a secure place to live. You may be wondering about the possibility of having a Minnesota criminal conviction removed from your record. While it is not possible to have a criminal conviction completely removed from your record, there is a process for having the criminal records sealed. This process is called “expungement”. An expungement is a court-ordered sealing of criminal records held by the government, not a destruction of those records.
One of the first questions people ask after they are taken into custody is how long they can be kept in jail. The answer depends on several factors, including:
• The time and date a person is taken into custody
• Whether the arrest was completed with or without a warrant
• Whether the individual is an adult or a juvenile
If you have recently had a domestic-abuse related charge, you may be concerned about whether or not you will be able to have contact with the alleged victim and with others that may be involved with the case. There are two governing areas of law that could restrict your ability to maintain contact: Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders (D.A.N.C.O.s) and No Contact Orders as a Condition of Release.
D.A.N.C.O.s: