Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

conditions of release after 2 months
my b/f went to court for his first appearence this week. He has been out on a 7000.00 bond for which a friend put up his farm. this week was his first appearance in front of a judge and she put conditions on his release avan though he has been out of jail since 12/06/06. Can they now put such restrictions on him such as no guns in home, no drinking and random drug tests even though he has not been convicted and has been out on bond for almost 2 months?

Asked on 2/28/07, 11:37 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

Re: conditions of release after 2 months - change

Yes.

Answered on 3/01/07, 1:33 pm

Mark as helpful

John Jesperson Minnesota Lawyers - Jesperson Law Offices

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

Re: conditions of release after 2 months

Thank you for your question about conditions of release.

Yes, the judge can impose conditions on his pretrial release, including, among other things, bail, random urinalysis, no drinking, and no access to firearms. These conditions can be imposed even if he was previously released on a bond without restrictions.

What you have described is not uncommon. I presume he was initially released following a short bail hearing. At the first appearance (where I presume he entered a not guilty plea), the court may have had more facts to consider, and in light of that, deemed tougher release conditions necessary. You should be aware that the conditions of release can be modified any time before trial.

Thank you for your question. Good luck. I presume your friend is represented by an attorney. If not, and if he does not qualify for a public defender, you may contact my office for further information. My contact information is below.

Answered on 2/28/07, 11:49 am

Mark as helpful