Minnesota law

Criminal Defense Laws in Minnesota.

Minnesota classifies criminal offenses as felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors. The state uses sentencing guidelines that calculate presumptive sentences based on offense severity and criminal history. Minnesota also has strong expungement laws that allow certain records to be sealed.

Last verified: 2026-04-22

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State law

Statute of Limitations

No limit for murder; 3–9 years for most feloniesMinn. Stat. § 628.26

Murder has no statute of limitations. Most felonies must be charged within 3 years, with longer periods (up to 9 years) for certain sex offenses and financial crimes.

Exceptions

Sexual Conduct Offenses — 9 years (some with no limit)Minn. Stat. § 628.26(e)–(j)

Criminal sexual conduct offenses have extended limitation periods. Some offenses against minors have no statute of limitations if DNA evidence is available.

Misdemeanors — 3 yearsMinn. Stat. § 628.26(f)

Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges must generally be brought within 3 years.

State law

Key Minnesota Statutes

Sentencing GuidelinesMinn. Stat. § 244.09

Minnesota uses a sentencing guidelines grid that calculates presumptive sentences based on the severity of the current offense and the offender's criminal history score.

ExpungementMinn. Stat. § 609A.02

Minnesota allows expungement (sealing) of criminal records in certain circumstances, including completed diversions, petty misdemeanors, certain misdemeanors, and some gross misdemeanors and felonies.

DWI PenaltiesMinn. Stat. § 169A.20–.75

Minnesota DWI penalties escalate based on aggravating factors: prior offenses within 10 years, BAC of .16 or higher, child in the vehicle, or refusal to test.

Right to CounselMinn. Stat. § 611.14

A person charged with a crime punishable by incarceration has the right to be represented by a public defender if they cannot afford an attorney.

State law

Official Sources

Minnesota Revisor of Statutes Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.

Minnesota

County-by-County Criminal Defense Guides

View courthouse information, legal aid organizations, and local resources for criminal defense cases in specific Minnesota counties.

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Criminal Defense Laws in Minnesota.

Ask about a criminal defense deadline, right, or next step.

Statute of Limitations

Key Minnesota Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

County-by-County Criminal Defense Guides

Other state law topics.