Minnesota Domestic Assault: Misdemeanor or Felony?

Domestic assault is a crime taken very seriously in Minnesota, but there isn’t simply one way it can be committed nor one way it is punished. In fact, the state has a wide range of charges and penalties that can arise from a domestic assault incident.

Here’s what you need to know about domestic assault in Minnesota: what it is, what penalties you can face, and what influences if domestic assault is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

In Minnesota, assault is classified as “trying to cause or intentionally cause bodily harm to another person or perpetrating an act for the purpose of placing another person in fear for their life or of bodily harm”.[...]

The Importance of Having the Right Car Seat in a MN Crash

Something harmful happening to your child is a parent’s worst nightmare. There are some things parents can’t control when it comes to security, but some parental decisions have a huge impact on their child’s safety. One of those choices is the use of a car seat.

The law in Minnesota states that a child must be secured in a car seat until they are at least 8 years old or 4’9” tall – whichever milestone they reach first.

Here is what you need to know about selecting the right car seat for your child based on their age and size, as well as how car seats work to keep them safe in the event of an accident.

Get Swept Up in the Moment? You Could Still Face Arson Charges

There are many reasons fires can occur. In fact, many fires are caused by accidents or circumstances out of the control of people. In those cases, it’s often dismissed as an unfortunate accident. However, when a fire is purposefully set, then it’s a serious crime: arson.

Over 100 cases involving arson are still being investigated from the unrest that occurred in Minnesota last summer. Local businesses were often the targets of these fires. Law enforcement has vowed to catch those who were involved and bring them to justice.

Arson is a crime that is taken very seriously in Minnesota, no matter the circumstance. If your actions meet the standards to be charged with arson, you will be.

Here’s what you [...]

Bitten By Someone Else’s Dog? Here Are Your Options

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. While it is true they can bring happiness to the lives of many people, being bitten by a dog can cause a lot of pain and distress.

Dog bites impact the lives of so many people each year that Minnesota has some substantial laws to address them. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, and you are not the owner, you have legal options – especially if you were injured to the point of requiring medical treatment.

Dog bite law in Minnesota is complicated, and there’s a lot to know. Here’s what you can do if you’re bitten by a friend’s or stranger’s dog.

In Minnesota, dog bite [...]

Suspect Nursing Home Abuse? Here’s What Minnesotans Can Do

Many older people live in care facilities across Minnesota. Unfortunately, along with the number of people who live in these environments, neglect and abuse occur more frequently than one may hope.

According to the federal government and Minnesota state government, residents of long-term care facilities have the right to live free from mental, sexual, verbal, and physical abuse, involuntary seclusion, and any form of corporal punishment. Still, nursing home abuse is something you must be aware of if you have a loved one living in that environment.

Here are the signs you should look for if you’re concerned about nursing home abuse or neglect of a loved one and what steps you should take to stop it.

You Just Suffered a Slip and Fall in Minnesota — What Now?

Slip and fall accidents in Minnesota can happen any time and anywhere. The streets don’t have to be filled with snow and ice, which is why it’s important to understand the steps you should take if you do take a tumble.

Many people view slip and falls as simply embarrassing incidents in public, but the truth is that these types of accidents can lead to some serious injuries: fractures, nerve damage, and even brain injuries.

That’s why if you’re involved in an accident of this nature, you should make sure you’re covering your tracks – you never know if you may need to bring a lawsuit down the line to cover medical expenses or reimburse for injuries.

Here’s what you [...]

Did You Know That Criminal Sexual Conduct Has 5 Degrees in MN?

In Minnesota, as in many other states, criminal sexual conduct isn’t simply one crime. It’s a group of crimes broken into several degrees. In the state, there are actually five degrees of criminal sexual conduct, each with its own penalties.

What a person may be charged with depends on several factors, including the circumstances surrounding the case, the allegations against them, the evidence that supports allegations, and any prior history of criminal sexual conduct.

What is criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota and what are the degrees? Read on to find out more about these sex crimes.

Criminal sexual conduct is a legal term that encompasses many different acts. A person can be accused of criminal [...]

What Motorcycle Riders Can Do to Help Stay Safe

As sunny summer days take the reins, drivers might notice more motorcycles on the road.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you already know it’s the perfect time of year to cruise. Even if you appreciate your bike more for gas savings than leisure, you’re likely still enjoying the commute without rain or snow.

For every moment of spontaneous freedom, though, any seasoned motorcycle rider will remind you to stay vigilant.

Just this week, a motorcycle rider and passenger crashed near Minnesota Highway 43. Neither wore a helmet. Luckily, the passenger only sustained minor injuries. However, the driver remains in uncertain condition with life-threatening trauma from the accident.

The reason is simple: motorcycles lack the same protection as cars. By nature, [...]

License Suspended? Defense Strategies to Fight Your DWI Charges

DWI charges can turn your life upside-down. A one-night mistake could lead to thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees, plus jail time.

For some, it can initiate a downward spiral: you lose your license, which keeps you from working, increasing your personal and financial stress — and motivation to drink even more.

But these charges can also act as a wake-up call.

It is possible to get DWI charges reduced or dismissed with a proper defense. But to do so, you’ll need to jump into action now.

Let’s start with the DWI process in this state. “Driving While Impaired” encompasses both drugs and alcohol, but we’ll focus more on alcohol for now, since it’s [...]

Should Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Cover Medical Marijuana?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things in Minnesota and around the world. Of course, it impacts the daily lives of many Minnesotans, but there are a few stand-out issues still impacted by the pandemic – issues like workers’ compensation.

Here is what you need to know about the latest workers’ compensation extensions due to COVID. This includes whether the government views medical marijuana as a valid or invalid expense in workers’ compensation claims.

In Minnesota, workers’ compensation laws have recently been amended. How?

For certain workers, the law now includes a presumption of liability when a worker tests positive for COVID-19. Under Minnesota’s occupational disease statute, this new provision creates a presumption if COVID-19 is contracted [...]