Understanding Criminal Sentencing Terms in Minnesota: Key Insights from Jack Rice Defense

Navigating criminal charges in Minnesota can be daunting, tricky and confusing and trying to understand the various sentencing options is crucial. The outcome of your case can significantly impact your future, and understanding these distinctions is essential for making informed decisions. At Jack Rice Defense, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the intricacies of the legal system to achieve the best results. If you are facing criminal charges, you need to know what potential outcomes mean. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.

“There are a lot of legal terms the apply to sentencing. You must understand each in order to know how they could change your life.”

In Minnesota, there are four primary types of criminal sentences:

Stay of Adjudication

A stay of adjudication generally represents the most favorable resolution following a guilty plea or verdict. In this situation, the court refuses from issuing a formal conviction. Adjudication is deferred while you fulfill specific conditions, which may include probation, community service, court fees, restitution, or participation in treatment programs like anger management or substance abuse counseling. In other words, this is no conviction. However, these may be difficult to obtain as they cannot be offered over a prosector’s objection.

Successfully completing these conditions leads to the dismissal of the charge, ensuring that you have no conviction on your record. It’s important to note that you remain conviction-free during the stay. However, failure to comply may result in the court revoking the stay and applying the conviction. This option is available for misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and certain felonies, making it a favorable outcome for many defendants. However, it provides exposure for the plea to be accepted by the court, resulting in a conviction.

Stay of Imposition

A stay of imposition is another potentially beneficial resolution, though it offers slightly less advantage than a stay of adjudication. With this sentence, a felony conviction may be changed to a misdemeanor upon successful completion of probation, similar to gross misdemeanors.

Probation requirements may entail jail time, house arrest, community service, fines, restitution, or treatment programs. Noncompliance can lead to the revocation of the stay, potentially resulting in a harsher sentence, such as a stay of execution or an executed sentence. While it doesn't provide the immediate benefits of a stay of adjudication, a stay of imposition still allows for the possibility of mitigating the long-term effects of a conviction.

Stay of Execution

A stay of execution means the court imposes a sentence but suspends its enforcement as long as you adhere to the probation conditions. If you violate these conditions, the court can enforce the original sentence, which may entail serving jail or prison time.

Unlike a stay of adjudication or a stay of imposition, a stay of execution does not offer options for dismissal or reduction of the charge. Probation conditions may involve jail time, fines, restitution, or mandated programs.

Executed Sentence

An executed sentence is the most severe outcome, where the court requires you to serve your sentence in jail or prison without the possibility of probation. Generally speaking, this is the worst of all worlds unless you are trying to get your sentence done and behind you without any government impediments. This may do that although there are some cases where the government can still retain some interest.

For misdemeanors, the maximum executed sentence is 90 days; however, “good time” credits typically reduce actual time served to around 60 days.

Gross misdemeanors can carry a maximum of 364 days, with approximately 243 days served with good time credits.

For felonies, sentencing varies based on the severity of the crime and your prior criminal history. According to Minnesota's sentencing guidelines, felons must serve two-thirds of their sentence in prison, with the remaining third spent on supervised release. Violation of supervised release terms can lead to a return to prison to complete the sentence.

“In the end, some outcomes are absolutely better than others and every case is different. However, knowing what the words mean is a good first step.”

Protect Your Future with Jack Rice Defense

Criminal charges can profoundly affect your career, reputation, and personal life. Enlisting the help of an experienced defense attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case. If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Minnesota, reach out to Jack Rice Defense for a free, confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.

When your future is at stake, trust Jack Rice Defense to stand by your side.