If you’re the parent of a teen or young adult, you likely are aware that fatal drug overdoses remain at epidemic levels. Too many overdoses become fatal because the people who are with the overdose victim don’t call 911 or otherwise get emergency medical aid because...
Criminal Defense
Understanding the role of the judge in your plea bargain
When considering whether to accept a plea bargain, it is important to understand that the judge has a significant role to play in approving or rejecting the terms of your deal. While you may negotiate an agreement with the prosecutor’s office, no bargain is final...
Miranda rights: Important points you need to know
Miranda rights, named after the landmark Supreme Court case "Miranda v. Arizona," are crucial in the U.S. criminal justice system. These rights, founded in the Constitution's Fifth Amendment, protect individuals from self-incrimination and ensure fair treatment during...
When do drug charges become a felony offense?
Drug charges can have serious consequences regardless of the nature of the crime. Felony drug crimes, however, can have truly life-altering penalties. Understanding when drug charges escalate to felony offenses is important for maintaining awareness of the legal...
Is vandalism a serious crime in Minnesota?
Young people are usually full of energy and exuberance, but those high spirits can sometimes get them into serious trouble. Vandalism, for example, is often thought of as a “minor” offense – the product of youthful indiscretions, at worst. However, that’s not how the...
What to do if you have a warrant for your arrest?
What to do if you have a warrant for your arrest Finding out you have a warrant out for your arrest can be intimidating, especially if you have never had one before. For some people, their first instinct would be to immediately turn themselves in, and for others it...
Think twice before buying fake luxury goods online
Beautiful as they are, the cost of high-end designer items makes them out of reach for most consumers. Instead, some customers turn to counterfeits since most of them are now so well-made that they’ve become difficult to distinguish from the real thing. While buying...
Protecting yourself against criminal accusations in college
College is a time of academic and personal growth, but it is also a period when young adults may encounter situations that can lead to criminal accusations. The National Center for Education Statistics revealed there were 27,300 crime reports on college campuses in...
The consequences of underage drinking and driving
The Minnesota Statutes say anyone under the age of 21 who drives while under the influence of alcohol is guilty of a misdemeanor. The repercussions are severe and far-reaching. The consequences may not only impact the underage individual but also innocent bystanders...
What is the presumption of innocence?
In the realm of the law, the presumption of innocence stands as a fundamental principle that underpins the American justice system. In 2021, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported 111.478 criminal arrests. Every single one of those people had the right...