If you have been charged in Minnesota, the single most common question is simply what happens next. Here is the sequence, in order, and what actually matters at each stage.
Call (612) 441-4417 for a free, confidential consultation, available 24/7.
First, the court that hears your case
All Minnesota criminal cases are heard in District Court, whether the charge is a petty misdemeanor or a felony. Minnesota has no Superior Court. Your case is heard in the county where the offense is alleged to have occurred.
1. Arrest, citation, or summons
Not every case starts with an arrest. Many begin with a citation or a summons in the mail after a police report goes to the prosecutor. If you are arrested, you generally must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay.
2. First appearance
You are told the charges and your rights, counsel is addressed, and conditions of release are set. This is where bail, no contact orders, and other release conditions are decided, and those conditions can shape your life for months.
3. Omnibus hearing
This is the stage that matters most and the one people underestimate. The defense can challenge probable cause and, critically, move to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful stop, search, seizure, or interrogation. Winning a suppression issue here can end the case.
4. Pretrial and plea negotiation
The parties address the strength of the evidence and any resolution. In Minnesota, dispositions can include a stay of adjudication, a stay of imposition, or a stay of execution, and the difference between them determines whether you end up with a felony on your record.
5. Trial
You have the right to a jury trial. The State must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
6. Sentencing
Felony sentences are guided by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines grid, which combines the severity level of the offense with the criminal history score. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor sentences are governed by the statutory maximums.
Offense levels and maximum penalties
| Level | Maximum incarceration | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| Petty misdemeanor | None, not a crime in Minnesota | $300 |
| Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 |
| Gross misdemeanor | 364 days | $3,000 |
| Felony | More than 1 year | Varies by offense |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a stay of adjudication and a stay of imposition?
With a stay of adjudication, no conviction is entered if you complete probation successfully. With a stay of imposition, a felony conviction is entered but is reduced to a misdemeanor upon successful discharge. The distinction is the difference between having a conviction and not having one.
How long does a Minnesota criminal case take?
It varies widely by county and complexity. A simple misdemeanor may resolve in a few months, while a contested felony can take a year or more.
Do I have to attend every hearing?
Generally yes, unless the court excuses your appearance. Missing a hearing can result in a warrant.
Call (612) 441-4417 for a free, confidential consultation, available 24/7.
Related: Minnesota criminal defense and Minneapolis criminal defense.