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Minneapolis woman believed she hit construction equipment

One of the important things that must be proven on a hit-and-run charge is that the driver was aware that he or she hit a person. After 45-year-old Amy Senser was charged with vehicular homicide for an alleged hit-and-run accident that took the life of a 38-year-old man, questions have been raised as to whether she knew she hit anyone. The accident occurred on Aug. 23, 2011 at approximately 11:08 p.m. in Minneapolis near the entrance ramp to westbound Interstate 94 and Riverside Avenue. While prosecutors allege that the woman hit the man and drove off, she insists she believed she only hit a piece of construction equipment.

Conference discusses changes to sex crimes penalties

Recently, a conference was held at William Mitchell College of Law that discussed potential changes to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Commissioner Lucinda Jesson of the Department of Human Services, the agency responsible for carrying out the program, as well as legislators from both parties attended. The state is currently facing serious issues in the treatment of sex offenders.

How should teenagers be punished for sex crimes?

Parents in Minneapolis-St. Paul know that teenagers are headstrong and sometimes act without thinking about the consequences of their actions. This is especially true when it comes to young love — Minnesota teenagers will have relationships with whomever they please, especially when their parents disapprove. The problem, of course, is that when a teenager is 18-years-old, he or she is considered an adult and if his or her boyfriend of girlfriend is under the age of consent, he or she could face a charge of statutory rape.

Minnesota officials say 1,300 have been arrested for DWI in December

Throughout the month of December, law enforcement agencies across Minnesota have been sending out extra patrols, with officers working overtime, to watch for reasons to pull drivers over, hoping to make arrested for driving while impaired offenses. State officials estimate that roughly 1,300 drivers have been charged with DWI in Minnesota since the first of the month.

More DWI Issues Arise for the U of M Basketball Program

The Minnesota Gophers have announced that an assistant coach with the basketball team has been suspended while the University of Minnesota sorts out disciplinary measures. Assistant men’s basketball coach Saul Smith was arrested Saturday in Minneapolis on suspicion of driving while impaired. Smith is the son of head coach Tubby Smith.

Minneapolis man accused of robbery could spend 25 years in prison

It is undeniable that Minnesota and federal laws are meant to protect us, but sometimes they are so inflexible that someone who makes a minor mistake could face decades behind bars. Without taking into consideration the specific details of an alleged crime, a court and jury cannot accurately determine if someone is guilty and what kind of punishment he or she should receive. For example, if a Minneapolis man was convicted of taking $1,890 from a bank, should he receive 25 years behind bars?

Federal investigators believe 120 people involved in fraud ring

The U.S. Attorney’s office has recently been busy processing numerous white-collar criminal charges against what they claim is a large identity theft ring. While no one from the office will comment on the charges or the supposed 120 people involved in the identity fraud, only eight people have been formally charged.

Minnesota business liable to prevent underage drinking

When we hear about cases of drunk driving charges or underage drinking, we immediately think only of the suspects directly involved. A recent case in Richfield, however, shows that the law calls for a community as a whole to try to prevent underage drinking and DWI accidents.