Minnesota

Defendant Who Attacked PD Gave Up Right to a Lawyer, Court Says

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed a judge’s refusal to appoint a new lawyer for a defendant who attacked his public defender in court. The appeals court said William Lehman forfeited his right to a court-appointed lawyer when he attacked public defender Mark Groettum in the courtroom, the St.…

May 14, 2008 11:14 AM CDT

Driver Kills Dog, Sues Owners for Damages

A Minnesota driver who struck and killed a dog has sued its owner for damages. Jeffery Ely maintains he deserves about $1,100 compensation for damage to his car and the time he had to take off work for repairs. The dog was a miniature pinscher named Fester after the uncle…

May 9, 2008 4:18 PM CDT

Minnesota Officials Recorded Inmate’s Phone Calls to Lawyer

A Minnesota attorney reportedly is livid after Becker County officials admitted that they have been recording his telephone calls with an incarcerated client. Although the officials say they haven’t actually listened to the attorney-client phone calls, and delete privileged conversations before passing the tapes on to prosecutors, defense lawyer Rory…

Mar 13, 2008 10:19 PM CDT

Hard-Fought Attorney Union Campaign in Minn. AG’s Office

Ground zero in a union-organizing effort that has attracted international attention might strike some as an unlikely venue. But the 135-lawyer Minnesota attorney general’s office is a worker-rights hot spot. Nearly one-third of the staff lawyers allegedly have left, either of their own volition or because they were forced out,…

Mar 13, 2008 4:06 PM CDT

Legal Costs in Sen. Craig’s Restroom Case Near $250,000

Ongoing litigation over Sen. Larry Craig’s disorderly conduct plea last year in a case sparked by a restroom sting operation hasn’t come cheap. Total legal costs for both sides are now nearing $250,000, as the Republican senator from Idaho continues to seek a Minnesota appellate court ruling that he can…

Feb 28, 2008 8:45 PM CST

After 20 Years of Unauthorized Practice, Prosecutor Gets Bar Probation

For 20 years, Gemma Graham didn’t comply with Minnesota’s continuing legal education requirements, yet continued to work as a county prosecutor even though her law license was on restricted status. Now, under a plea agreement, she has admitted that her conduct violated professional conduct rules, and the state supreme court…

Feb 13, 2008 8:11 PM CST

Judge Warns Lawyers About Appeals of His Rulings

A federal judge overseeing a racial discrimination suit filed by five black police officers against the city of Minneapolis warned lawyers they need to display the “right attitude” during a hearing on Thursday. David told the lawyers they could face sanctions if the case becomes too litigious by repeated appeals…

Feb 1, 2008 1:16 PM CST

Law Student Accused of DWI Had Criticized Drunken Driver in Fiancée’s Death

A law student who criticized the sentence for a drunken driver responsible for his fiancée’s death has himself been charged with drunken driving. Adam Lawrence Doyle had said the maximum 69-month sentence for the drunken driver accused in his fiancée’s April death was too light, calling it “ridiculous.” Now Doyle,…

Jan 23, 2008 2:24 PM CST

ACLU Argues Sex in Bathroom Stalls Is Private

The American Civil Liberties Union filed an amicus brief on behalf of Sen. Larry Craig yesterday that argues people who have sex in bathroom stalls have an expectation of privacy. The ACLU’s brief, filed with the Minnesota Court of Appeals, says the government cannot prove Craig was inviting an undercover…

Jan 16, 2008 7:50 PM CST

Garrison Keillor Files Suit Against Neighbor

A dispute between Garrison Keillor and his neighbor doesn’t have a Lake Wobegon ending: The host of A Prairie Home Companion has filed a lawsuit seeking to block a home addition. Keillor’s suit says the addition to his neighbor’s home in their historic district will “impair or destroy protected historical…

Jan 16, 2008 3:18 PM CST

Experts Say Design Defect Caused Minn. Bridge Collapse

Updated: Federal investigators are expected to announce today that a design defect caused the collapse of a Minneapolis bridge last summer, killing 13 and injuring more than 100 in a horrific accident that focused attention on bridge safety nationwide. As an ABAJournal.com post soon after the accident details, steel gusset…

Jan 15, 2008 8:12 PM CST

Lawsuit Question: Is Stray Voltage or Lack of ‘Cow Comfort’ Thinning Herds?

At least six lawsuits in southern Minnesota contend stray voltage from overloaded power lines is harming cattle. Electricity needs to run in a complete circuit, but sometimes it can’t return to its source because of power line disrepair or overload, the Associated Press reports. When blocked, the electricity goes into…

Jan 10, 2008 7:23 PM CST

Acting US Atty Named in Minnesota

The Justice Department has named veteran prosecutor Frank Magill to take over as interim U.S. attorney in Minnesota. He replaces the embattled Rachel Paulose, a move the Associated Press characterized as “replacing youth with experience.” Paulose, who when she was appointed was 32 and among the youngest U.S. attorneys ever,…

Jan 4, 2008 7:19 PM CST

Prosecutor Must Specify Injustice to Obtain Reporter’s Notes, Court Says

A Minnesota appeals court has ruled that a journalist does not have to turn over notes of a phone call with a gunman who shot two police officers before he committed suicide. The court said the state’s shield law protected the notes of Mankato Free Press reporter Dan Nienaber, CNHI…

Jan 2, 2008 5:06 PM CST

Duck Cruelty Case Creates Controversy for Animal Rights Attorney

A young animal rights attorney in Minneapolis is on the hot seat after writing to the judge hearing a case against a man accused of ripping the head off of a live duck in front of onlookers at a downtown hotel. Corwin Kruse, a lawyer at Dorsey & Whitney who…

Dec 14, 2007 5:15 PM CST