Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

statute of limitations for failure to appear

i got a letter in the mail saying that there was a warrant out for my arrest for failure to appear in court for an underage drinking charge. i never received anything saying i need to go to court. what is the statute of limitations in Mn for failure to appear for a minor charge


Asked on 3/18/08, 8:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: statute of limitations for failure to appear

If there is a warrant for your arrest, then generally you will have already been charged with a crime (perhaps "underage consumption"). Once a criminal charge has been filed with the court, if that was done within the applicable statute of limitations period, then the statute of limitations would not provide a defense (unless, perhaps, the charge was dismissed then re-charged after the expiration of the limitations period). The shortest statute of limitations period for Minnesota state law crimes, the last time I checked, was three years. If you were charged with a crime within three years, it is unlikely this would be a viable defense. Still, check with your lawyer.

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Answered on 3/19/08, 5:33 pm


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