Criminal Justice 101

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. I’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor-level crime that occurred in the City of Saint Paul. What happens now?

   After being charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor-level crime, you will be assigned your first court date. This is called an arraignment. You will be given an opportunity to apply for the services of a public defender before appearing before the judge. The judge will confirm that you understand the crime(s) with which you have been charged and make sure you understand your constitutional rights as a defendant in court. 

   For most people, at this court appearance you may also enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, depending on the circumstances of your case and plea, you may be sentenced at this hearing or your case will move forward to a sentencing hearing. If you do not plead guilty, your case will be set for a future hearing called a pretrial or omnibus hearing. At that point, you will have another opportunity to reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor. If you do not reach a plea agreement, your case will be set for trial. 

2. What’s the difference between a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, and a felony?

   All crimes committed in Minnesota are categorized based on the seriousness of the crime. 

   A misdemeanor is less serious than a gross misdemeanor.  A gross misdemeanor is less serious than a felony. A felony is the most serious level of crime in Minnesota.    

   A petty misdemeanor offense is less serious than a misdemeanor and is only punishable by a fine.  

   Our office only prosecutes petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor-level crimes and offenses committed by adults within the City of Saint Paul.  If you have been charged with a felony-level offense in Saint Paul or are a juvenile, please contact the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. 

3. All crimes committed in Minnesota are categorized based on the seriousness of the crime.  A misdemeanor is less serious than a gross misdemeanor.  A gross misdemeanor is less serious than a felony. A felony is the most serious level of crime in Minnesota

   For closed cases, public information is available on the Government Public Access page. 

   For cases that are currently open, you can contact the Ramsey County District Court at (651) 266-1999. 

4. Where can I find legal representation?

   The Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office cannot provide legal support to members of the public. If you need assistance in finding a lawyer, please contact one of the resources below.

   • State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense – Second Judicial District 

   • Ramsey County Bar Association 

   • Legal Aid Society 

   • Legal Rights Center 

   • Volunteer Lawyer Network 

   • Neighborhood Justice Center 

5. When do I need to be in court?

   Contact the Court Administrator at (651) 266-1999 to learn more about the status of your case. Please be sure to have your case number ready before your call. This should be located on your ticket or citation. 

6. How can I get text notices and hearing reminders?

   Missed court hearings will result in a warrant for your arrest. You can get a reminder of upcoming court dates by enrolling to receive hearing eReminders by text or email. You can find more information or sign up.

7. What is prohibited in court?

   When you go through courthouse security, you will be screened for prohibited items such as guns, ammunition, knives or cutting tools, chemical sprays, explosives, flammable liquid and/or toy/replica versions of all of these items. If you are carrying any of these items, they may be confiscated. 

8. What does my sentence mean?

   The judge handling your case will determine your final sentence. This happens immediately after your guilty plea, or at a future sentencing hearing, depending on the circumstances of your case. 

   While the judge holds the final authority to determine your sentence, their decision generally depends on the level of your conviction. For example, a misdemeanor holds a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, while a gross misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail and a $3,000 fine. Those are maximum penalties. Your sentence may be anything up to that amount. 

   Each sentence may include a unique set of requirements. For example, you may be required to undergo a chemical dependency assessment, anger management classes, or to remain law abiding. Your sentence may also include things like fines, community service, or restitution. If you fail to meet these requirements, the judge can give you a more severe set of consequences for your conviction. 

   Look at your sentence carefully and make sure you understand everything you are required to do. If there is something you do not understand, ask your attorney, probation officer, or the court for clarification. 

9. I want to have my criminal conviction expunged. What do I do?

   To begin the process of expungement, you may need to go to the Ramsey County Family Court Self Help Service Center in Saint Paul. They are located at 25 W. 7th Street on the first floor of the Juvenile and Family Justice Center. They can assist you with the paperwork and the process for asking for an expungement. For more information, please visit the Self Help Service Center website.

   You may also access the Judicial Branch website for expungement information. 

10. I have received a subpoena. What does it mean? Do I have to come to court?

    A subpoena is a court order requiring you to appear in court at a certain date and time to be a witness in a trial or hearing. If you do not respond to the subpoena or you do not appear in court on the scheduled date, you may be subject to arrest. 

    If you need to discuss scheduling options, contact the individual listed in the subpoena as soon as possible. 

11. When can I talk to a prosecutor to discuss my case?

    If you are not represented by an attorney, a prosecutor will be available to discuss your case at your first court appearance. When checking in with the court at your first court appearance, let them know you wish to speak with the prosecutor. You may also talk to the prosecutor at future court appearances.  

    If you are represented by an attorney, the prosecutor will not be able to talk to you directly. Instead, your attorney will communicate with the prosecutor on your behalf. 

12. How can I contact the court to check the status of a case, change a court date, handle a missed court appearance, or pay a fine?

    If you have an attorney, you should contact your attorney about getting your case rescheduled. If you do not have an attorney, call the Court Administrator at (651) 266-1999 and ask about the status of your case or request a schedule change. For closed cases, Government Public Access is available. 

    The City Attorney’s Office does not take payment of fines. For information on payment of fines, please see the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s options and contact information. 

13. What should I do if there is a warrant for my arrest in Ramsey County?

    Individuals with an active arrest warrant can turn themselves in 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center. When turning yourself in, it is best to arrive at the Adult Detention Center before 4 a.m., Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. All reasonable efforts will be made to place you on the next available, appropriate court calendar. The first available court date for your case will depend on the type of warrant issued, the status of your case, and the judge issuing the warrant. 

    For more information, please visit the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. 

14. What should I do in response to a traffic ticket?

    If you received a traffic citation in Ramsey county, you can either pay the traffic citation or make an appointment to talk with a Hearing Officer to contest the citation. If you wish to contest the citation, contact the number listed on the citation.

    See more information on responding to a traffic ticket.

15. What other resources are available to me?

    The City Attorney’s Office has problem-solving courts and programs that provide treatment and training for defendants and help them avoid future offenses. Learn more on our Treatment Courts page.