Minnesota Public Defenders Plead to Have Misdemeanors Handled Out of Court

Handling twice the number of cases recommended by the American Bar Association, Minnesotan public defenders are asking the State Judicial Council to lend them some assistance, namely by removing some cases from the courtroom altogether. Non violent cases, they say, are taking up too much time and using valuable resources.

Cases that carry a low threat of public safety, the defenders say, should be handled by a fine, not a mandatory court appearance. Loitering, petty theft, and misdemeanor trespassing are just a few of the offenses mentioned in this Brainer Dispatch article that they want to see moved.

Over the last three years public defender’s offices across the state have lost 15% of their staff along with massive budget cuts. Now, overworked and overloaded, the public defenders are looking to the courts to bring them some relief.

Prioritizing which cases need to be heard in a courtroom setting is an excellent way to minimize the burden on the defenders and everyone else involved. A courtroom trial for someone leaving a fishing line unattended hardly seems worth the time and the taxpayer’s money.

By moving these offenses out of the courts, citizens would be directed to pay a fine. If they felt they were not guilty, then they could go in front of the judge. It would be similar to getting a traffic ticket, though this would still be considered a criminal charge.

It isn’t clear what will come of this plea for assistance, though there seems to be definite opposition to moving even these nonviolent offenses out of the courtrooms. Executive Director of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association John Kingrey says, “Cattle rustling may not be a big deal in the Twin Cities, but….in the rural areas it is.” Certainly the victims of these alleged offenses may feel slighted by the change.

Other attempts at relief have been pursued only to be shot down. In Steele County a District Court judge recently denied reducing the caseloads of public defenders.

Regardless of the seriousness of the offense you are facing, if it’s a criminal offense, it should be taken seriously. Violent or not, if you are looking at a permanent criminal record and potential jail time you should really take a sobering look at what you’re up against.

Contact us today for a free consultation on your criminal case.