Minnesota Judges Banning Internet for Some Defendants
In more and more criminal cases, Minnesota judges are banning defendants from using the Internet while they await trial or even as a condition of their probation. While it’s typically used in cases involving crimes over the Internet, defense attorneys and others are wondering if the sanction goes too far.
In this article from Minnesota Public Radio, one man awaiting trial for identity theft and threats over the web, has had all Internet access removed from his home by order of the judge. The defendant shares this home with his 3 teenagers.
This sanction is most typically used in cases of child pornography where Internet access provided the means to commit the initial crime and is too big of a risk to allow the person access to the web again. But, with so much business and daily life now being conducted online, defense attorneys think the sanction may be too broad.
Perhaps in the future, judges will be able to narrowly apply the sanction—allowing defendants to pay their bills or apply for jobs over the Internet without accessing the “problem areas” of the Net that may be related to their case.
Judges are able to set unique sanctions against people while they are awaiting trial, as a condition of their bond (release). These conditions help ensure the public is safe while the person is out on bond, reducing the number of people who have to be locked in jail awaiting trial.
Similarly, a temporary restraining order can be put in place when you are facing domestic or assault charges. This ensures you have no contact with the victim. Sometimes, if a protection order isn’t warranted, the judge may just tell you to refrain from contacting the other party.
Sanctions like these can then be carried over to the sentencing phase. They can be made into a condition of your probation like random drug testing and weekly visits with the P.O.
Crime penalties are far more than jail sentences and fines. From losing your driver’s license to being required to take classes, you can be sentenced to all kinds of sanctions.
If you are facing criminal charges and want to know what exactly you are up against, contact our defense lawyers today. We can help you with a legal consultation and some valuable advice on any Minnesota criminal charges.