Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

False comment in police report

In April 2007 my boyfriend and I got into an arguement. He was drinking and being really rude and I left crying and angry but when I left I grabbed his keys. (I dont know why, to make him mad) I was going to dump them on the ground on my way out. Well when I was getting in my car he jumped off the stairs my hand was slammed in the car door and my thumb broke. When the cops asked why i took the keys i lied and said he had my house key and i wanted it back. Now he is facing felony charges for breaking my thumb and he knows I lied about why I took the keys. What will happen if I tell the prosecutor the real reason i took the keys? Will I face any charges? Trial is on the 17th and I feel I should tell the truth. But does why i took the keys even matter in the case? He says it does cuz thats why he ran after me. What advice can you give me? I feel sick about all of this


Asked on 3/06/08, 9:19 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: False comment in police report

First, why you took the keys is largely irrelevant to the felony charge of assault. the question is whether or not your boyfriend acted with the intent to harm you, and, if so, whether or not the act was reasonable to defend his property.

Your boyfriend will require an aggressive attorney. A felony charge where there has been a substantial injury is extremely serious.

For a FREE consultation have him call 612.240.8005.

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Answered on 3/06/08, 12:15 pm
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: False comment in police report

Though I normally represent the accused, I have represented victims in criminal cases. Victims have the right to be represented by a lawyer if they choose. Sometimes victims are threatened by prosecutors. In my experience, so far none of these threats have ever been carried out. Still, I believe it is very helpful for a victim to have a lawyer represent them and their interests, in order to have fairness against the prosecutor and protection from the prosecutor. This would be especially true of you oppose the prosecution of the accused. Prosecutors often manipulate and threaten victims. A lawyer for a victim can help remedy that.

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Answered on 3/06/08, 12:26 pm


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