What is the 48 hour rule in Minnesota?

Asked by: Josianne Bins  |  Last update: June 29, 2026
Score: 5/5 (46 votes)

In Minnesota, the 48-hour rule typically refers to the constitutional mandate that an individual arrested without a warrant must have a judge review their case and find "probable cause" to continue holding them within 48 hours.

What is a 48 hour hold in Minnesota?

1. Time Limit. When a person arrested without a warrant is not released under this rule or Rule 6, a judge must make a probable cause determination without unnecessary delay, and in any event within 48 hours from the time of the arrest, including the day of arrest, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

What felonies cannot be expunged in Minnesota?

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Felony Murder (when occurring during a predatory crime)
  • Kidnapping.
  • Criminal Sexual Conduct (all degrees)
  • Prostitution (certain offenses involving minors)
  • False Imprisonment (in specific circumstances)
  • Indecent Exposure (repeat or aggravated)

How long can police detain you without probable cause?

Penal Code § 825). This “48-hour rule” means that within two days, you must either be charged with a crime or let go. However, there are a few exceptions that may allow the police to hold you for more than 48 hours, such as if you're arrested on a warrant from another county or if a judge grants a special extension.

Does a cop have to tell you why they pulled you over in Minnesota?

A peace officer making such a traffic stop must inform the vehicle's operator of a reason for the stop unless it would be unreasonable to do so under the totality of the circumstances.

48-hour rule changes I KMSP FOX 9

23 related questions found

What's the worst felony you can receive?

High-level felonies are the worst kinds of felonies and are reserved for Class A, Class B1 or B2, Class C and Class D felonies. These include crimes such as arson, burglary, armed robbery, voluntary manslaughter and murder.

Is every DUI a felony now in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, DWIs can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the facts of the offense and the offender's prior record. Here is some information about the ranges of DUI charges.

What is the new expungement law in Minnesota?

Minnesota’s new "Clean Slate Act," effective January 1, 2025, automatically seals certain low-level criminal records, including petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and some nonviolent felonies, bypassing the need for a petition. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) began rolling out these automated, proactive expungements for eligible records in mid-2025 to increase access to housing and employment.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

There are also states that have passed clean slate laws. These seal or expunge records of misdemeanors and some felonies more than a certain number of years old. Seven years is a typical cutoff for felonies. In these cases, CRAs normally won't be able to uncover a record of the convictions.

Does a DUI show up on a background check in Minnesota?

Yes, a DWI Shows on Most Background Checks

DWI convictions in Minnesota appear on criminal background checks run through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) indefinitely unless expunged. These records stay publicly accessible for 15 years after sentence completion but remain in the system permanently.

What is the trick question police ask?

Police often use trick questions designed to get drivers to admit to wrongdoing or waive their constitutional rights, especially during traffic stops. The most common "trick" is "Do you know why I pulled you over?", which is designed to make you admit guilt for a specific infraction (e.g., "Because I was speeding").

Do I legally have to answer the door?

Unless officers have a valid search warrant, an arrest warrant, or exigent circumstances (such as an emergency), you have the right to remain inside and decline contact. Simply put: Silence and non-engagement are lawful.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

For police, holding up four fingers generally means "Code 4", indicating that a situation is secure, under control, or no further assistance is needed. It is a common, often silent, hand signal used to communicate "I'm OK" or "all good" to other officers during traffic stops or scene responses.

Is it legal to eat while driving in Minnesota?

It is not explicitly illegal to eat while driving in Minnesota, but it is considered a form of distracted driving. If eating causes you to drive erratically, swerve, or fail to maintain lane control, law enforcement can pull you over and issue a citation for distracted driving or unsafe operation.

What actor was a cop in real life?

Several actors worked as police officers before or during their acting careers, most notably Dennis Farina (Chicago PD), David Zayas (NYPD), and Ken Osmond (LAPD). These actors often brought, or were cast for, an authentic "tough cop" persona to their roles in film and television.

Can you refuse to exit your vehicle in Minnesota?

When it comes to traffic stops, remain in your vehicle at all times unless you have been directed to exit the vehicle by an officer. Once they have requested that you step out of the vehicle, go ahead and exit the car. By doing so, you'll avoid any additional trouble that could arise out of the situation.

What is the silliest felony?

Some of the funniest "felonies" and legal infractions involve bizarre, rarely enforced laws, such as selling "blind" Swiss cheese without holes (a federal violation) or using a hot spring in Yellowstone to cook chickens. Other notable examples include licking hallucinogenic toads or mispronouncing the state name of Arkansas.

How to convince a judge to not put you in jail?

Examples of mitigating factors can include a lack of a criminal record, your age, your mental health, your expression of remorse, or any other relevant circumstances. Alternative sentencing: Finally, if you are convicted, your attorney can suggest alternatives to jail time.

What is the hardest case to win in court?

Cases deemed hardest to win in court generally involve high burdens of proof, complex evidence, or intense emotional bias, with first-degree murder (defense), medical malpractice (plaintiff), and sexual assault/domestic violence (prosecution) ranked among the most difficult. These cases often hinge on proving intent, navigating complex forensic data, or overcoming jury bias.

What state is toughest on DUI?

Every year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) ranks the states with the toughest DUI laws. In 2020, Arizona received its highest scoreMadd Rates All 50 States On Drunk Driving Laws, a 5 out of 5.

How long does a DUI in Minnesota stay on your record?

How long does a DUI stay on my driving record? In Minnesota, a DUI stays on your driving record for life. DUI's cannot be expunged (or erased) from your driving record. This is because the State uses any DUI within the previous 10 years to enhance any new charges.

Is 2 beers above the legal limit?

The Facts About Beers and Blood-Alcohol Levels

A 180-lb man may be able to drink 3.5 regular 12-ounce beers in one hour and keep his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) under the legal limit of . 08%. Similarly, a 140-lb woman may be able to consume 2.5 regular beers in an hour and maintain a BAC of less than . 08%.

What is the clean slate in Minnesota?

Effective January 1, 2025, Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act automatically seals eligible criminal records, removing the need for individuals to file petitions for many non-violent offenses. This law covers certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, allowing over 500,000 residents with qualifying records to receive a second chance.

Will a DUI from 30 years ago show up on a background check?

In California, a DUI conviction remains visible on your criminal record indefinitely, meaning it can show up on most background checks throughout your life unless you take legal steps to remove it.

What crimes cannot be expunged in MN?

Here are some of the most common felony convictions that are not eligible for statutory expungement but may be considered for inherent authority expungement.

  • Felony DWI.
  • Felony Assault.
  • Felony Criminal Sexual Conduct.
  • Felony Burglary.
  • Felony Offenses Requiring Registration.
  • Felony Terroristic Threats.
  • Felony Domestic Assault.