Minnesota Criminal Defense Laws

Criminal sexual conduct offenses have extended limitation periods. Some offenses against minors have no statute of limitations if DNA evidence is available.

Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges must generally be brought within 3 years.

Minnesota uses a sentencing guidelines grid that calculates presumptive sentences based on the severity of the current offense and the offender's criminal history score.

Minnesota allows expungement (sealing) of criminal records in certain circumstances, including completed diversions, petty misdemeanors, certain misdemeanors, and some gross misdemeanors and felonies.

Minnesota DWI penalties escalate based on aggravating factors: prior offenses within 10 years, BAC of .16 or higher, child in the vehicle, or refusal to test.

A person charged with a crime punishable by incarceration has the right to be represented by a public defender if they cannot afford an attorney.