August 2016 | Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorneys

31 August

State Can Dismiss and Re-file in Bad Faith – Supreme Court Decision

North Star Criminal Defense | Case Law Updates

Last summer, the Court of Appeals decided that it is bad faith for a prosecutor to dismiss a case, with the express intent to re-file criminal charges against the same defendant, after a Court had denied a continuance request. The Court of Appeals precluded such...

24 August

Texting and Driving Ticket – Minnesota

North Star Criminal Defense | Traffic Violation

In Minnesota, a texting and driving ticket is a petty misdemeanor offense, which means the total fine is less than $300 and it includes no jail. Still, the collateral consequences - such as increased insurance premiums - can have a lasting impact for drivers. And,...

16 August

Threats of Violence – Transitory Anger Defense

North Star Criminal Defense | Felonies

Threats of violence (what used to be called 'terroristic threats') is a catch-all, if you will, for serious threats and threatening behavior. For example, threats at a persons life falls within this charge. But, the mere mention of a threat doesn't always equate to a...

01 August

Drug Crime Sentencing – New Laws Effective Today

North Star Criminal Defense | Drug Crimes, Felonies

Effective today - Aug. 1 - Minnesota's drug laws received a much needed update for drug crime sentencing. An antiquated system more in tune with the failed "War on Drugs" from previous decades is finally abolished in favor of greater flexibility for judges, allowing them...