Criminal Defense

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Fact Sheets

Your Rights to Record and Observe Law Enforcement

Read this in: English, Spanish / Español, Hmong / Hmoob, Somali / Soomaali

What Should I Do If I Think the Police Violated my Rights?

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I Got Arrested. What Happens Now?

Read this in: English, Spanish / Español, Hmong / Hmoob, Somali / Soomaali

Other Resources

Helpful Websites

Asking for a Public Defender - Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Author: Minnesota Board of Public Defense

How to ask for a public defender - the free legal option for people facing criminal charges.

Go to the website: Get a Public Defender - Minnesota Board of Public Defense

ICE Watch Legal

Author: National Lawyers Guild

Are you involved in constitutional observing, being an upstander, or going to a protest? The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) offers vetted legal guidance so you know what rights you have, and what risks you may experience.

Go to the website: ICE Watch Legal - National Lawyers Guild

First Defense Hotline

Author: Legal Rights Center

If you are arrested in Hennepin County and can't afford a private lawyer, call the First Defense Hotline at 612-200-0844 for help.The Legal Rights Center offers the First Defense Hotline to provide free, high-quality, early-stage representation to arrestees in Hennepin County. The hotline is fueled with support from volunteer attorneys and law students who mobilize to provide early-stage representation.

Go to the website: First Defense Hotline

Evidence and Exhibits

Author: Minnesota Judicial Branch

One of the most important steps you can take when getting ready for court is getting your evidence together and using exhibits. The court has a way for you to do this called the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MNDES). It’s a website to upload your evidence. The link below has info on the rules of evidence and MNDES. The last tab on the page has a link to the MNDES website. Make sure you read everything carefully because the rules can be complicated.

Go to the website: MN Courts - Evidence and Exhibits

Federal Court Pro Se Prisoner Resources

Author: Minnesota Federal District Court

Information for prisoners with Federal Court claims

Go to the website: Pro Se Prisoner Resources - Federal Court

Legal Stuff Booklet

Author: Hennepin County Bar Association

48-page booklet of practical legal information for Minnesota residents.

Go to the website: Legal Stuff Booklet (pdf) - Hennepin County Bar Association

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Videos

6 Tips for Going to Court

Source: Education for Justice

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