There are a bunch of new laws that go into effect on August 1st, so in the interest of protecting the public and keeping them informed, we want to highlight the new statutes that impact criminal law in Minnesota. Here’s a look at what’s going into law next week.
Criminal Law Changes
For a full list of the laws that are going into effect on August 1, click here. Otherwise, below is a list of the new rules affecting criminal law.
Service Animals – A new law will make it a crime to knowingly misrepresent an animal as a service animal in a public place in order to gain rights or privileges reserved for individuals who qualify for a service animal under Minnesota or federal law. A first-time violation of the new order will result in a petty misdemeanor, while subsequent violations are treated as misdemeanor offenses.
DUI Loophole Closed – As we described in a previous blog, Minnesota is closing a DUI loophole on August 1st. Previously, individuals who had their driver’s licenses revoked could still operate an ATV or off-road vehicle. Under the new law, individuals convicted of a DUI will not be able to keep their off-road vehicle licenses.
DUIs Affect Boaters – Lawmakers also passed a regulation that states that any person who earns a DUI in any vehicle will have their boating license revoked for a 90-day period between May 1 and October 31. This is known as Little Allen’s Law, and it is in honor of an 8-year-old boy who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver.
Porn and Sex Trafficking – The Department of Public Safety will begin collecting information on how pornography supports sex trafficking through things like demand, victim grooming and the creation of revenue streams. This also expands the crimes for which the department must gather statistical data for it’s bi-annual human trafficking report.
New Prostitution Charges – A new law will add eight crimes to the list of prostitution-related offenses for which the court imposes an assessment of between $500 to $1,000 in addition to any base fine amount. Labor trafficking, solicitation of a child, possession of pornography involving minors and coercion are just a few of the crimes that have been added to the list.
Hotel Sex Trafficking – Every hotel and motel in Minnesota will be required to train its employees to identify sex trafficking at their place of business within 90 days of hiring or 120 days after August 1.
Move Over Law – A new law expands protections for certain vehicles who are stopped alongside the road. The Ted Foss Move Over law previously required motorists to move over or slow down if moving to the left lane isn’t possible when approaching emergency personnel like a cop or ambulance on the side of the road. The new law expands that protection to emergency vehicles like tow trucks, road maintenance crews and utility vehicles.
If you run into any trouble with the new laws or one that has been on the books for years, reach out to the experienced lawyers at Appelman Law Firm today.
