Free School Meals for Kids Program

September 2023 marked the first school year where Minnesota’s new permanent “Free School Meals for Kids Program” will be in effect as part of the House’s newly passed bill. For many families, the cost of school meals can add up over time and aggravate any financial strain they’re under. The Free School Meals for Kids Program provides financial relief by offering all students a free breakfast and lunch every day they’re in school.

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Justifiable Homicide in Minnesota

What Is Justifiable Homicide in Minnesota?

Justifiable homicide is a confusing term. Most people associate the word “homicide” with “murder.” Putting “justified” in front of “murder” seems like a non sequitur; when is there ever a legal justification for killing a person? This may be especially confusing given concepts like “manslaughter” wherein a (sometimes unintentional) death caused by another person (often due to negligence) is still prosecuted.

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Trespassing Laws in Minnesota

What Are Minnesota’s Trespassing Laws?

Trespassing has a greater impact than many people likely realize. It affects a broad swath of society, from unhoused people and minors to outdoor recreation enthusiasts and business owners. The simple act of trespassing is a misdemeanor that carries penalties of up to 90 days in prison and fines of up to $1,000 or potentially a gross misdemeanor variation with up to a year in prison and fines of up to $3,000.

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stand your ground laws in Minnesota

Does Minnesota Have Stand Your Ground Laws?

No – not by the definition usually used for “stand your ground.” If there’s one primary differentiator between stand your ground laws and other self-defense statutes, it’s the duty to retreat. In states like Minnesota, you have a duty to retreat before utilizing deadly force in defense of yourself or others. If there is simply no means of retreat, and you reasonably believe you are at risk of suffering serious, possibly fatal injuries from the aggressor, you can potentially utilize deadly force in self defense without facing criminal consequences.

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understanding the fee structure for lawyers

Understanding Attorney Fees and Legal Costs

Are you hesitant to contact a local Minneapolis–St. Paul lawyer to help with your legal needs due to the potential cost? Searching for, finding and hiring a lawyer can be an intimidating process, especially if you’ve never been through it before. While some attorneys can be expensive, you should keep in mind that many attorneys carefully price their services to ensure clients from all walks of life can afford representation. It may be worth your time to do a little digging to find out for sure how much your legal services might cost before you forgo legal representation.

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