Coronavirus and Minnesota Courts: What is Happening and How Does it Affect Your Case?
In an effort to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus strain of COVID-19, courts in Minnesota have moved to reduce nonessential public visits to court facilities during the pandemic for at least 2 weeks beginning March 16.
The statewide order, issued by Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea, establishes the following temporary procedures for district court case processing in the wake of the coronavirus global pandemic.
- All court facilities shall remain open. Service windows at court facilities will also remain open, and courts will continue to accept filings in all case types. The Judicial Branch discourages the public from making any non-essential visits to court facilities.
- All jury trials currently underway should continue until the trial is complete, regardless of case type.
- For case types designated “High Priority” or “Super High Priority” in the Limited Court Service Case Priorities List, all court proceedings should continue as normal. Courts will schedule new jury trials as needed in those case types. Wherever possible, courts should explore the use of ITV/remote technology to conduct these hearings. The order also eases restrictions on the use of these technologies currently in Court Rules.
- For case types designated “Medium Priority” or “Low Priority” in the Limited Court Service Case Priorities List, all court proceedings (except jury trials currently underway, or cases where a speedy trial has been demanded) will be suspended for 14 days. No new jury trials in these case types should be scheduled for the next 30 days.
For offenses eligible for drivers’ license suspension, such as driving while impaired, the Duluth News Tribune reported that Minnesota’s Judicial Branch will halt the automated process by which a person’s license is suspended for failure to appear.
Generally, for a first time DWI offense in Minnesota, a revocation of 90 days to one year is likely and one typically may participate in ignition interlock if eligible. A first time offender with a test result of less than .16 may also be eligible for a work permit 15 days after the revocation time period commences. If the test results in a .16 or greater, ignition interlock will be your option for a minimum of one year. Additionally, the offender must pass an alcohol and controlled substance knowledge test, apply for a new Minnesota driver’s license and pay a $680 reinstatement fee.
If you have recently been arrested for DWI, drug possession, domestic assault, assault, or another crime, Gildea’s coronavirus mandate may provide you with a little more time to prepare your defense. If you are unsure, let the skilled team at the criminal defense law office of Gerald Miller, P.A. help you. Also, with all of the discussions behind jail time and incarceration as a form of punishment, this coronavirus situation could also “help” people in that regard. We are in the office during the coronavirus outbreak, and we can utilize this situation to make new arguments to make sure that your health is not compromised by the rigid sentencing guidelines that are normally involved in DWI offenses.
The first time someone is charged with a crime it can be a very stressful and confusing time. Combined with the anxiety most of us are feeling in regards to the latest coronavirus developments, the overall experience can be traumatizing. We will continue to be available for people needing our assistance during this coronavirus situation. Minnesota may have shut down restaurants and bars due to coronavirus – but we are still open.
Coronavirus is a terrifying situation. So is getting arrested.The office of Minnesota felony DWI and criminal defense lawyer Gerald Miller, P.A. will fight for you and your rights. Call our experienced legal team today at 612-440-4610. We offer free consultations and are available anytime. We’re on your side. Experience matters with a crime as complex as DWI and it comes from a professional Minneapolis DUI Attorney.
he office of Minnesota defense lawyer Gerald Miller, P.A. is here to help you. Call our experienced legal team today at 612-440-4610. We offer free consultations and are available anytime. We’re on your side.
About Gerald Miller, P.A.
Were you or someone you love arrested for DWI, domestic assault, or another crime? The process can be worrisome – or even frightening. There is a lot of legal jargon to weave through and court dates to attend.
You’re not alone. We can help, whether it’s your first DWI or if you’ve been convicted in the past.
If you are facing a Minnesota criminal conviction, the experienced Minneapolis DWI attorneys at Gerald Miller, P.A. will review your case and determine the best course of action. We will guide you through the process, working toward a positive outcome no matter the circumstances of the arrest. Our firm has a high success rate. We’ve fought cases all the way to the Minnesota Supreme Court. We dig into every aspect of the case, from the time of the arrest the officer’s actions to the accuracy of your Breathalyzer test.
What makes Gerald Miller different from other Minnesota criminal defense lawyers?
The Minneapolis lawyers at Gerald Miller handle all aspects of criminal law across the Twin Cities and statewide, but we have focused on DWIs for nearly 40 years. A DWI affects your driving ability, your finances, and your professional reputation. Don’t let one mistake negatively impact your future.
We have earned dozens of positive Google, Yelp and Facebook reviews from satisfied clients. Our firm is widely recognized throughout the Twin Cities for our professionalism, compassion, knowledge, and dedication both in and out of the courtroom. The Minneapolis DWI attorneys at Gerald Miller DWI Law Firm are respected by our peers, colleagues, judges, and prosecutors. We have earned national awards and accolades from the American Bar Association, The National Trial Lawyers, the American Institute of DWI/DUI Attorneys, the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the National Academy for DUI Defense, and more.
Gerald Miller, P.A. also has received the elite “SuperLawyer” distinction by Thomson Reuters.
Legal Counsel is Critical to Success
The sooner you contact us, the faster we can start protecting your rights. Even if your case cannot be dismissed, the charges may be reduced and punishment can be minimized, which are positive outcomes as well. There are a number of details in each person’s case that could have a huge impact on the possible outcome. It also helps if you were cooperative at the time of your arrest and if you followed the court’s requirements prior to your hearing, including completing an alcohol assessment and/or DWI classes.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation at 612-430-6743. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give you some answers, a little hope, and plenty of well-deserved peace of mind. Visit www.geraldmillerlawyer.com or check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
