Stage 1: The Arrest
A law enforcement officer places the defendant in custody and transports them to the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center for booking.
Stage 2: Booking And Initial Detention
Booking takes 2 to 4 hours. After booking, bail is set or held for a hearing. A bail bondsman can post bail as soon as the amount is set.
Stage 3: First Appearance And Bail
Within 36 to 48 hours of arrest, the defendant appears before a judge. The judge reviews the charges, advises the defendant of their rights, and sets or reviews bail. This is the first opportunity for a defense attorney to argue for lower bail.
Stage 4: The Preliminary Hearing
For felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held to determine whether there is probable cause to proceed with the charges. If the judge finds probable cause, the case moves forward. If not, the charges may be dismissed.
Stage 5: Arraignment
At the arraignment, formal charges are entered and the defendant enters a plea. Most defendants plead not guilty at this stage to preserve their options while the case is evaluated.
Stage 6: Pre-Trial Hearings
Pre-trial hearings address motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or resolve legal disputes before trial. This stage can take weeks to months depending on the complexity of the case.
Stage 7: Trial Or Plea
Most cases in Minneapolis are resolved through a plea agreement before trial. Cases that go to trial are decided by a jury or by a judge in a bench trial.
Stage 8: Sentencing
If the defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, a sentencing hearing determines the punishment. The bail bond obligation ends when the case is fully resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the criminal court process take in Minneapolis?
Simple misdemeanor cases can resolve in weeks. Felony cases often take months to over a year, especially if they go to trial.
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the formal court hearing where the defendant is presented with the official charges and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
What is a plea agreement?
A plea agreement is a deal between the prosecution and defense where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. Most criminal cases in Minneapolis are resolved through plea agreements rather than trials.
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