As Minnesotans celebrated the New Year over the weekend, they also welcomed some new laws to the books. Beginning January 1, 2022, a number of new laws went into effect in Minnesota, some of which impacted the world of criminal law. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the new criminal laws that are now in effect in Minnesota and explain how they could impact you in the future.
New Minnesota Laws In 2022
While there’s nothing earth-shattering about the changes that took effect in 2022, the following changes appear to be a win for the general public and the fight against injustice. Here’s what’s new in 2022.
Driver’s License Suspensions – New this year, a person cannot have their driver’s license suspended solely based on their failure to pay previous traffic tickets, parking fines or surcharges related to a conviction for vehicle operation or a parking citation. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety also cannot suspend a driver’s license for failing to appear in court for a petty misdemeanor offense.
Vehicle Seizures – Minnesota law enforcement can no longer seize a person’s vehicle through a civil forfeiture for failing to appear in court. Moreover, forfeiture notices have to warn all parties with an ownership interest in the vehicle and explain how to assert an innocent owner claim to prevent the forfeiture.
DWI Forfeitures – Vehicle forfeitures related to DWIs can be stayed so long as the driver participates in an ignition interlock program.
Property Seizures – Forfeiture laws now prevent police from taking cash or items totaling less than $1,500. About half of all cash seizures were for $600 or less in 2020.
All of these changes move the needle towards individual rights and help protect individuals from having a small issue snowball into a major crisis. And if you need help achieving justice in the new year, make sure your first call is to the team at Appelman Law Firm. We pride ourselves on helping Minnesotans get the best result possible for their criminal law or traffic issue, and we want to go to work for you.
For more information on how we can help you out of a sticky situation, or to set up a free strategy session where you can sit down with a lawyer, go over your options and make a plan for moving forward, click here or give us a call today at (952) 224-2277.
