In 2019, at least 30 people were killed in gun-related violence in St Paul, doubling the city's homicide rate. This is the most gun violence seen in the Capital City since 1992.
There are three types of witnesses that may be called to testify in court for the defense or prosecution in a criminal case. Witnesses can provide important evidence, expert knowledge, and character assessments of a defendant.
A criminal conviction requires proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt because a guilty verdict can result in the deprivation of a defendant's freedom or even death, unlike a conviction in a civil trial where penalties are usually monetary.
Police officers cannot force people to unlock their cell phones if they are arrested. This procedure violates Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
In Minnesota, simple assault is a misdemeanor offense while aggravated assault is a felony. The difference between the two charges depends on the severity of injuries to the victim and whether a deadly weapon was used during the crime.
In Minnesota, a juvenile under the age of 18 can be tried for a felony offense the same as an adult if violence is involved and the crime meets certain criteria.
A new rule addressing sexual violence and harassment on college campuses may give accused students legal grounds to get their cases dismissed and limit a victim's ability to seek help from school officials or campus police.
Minnesota's criminal coercion law could be a violation of First Amendment rights. Under Minnesota Statutes, any threat to harm another person by publishing defamatory information, releasing confidential information, or exposing another person to public ridicule or disgrace is considered a criminal coercion offense.
