Category: Criminal Defense

What Is the Exclusionary Rule in a Criminal Case?

So, what is the exclusionary rule, and how does it apply to your case? The exclusionary rule is a court-driven rule that takes effect when evidence in a criminal case is unlawfully obtained. In your case, a court might use the exclusionary rule if the illegally obtained evidence helped the officers get other pieces of evidence they would not have found otherwise.  The secondary evidence subject to the exclusionary rule is referred to as the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. The exclusionary rule borrows its reasoning from constitutional rights. So, it applies to criminal cases as a deterrent and remedy rather than a standalone constitutional right.

What Are the Charges for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

The Minnesota hit-and-run statute covers collisions involving unattended vehicles and fixed objects. As such, you must stop at the collision scene if your vehicle hits an unattended vehicle. The law also mandates you to find out what was hit. If it's clear that the accident caused physical damage to the unattended vehicle, you have to locate and alert the vehicle's owner or driver. You also need to give this information to a police officer. The report should include your name, address, vehicle registration details, and insurance information. For a collision i

Can the Prosecution Appeal a Not Guilty Verdict?

Involve a criminal appeal attorney soon after you learn the prosecution is appealing your sentence. Your attorney will walk you through the involving and confusing sentencing guidelines. An attorney's involvement will also help you develop a defense strategy for the appeal. 

Can You Beat a Murder Charge?

Working with a felony defense lawyer in Minneapolis can also influence the outcome of your case. The lawyer can determine the best defense strategy to get your murder charges reduced or dismissed. Remember, a murder charge or conviction carries lifelong consequences for you and your family. You risk losing your right to vote or possess a firearm, as well as getting your professional license suspended or revoked. You might also struggle to earn a living, as many employers are reluctant to hire employees with felony convictions in their criminal history. 

What Happens If You Get Caught With an Unregistered Gun?

Criminal charges may arise if you are caught in public possessing an unregistered firearm. Simply possessing or owning an unregistered gun is not a crime in Minnesota. However, carrying a gun in public without a valid, up-to-date permit is illegal in Minnesota.