Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

Adult with juvenile charges

I have a 21 year old daughter who was charged with a felony when she was 17 years old. Right after she was charged, she turned 18 and moved out of state. An arrest warrant was served to her at my home and I told the Deputy that she had moved out of state. She just came home to visit us this week and was pulled over by a local Police Officer for failing to yield at an intersection and when he searched her records, he found that she had the pending warrant('s). She is sitting in jail for at least the weekend until she can see a Judge. Does anyone know what she might be looking at here. She has a three year old Daughter who is staying with me for now and she has a flight to catch in five days. Does anyone have any advice or know what I can do. I know that she needs to pay for her actions but this has the ability to seriously affect my life. Thanks in advance.


Asked on 11/28/03, 9:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: Adult with juvenile charges

It is possible that her case could be handled in juvenile court, or in adult court. This will depend upon facts not stated in the question. It would be better for her if the case were handled in juvenile court. In terms of what could happen to her, it's not possible to say, since a "felony" can be a serious crime or -- these days -- a non-serious crime; and, there is the possibility that she could be found "not guilty." In the immediate future, she should be brought before a judge very soon, for a pre-trial release hearing. At the hearing, she could be released on "personal recognizance," "conditional release," or upon the condition of Bail. She should have a lawyer to help represent her -- either a private lawyer or a public defender.

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Answered on 12/01/03, 2:25 pm
John Fossum Lundblad, Fossum & Zrimsek, L.L.P.

Re: Adult with juvenile charges

There is no way to tell you what she is facing without knowing a lot more about what the charges are and what has happened with them since she left. The court could adjudicate her delinquent and let her go, or it could allow the charges to go forward against her as an adult. She will need an attorney on Monday morning.

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Answered on 11/29/03, 5:46 pm


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