Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Procedure

Delinquency, Juvenile Petty Offenses and Juvenile Traffic Offenses

Including amendments promulgated July 11, 2005, and effective September 1, 2005.

Provided by the Supreme Court Commissioner’s Office.

 

Rule 1.  Scope, Application and General Purpose

1.01     Scope and Application

1.02     General Purpose

Rule 2.  Attendance at Hearings and Privacy

2.01     Right to Attend Hearing

2.02     Exclusion of Persons Who Have a Right to Attend Hearings

2.03     Presence Required

2.04     Right to Participate

2.05     Ex-Parte Communications

Rule 3.  Right to Counsel

3.01     Generally

3.02     Appointment of Counsel

3.03     Dual Representation

3.04     Waiver of Right to Counsel

3.05     Renewal of Advisory

3.06     Eligibility for Court Appointed Counsel at Public Expense

3.07     Right of Parent(s), Legal Guardian(s), Legal Custodian(s) and Guardian Ad Litem to Counsel

Rule 4.  Warrants

4.01     Search Warrants Upon Oral Testimony

4.02     Search Warrants Upon Written Application

4.03     Warrants for Immediate Custody

Rule 5.  Detention

5.01     Scope and General Principles

5.02     Definitions

5.03     Detention Decision

5.04     Release or Continued Detention

5.05     Detention Reports

5.06     Identification Procedures

5.07     Detention Hearing

5.08     Detention Review

Rule 6.  Charging Document

6.01     Generally

6.02     Tab Charge or Citation

6.03     Petition

6.04     Amendment

6.05     Probable Cause

6.06     Procedure on Filing a Charging Document with the Court

Rule 7.  Arraignment

7.01     Application

7.02     Generally

7.03     Timing

7.04     Hearing Procedure

Rule 8.  Pleas

8.01     Application

8.02     Generally

8.03     Plea of Not Guilty Without Appearance

8.04     Plea of Guilty

Rule 9.  Settlement Discussions and Plea Agreements

9.01     Generally

9.02     Relationship Between the Child and the Child's Counsel

9.03     Disclosure of Settlement Agreement

9.04     Settlement Discussions and Agreements Not Admissible

Rule 10.  Discovery

10.01   Scope and Application

10.02   Evidence and Identification Disclosure

10.03   Notice of Additional Offenses

10.04   Disclosure by Prosecuting Attorney

10.05   Disclosure by Child

10.06   Regulation of Discovery

10.07   Taking Depositions

Rule 11.  Pretrial Conference

11.01   Timing

11.02   Evidentiary and Other Issues

Rule 12.  Omnibus Hearing

12.01   Scheduling of Omnibus Hearing

12.02   Scheduling of Trial

Rule 13.  Trials

13.01   Purpose and Application

13.02   Commencement of Trial

13.03   Trial

13.04   Evidence

13.05   Use of Depositions at Trial

13.06   Standard of Proof

13.07   Joint Trials

13.08   Joinder and Severance of Offenses

13.09   Findings

13.10   Further Proceedings

Rule 14.  Continuance for Dismissal

14.01   Agreements Permitted

14.02   Court Approval; Filing of Agreement; Release

14.03   Modification of Agreement

14.04   Termination of Agreement; Resumption of Proceedings

14.05   Emergency Order

14.06   Release Status Upon Resumption of Delinquency, Juvenile Petty or Juvenile Traffic Proceedings

14.07   Termination of Agreement; Dismissal

14.08   Termination and Dismissal Upon Showing of Rehabilitation

14.09   Modification or Termination and Dismissal Upon Child's Motion

14.10   Court Authority to Dismiss

Rule 15.  Delinquency Disposition

15.01   Generally

15.02   Timing

15.03   Predisposition Reports

15.04   Hearing

15.05   Dispositional Order

15.06   Informal Review

15.07   Probation Violation

15.08   Other Modifications

Rule 16.  Post-trial Motions

16.01   Post-Trial Motions

16.02   Motion to Vacate the Finding that the Allegations of the Petition or Charging Document are Proved

16.03   Joinder of Motions

16.04   New Trial on Court's Own Motion

Rule 17.  Juvenile Petty Offender and Juvenile Traffic Offender

17.01   Scope, Application and General Purpose

17.02   Right to Counsel

17.03      Warrants

17.04      The Charging Document and Notice of Arraignment

17.05   Arraignment

17.06   Pleas

17.07   Discovery

17.08      Pretrial and Omnibus Hearing

17.09      Adjudication and Disposition

17.10   Transfer to Adult Court of Juvenile Traffic Matter

17.11   Child Incompetent to Proceed

Rule 18.  Certification of Delinquency Matters

18.01   Application

18.02   Initiation of Certification Proceedings of Delinquency Matters

18.03   Notice of Certification

18.04   Certification Study

18.05   Hearing

18.06   Certification Determination

18.07   Order

18.08   Termination of Jurisdiction Upon Certification

18.09   Withdrawal of Waiver of Certification Hearing

Rule 19.  Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Proceedings and Prosecution

19.01   Initiation of Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Proceedings and Prosecution

19.02   Notice of the Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Proceeding

19.03   Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Study

19.04   Hearings on Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Proceedings

19.05   Public Safety Determination

19.06      Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Prosecution Determination

19.07      Order

19.08   Withdrawal of Waiver of Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Hearing

19.09   Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Prosecution

19.10      Disposition

19.11      Revocation

Rule 20.  Child Incompetent to Proceed and Defense of Mental Illness or Mental Deficiency

20.01   Proceeding When Child is Believed to be Incompetent

20.02   Defense of Mental Illness or Mental Deficiency at the Time of the Offense

Rule 21.  Appeals

21.01   Generally

21.02   Proceedings in Forma Pauperis

21.03   Appeal by Child

21.04   Appeal by Prosecuting Attorney

21.05   Appeal by Parent(s), Legal Guardian or Legal Custodian of the Child

21.06   Certified Questions to the Court of Appeals

21.07   Time for Issuance of Decision

 

Rule 22.  Substitution of Judge

22.01   Before or During Trial

22.02   After Verdict or Finding of Guilt

22.03   Notice to Remove

22.04   Assignment of New Judge

Rule 23.  Referee

23.01   Authorization to Hear Cases

23.02   Objection to Assignment of Referee

23.03   Notice to Remove a Particular Referee

23.04   Transmittal of Findings

23.05   Review

23.06   Order of the Court

Rule 24. Guardian ad Litem

24.01   Appointment

24.02   Guardian ad Litem Not Counsel for Child

Rule 25.  Notice

25.01   Summons, Notice in Lieu of Summons, Oral Notice on the Record, Service by FAX and Notice by Telephone

25.02   Content

25.03   Procedure for Notification

25.04   Waiver

Rule 26.  Subpoenas

26.01   Motion or Request for Subpoenas

26.02   Expense

Rule 27.  Motions

27.01   Motions to be Signed

27.02   Service of Motions

Rule 28.  Copies of Orders

Rule 29.  Recording

29.01   Procedure

29.02   Availability of Transcripts

29.03   Expense

Rule 30.  Records

30.01   Generally

30.02   Availability of Juvenile Court Records

      1.  By Statute or Rule

      2.  No Order Required

      3.  Court Order Required

Rule 31.  Timing

31.01   Computation

31.02   Additional Time After Service by Mail

 

APPENDIX OF FORMS

 

 

Delinquency, Juvenile Petty Offenses, and Juvenile Traffic Offenses

 

Rule 1.  Scope, Application and General Purpose

 

Rule 1.01  Scope and Application

 

       Rules 1 through 31 govern the procedure in the juvenile courts of Minnesota for all delinquency matters as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subdivision 6, juvenile petty matters as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subdivision 16 and juvenile traffic matters as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.225.  Procedures for juvenile traffic and petty matters are governed by Rule 17. 

 

      Where these rules require giving notice to a child, notice shall also be given to the child's counsel if the child is represented.  Reference in these rules to “child's counsel” includes the child who is proceeding pro se.  Reference in these rules to “counsel for the parent(s), legal guardian, or legal custodian” includes the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian who is proceeding pro se.

 

      Where any rule obligates the court to inform a child or other person of certain information, the information shall be provided in commonly understood, everyday language.

 

      In cases involving an Indian child, which may be governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C.A. Chapter 21, sections 1901-1963, these rules shall be construed to be consistent with that Act.  Where the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, Minnesota Statutes, sections 260.751 through 260.835 applies, these rules shall be construed to be consistent with that Act.

     

Rule 1.02  General Purpose

 

      The purpose of the juvenile rules is to establish uniform practice and procedures for the juvenile courts of the State of Minnesota, and to assure that the constitutional rights of the child are protected.  The purpose of the laws relating to children alleged or adjudicated to be delinquent is to promote the public safety and reduce juvenile delinquency by maintaining the integrity of the substantive law prohibiting certain behavior and by developing individual responsibility for lawful behavior.  This purpose should be pursued through means that are fair and just, that recognize the unique characteristics and needs of children, and that give children access to opportunities for personal and social growth.  These rules shall be construed to achieve these purposes.

 

      (Amended effective September 1, 2005.)

 

Comment--Rule 1

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 1.02  is based upon Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.001, subd. 2 (2002).

 

      The Indian Child Welfare Act does not apply to placements of Indian children that are based upon an act that, if committed by an adult, would be deemed a crime.  25 U.S.C. section 1903(1) (1988).  However, Minnesota Statutes, section 260.761, subd. 2 (2002) of the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act requires that the Indian child's tribal social service agency receive notice when the court transfers legal custody of the child under Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.198, subd. 1(c)(1), (2) and (3) (2002) following an adjudication for a misdemeanor-level delinquent act.

 

Rule 2.  Attendance at Hearings and Privacy

 

Rule 2.01  Right to Attend Hearing

 

       Juvenile court proceedings are closed to the public except as provided by law.  Only the following may attend hearings:

 

      (A) the child, guardian ad litem and counsel for the child;

      (B) the parent(s), legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child and their counsel;

      (C) the spouse of the child;

      (D) the prosecuting attorney;

      (E) other persons requested by the parties listed in (A) through (D) and approved by the court;

      (F) persons authorized by the court under such conditions as the court may approve;

      (G) persons authorized by statute, under such conditions as the court may approve; and

      (H) any person who is entitled to receive a summons or notice under these rules.

 

Rule 2.02  Exclusion of Persons Who Have A Right To Attend Hearings

 

      The court may temporarily exclude any person, except counsel and the guardian ad litem, when it is in the best interests of the child to do so.  The court shall note on the record the reasons a person is excluded.  Counsel for the person excluded has the right to remain and participate if the person excluded had the right to participate in the proceeding.  An unrepresented child can not be excluded on the grounds that it is in the best interests of the child to do so.

 

Rule 2.03  Presence Required

 

      Subdivision 1.  Child.  The child shall have the right to be present at all hearings.  The child is deemed to waive the right to be present if the child voluntarily and without justification is absent after the hearing has commenced or if the child disrupts the proceedings.  Disruption of the proceedings occurs if the child, after warning by the court, engages in conduct which interrupts the orderly procedure and decorum of the court.  The court may use all methods of restraint necessary to conduct the proceedings in an orderly manner.  If the child is restrained or removed from the courtroom, the court shall state the reasons for the restraint or removal on the record.  Except at trials and dispositional hearings, the child's appearance may be waived if the child is hospitalized in a psychiatric ward and the treating physician states in writing the reasons why not appearing would serve the child's best interests.

 

      Subd. 2.  Counsel. 

 

      (A) Counsel for the child shall be present at all hearings.

 

      (B) The prosecuting attorney shall be present or available for all hearings unless excused by the court in its discretion.

 

      Subd. 3.  Parent, Legal Guardian or Legal Custodian.  The parent, legal guardian or legal custodian of a child who is the subject of a delinquency or extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding shall accompany the child to all hearings unless excused by the court for good cause shown.  If such person fails to attend a hearing with the child without excuse, the court may issue an arrest warrant and/or hold the person in contempt.  The court may proceed if it is in the best interests of the child to do so even if the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian fails to appear.

 

Rule 2.04  Right to Participate

 

      Subdivision 1.  Child and Prosecuting Attorney.  The child and prosecuting attorney have the right to participate in all hearings.

 

      Subd. 2.  Guardian ad Litem.  The guardian ad litem has a right to participate and advocate for the best interests of the child at all hearings.

 

      Subd. 3.  Parent(s), Legal Guardian, or Legal Custodian.  Except in their role as guardian ad litem for the child, the parent(s), legal guardian, or legal custodian may not participate separately at hearings until the dispositional stage of the proceedings and the court shall advise them of this right.  A parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian shall not participate as counsel for the child unless licensed to practice law.

 

      Subd. 4. Generally.  Persons represented by counsel, who have a right to participate, shall participate through their counsel.  Unrepresented persons may participate on their own behalf.

 

Rule 2.05  Ex-parte Communications

 

      The court shall not receive or consider any ex-parte communication from anyone concerning a proceeding, including conditions of release, detention, evidence, adjudication, disposition, or any other matter.  The court shall fully disclose to all counsel on the record any attempted ex-parte communication.

 

Comment--Rule 2

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 2.01 allows persons authorized by statute to attend juvenile court proceedings.  They include the public, in cases where a juvenile over age 16 is alleged to have committed a felony, and victims. The public is also entitled to be present during a juvenile certification hearing where a juvenile over age 16 is alleged to have committed a felony, except that the court may exclude the public from portions of a certification hearing to discuss psychological material or other evidence that would not be accessible to the public in an adult proceeding. Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.163, subd. 1(c) (2002). The statute does not currently permit exclusion when similar material is being presented in an extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding.  This may simply be an oversight.  See also Minnesota Statutes, section 609.115, subd. 6 (1994).

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 2.02 permits exclusion of persons from hearings, even when they have a right to participate, to serve the child's best interests.  For example, sometimes expert opinions are offered to the court regarding a child's psychological profile or amenability to probation supervision.  Counsel are usually aware of such opinions and if it serves no useful purpose or may even be detrimental to a child's best interests to hear these opinions, it may be appropriate to temporarily exclude the child from the hearing.  Obviously, this should be brought to the court's attention either before the hearing or at a bench conference.  Because a child charged with a juvenile petty or juvenile traffic offense does not have a right to appointment of counsel at public expense, that child cannot be excluded unless the child is represented by counsel.  

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 2.03, subd. 2 provides that the prosecuting attorney shall be present or available for all hearings unless excused by the court in its discretion.  On occasion, because of time constraints and distance, it may be impossible for the prosecuting attorney to be present in person at a particular hearing.  So long as the prosecuting attorney is available by telephone conference, the hearing could proceed without the prosecutor actually being present.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 2.05 requires full disclosure by the court to all counsel on the record of any attempted ex-parte communication.  Juvenile court has historically been less formal and more casual than other court proceedings.  As a result, lawyers, probation and court services personnel, law enforcement, victims, and relatives of the child have sometimes attempted and succeeded in having ex-parte contact with the juvenile court judge.  As the sanctions for delinquency become more severe, due process safeguards become more imperative.

 

Rule 3.  Right to Counsel

 

Rule 3.01  Generally

 

      The child has the right to be represented by an attorney.  This right attaches no later than when the child first appears in court.  The attorney shall initially consult with the child privately, outside of the presence of the child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian.  The attorney shall act solely as the counsel for the child.

 

Rule 3.02  Appointment of Counsel

 

      Subdivision 1.  Felonies and Gross Misdemeanors.  In any proceeding in which the child is charged with a felony or gross misdemeanor, the court shall appoint counsel at public expense to represent the child, if the child can not afford counsel and private counsel has not been retained to represent the child.  If the child waives the right to counsel, the court shall appoint standby counsel to be available to assist and consult with the child at all stages of the proceedings.

 

      Subd. 2.  Misdemeanors.  In any proceeding in which the child is charged with a misdemeanor, the court shall appoint counsel at public expense to represent the child if the child can not afford counsel and private counsel has not been retained to represent the child, and the child has not waived the right to counsel.  If the child waives the right to counsel, the court may appoint stand‑by counsel to be available to assist and consult with the child at all stages of the proceedings.

 

      Subd. 3.  Out‑of‑Home Placement.  In any proceeding in which out‑of‑home placement is proposed, the court shall appoint counsel at public expense to represent the child, if the child cannot afford counsel and private counsel has not been retained to represent the child.  If the child waives the right to counsel, the court shall appoint stand‑by counsel to be available to assist and consult with the child.  No out‑of‑home placement may be made in disposition proceedings, in violation proceedings, or in subsequent contempt proceedings, if the child was not initially represented by counsel or standby counsel, except as provided herein.  If out‑of‑home placement is based on a plea or adjudication obtained without assistance of counsel, the child has an absolute right to withdraw that plea or obtain a new trial.

 

      Subd. 4.  Probation Violation and Modification of Disposition for Delinquent Child.  In any proceeding in which a delinquent child is alleged to have violated the terms of probation, or where a modification of disposition is proposed, the child has the right to appointment of counsel at public expense.  If the child waives the right to counsel, the court shall appoint standby counsel. 

 

      Subd. 5.  Juvenile Petty Offense or Juvenile Traffic Offense. 

      (A) In any proceeding in which the child is charged as a juvenile petty offender or juvenile traffic offender, the child or the child's parent may retain private counsel, but the child does not have a right to appointment of a public defender or other counsel at public expense, except:

            (1)  when the child may be subject to out-of-home placement as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.235, subdivision 6; or

            (2) as otherwise provided pursuant to Rule 3.02, subdivisions 3, 6 and 7. 

      (B) Except in the discretion of the Office of the State Public Defender, a child is not entitled to appointment of an attorney at public expense in an appeal from adjudication and disposition in a juvenile petty offender or juvenile traffic offender matter.

 

      Subd. 6.  Detention.  Every child has the right to be represented by an attorney at a detention hearing.  An attorney shall be appointed for any child appearing at a detention hearing who cannot afford to hire an attorney.  If the child waives representation, standby counsel shall be appointed. 

 

      Subd. 7.  Child Incompetent to Proceed.  Every child shall be represented by an attorney in any proceeding to determine whether the child is competent to proceed.  An attorney shall be appointed for any child in such proceeding who cannot afford to hire an attorney. 

 

      Subd. 8.  Appearance before a Grand Jury.  A child appearing before a grand jury as a witness in a matter which is under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court shall be represented by an attorney at public expense if the child cannot afford to retain private counsel.  If the child has effectively waived immunity from self-incrimination or has been granted use immunity, the attorney for the child shall be present while the witness is testifying.  The attorney shall not be permitted to participate in the grand jury proceedings except to advise and consult with the child witness while the child is testifying.

 

Rule 3.03  Dual Representation

 

      A child is entitled to the effective representation of counsel.  When two or more children are jointly charged or will be tried jointly pursuant to Rule 13.07, and two or more of them are represented by the same counsel, the following procedure shall be followed:

 

      (A) The court shall address each child individually on the record.  The court shall advise the child of the potential danger of dual representation and give the child the opportunity to ask the court questions about the nature and consequences of dual representation.  The child shall be given the opportunity to consult with outside counsel.

      (B) On the record, the court shall ask each child whether the child

            (1) understands the right to be effectively represented by a lawyer;

            (2) understands the details of the lawyer's possible conflict of interest;

            (3) understands the possible dangers in being represented by a lawyer  with these possible conflicts;

            (4) discussed the issue of dual representation with a separate lawyer; and

            (5) wants a separate lawyer or waives their Sixth Amendment protections.

 

Rule 3.04  Waiver of Right to Counsel

 

      Subdivision 1.  Conditions of Waiver.  The following provision does not apply to Juvenile Petty Offenses, which are governed by Rule 17.  Any waiver of counsel must be made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.  Any waiver shall be in writing or on the record.  The child must be fully and effectively informed of the child's right to counsel and the disadvantages of self-representation by an in-person consultation with an attorney, and counsel shall appear with the child in court and inform the court that such consultation has occurred.  In determining whether a child has knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently waived the right to counsel, the court shall look to the totality of the circumstances including, but not limited to: the child's age, maturity, intelligence, education, experience, ability to comprehend, and the presence of the child's parents, legal guardian, legal custodian or guardian ad litem.  The court shall inquire to determine if the child has met privately with the attorney, and if the child understands the charges and proceedings, including the possible disposition, any collateral consequences, and any additional facts essential to a broad understanding of the case.

 

      Subd. 2.  Competency Proceedings.  Any child subject to competency proceedings pursuant to Rule 20 shall not be permitted to waive counsel.

 

      Subd. 3.  Court Approval/Disapproval.  If the court accepts the child's waiver, it shall state on the record the findings and conclusions that form the basis for its decision and shall appoint standby counsel as required by Rule 3.02.

 

Rule 3.05  Renewal of Advisory

 

      After a child waives the right to counsel, the child shall be advised of the right to counsel by the court on the record at the beginning of each hearing at which the child is not represented by counsel.

 

Rule 3.06 Eligibility for Court Appointed Counsel at Public Expense

 

      Subdivision 1. When Parent or Child Cannot Afford to Retain Counsel.  A child and his parent(s) are financially unable to obtain counsel if the child is unable to obtain adequate representation without substantial hardship for the child or the child's family.  The court shall inquire to determine the financial eligibility of a child for the appointment of counsel. The ability to pay part of the cost of adequate representation shall not preclude the appointment of counsel for the child.

 

      Subd. 2. When Parent Can Afford to Retain Counsel.  If the parent(s) of a child can afford to retain counsel in whole or in part and have not retained counsel for the child, and the child cannot afford to retain counsel, the child is entitled to representation by counsel appointed by the court at public expense.  After giving the parent(s) a reasonable opportunity to be heard, the court may order that service of counsel shall be at the parent(s)'s expense in whole or in part depending upon their ability to pay.

 

Rule 3.07 Right of Parent(s), Legal Guardian(s), Legal Custodian(s) and Guardian ad Litem to Counsel

 

      Subdivision 1.  Right of Parent(s), Legal Guardian(s) or Legal Custodian(s).  The parent(s), legal guardian(s) or legal custodian(s) of a child who is the subject of a delinquency proceeding have the right to assistance of counsel after the court has found that the allegations of the charging document have been proved.  The court has discretion to appoint an attorney to represent the parent(s), legal guardian(s) or legal custodian(s) at public expense if they are financially unable to obtain counsel in any other case in which the court finds such appointment is desirable.

 

      Subd. 2.  Right of Guardian Ad Litem to Counsel.  In the event of a conflict between the child and the guardian ad litem, the court may appoint separate counsel to represent the guardian ad litem.

 

      (Amended effective September 1, 2005.)

 

Rule 3.08 Certificates of Representation

 

      A lawyer representing a client in juvenile court, other than a public defender, shall file with the court administrator on the first appearance a certificate of representation.

 

      Once a lawyer has filed a certificate of representation, that lawyer cannot withdraw from the case until all proceedings have been completed, except upon written order of the court pursuant to a written motion, or upon written substitution of counsel approved by the court ex parte.

 

      A lawyer who wishes to withdraw from a case must file a written motion and serve it by mail or personal service upon the client and upon the prosecuting attorney; and the lawyer shall have the matter heard by the court.  No motion of withdrawal will be heard within 10 days of a date certain for hearing or trial.

 

      If the court approves the withdrawal, it shall be effective when the order has been served on the client and the prosecuting attorney by mail or personal service and due proof of such service has been filed with the court administrator.

 

Comment--Rule 3

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3 prescribes the general requirements for appointment of counsel for a juvenile.  In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967);  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.163, subd. 4 (2002).  The right to counsel at public expense does not necessarily include the right to representation by a public defender.  The right to representation by a public defender is governed by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 611.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.01 provides that the right to counsel attaches no later than the child's first appearance in juvenile court.  See Minnesota Statutes, section 611.262 (2002).  Whether counsel is appointed by the court or retained by the child or the child's parents, the attorney must act solely as counsel for the child.  American Bar Association, Juvenile Justice Standards Relating to Counsel for Private Parties (1980).  While it is certainly appropriate for an attorney representing a child to consult with the parents whose custodial interest in the child potentially may be affected by court intervention, it is essential that counsel conduct an initial interview with the child privately and outside of the presence of the parents.  Following the initial private consultation, if the child affirmatively wants his or her parent(s) to be present, they may be present.  The attorney may then consult with such other persons as the attorney deems necessary or appropriate.  However, the child retains a right to consult privately with the attorney at any time, and either the child or the attorney may excuse the parents in order to speak privately and confidentially.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02 provides for the appointment of counsel for juveniles in delinquency proceedings.  A parent may not represent a child unless he or she is an attorney.  In Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963), the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of counsel applied to state felony criminal proceedings.  In In re Gault, the Supreme Court extended to juveniles the constitutional right to counsel in state delinquency proceedings.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.163, subd. 4 (2002) expands the right to counsel and requires that an attorney shall be appointed in any proceeding in which a child is charged with a felony or gross misdemeanor.

 

      If a child in a felony or gross misdemeanor case exercises the right to proceed without counsel, Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806 (1975), State v. Richards, 456 N.W.2d 260 (Minn. 1990), then Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 1 requires the court to appoint standby counsel to assist and consult with the child at all stages of the proceedings.  See, e.g., McKaskle v. Wiggins, 465 U.S. 168 (1984); State v. Jones, 266 N.W.2d 706 (Minn. 1978); Burt v. State, 256 N.W.2d 633  (Minn. 1977); State v. Graff, 510 N.W.2d 212 (Minn. Ct. App. 1993) pet. for rev. denied (Minn. Feb. 24, 1994); State v. Savior, 480 N.W.2d 693 (Minn. Ct. App. 1992); State v. Parson, 457 N.W.2d 261 (Minn. Ct. App. 1990) pet. for rev. denied (Minn. July 31, 1990); State v. Lande, 376 N.W.2d 483 (Minn. Ct. App. 1985) pet. for rev. denied (Minn. Jan. 17, 1986).

 

      In McKaskle v. Wiggins, the Supreme Court concluded that appointment of standby counsel was consistent with a defendant's Faretta right to proceed pro se, so long as standby counsel did not stifle the defendant's ability to preserve actual control over the case and to maintain the appearance of pro se representation.  The child must have an opportunity to consult with standby counsel during every stage of the proceedings.  State v. Richards, 495 N.W.2d 187 (Minn. 1992).  In order to vindicate this right, counsel must be physically present.  "[I]t would be virtually impossible for a standby counsel to provide assistance, much less effective assistance, to a criminal  client when that counsel has not been physically present during the taking of the testimony and all of the court proceedings that preceded the request ...  [O]nce the trial court ... appoint[s] standby counsel, that standby counsel must be physically present in the courtroom from the time of appointment through all proceedings until the proceedings conclude."  Parson, 457 N.W.2d at 263.  Where the child proceeds pro se, it is the preferred  practice for counsel to remain at the back of the courtroom and be available for consultation.  Savior, 480 N.W.2d at 694‑95;  Parson, 457 N.W.2d at 263; Lande, 376 N.W.2d at 485.  Moreover, standby counsel must be present at all bench and chambers conferences, even where the child is excluded.  State v.  Richards, 495 N.W.2d 187, 196 (Minn. 1992).

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 2 requires a court to appoint counsel for a child charged with a misdemeanor unless that child affirmatively waives counsel as provided in Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.04.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 3 requires the appointment of counsel or standby counsel in any proceeding in which out‑of‑home placement is proposed, and further limits those cases in which a child may waive the assistance of counsel without the appointment of standby counsel.  In Argersinger v. Hamlin, 407 U.S. 25, 37 (1972), the Court held that "absent a knowing and intelligent waiver, no person may  be imprisoned for any offense, whether classified as petty, misdemeanor or felony unless he was represented by counsel."  In Scott v. Illinois, 440 U.S. 367 (1979), the Court clarified any ambiguity when it held that in misdemeanor proceedings, the sentence the trial judge actually imposed, i.e. whether incarceration was ordered, rather than the one authorized by the statute, determined whether counsel must be appointed for the indigent.

 

      In State v. Borst, 278 Minn. 388, 154 N.W.2d 888 (1967), the Minnesota Supreme Court, using its inherent supervisory powers, anticipated the United States Supreme Court's Argersinger and Scott decisions, and shortly after Gideon required the appointment of counsel even in misdemeanor cases "which may lead to incarceration in a penal institution."  Id. at 397, 154 N.W.2d at 894.  Accord City of St. Paul v. Whidby, 295 Minn. 129, 203  N.W.2d 823 (1972);  State v. Collins, 278 Minn. 437, 154 N.W.2d 688 (1967);  State v. Illingworth, 278 Minn. 484, 154 N.W.2d 687 (1967) (ordinance violation).  The Borst Court relied, in part, upon Gault's ruling on the need for counsel in delinquency cases to expand the scope of the right to counsel for adult defendants in any misdemeanor or ordinance prosecutions that could result in confinement.  278 Minn. at 392‑93, 154 N.W.2d at 891.  Like the Court in Gault, Borst recognized the adversarial reality of even "minor" prosecutions.

 

      At the very least, Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 3 places the prosecution and court on notice that out‑of‑home placement may not occur unless counsel or standby counsel is appointed.  For example, a child appearing on a third alcohol offense faces a dispositional possibility of out-of-home placement, but cannot be placed out of the home if the child is not represented by counsel unless the child is given the opportunity to withdraw the plea or obtain a new trial.  See Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 17.02.  The prosecutor should indicate, either on the petition or through a statement on the record, whether out‑of‑home placement will be proposed.  Obviously, basing the initial decision to appoint counsel on the eventual sentence poses severe practical and administrative problems.  It may be very difficult for a judge to anticipate what the eventual sentence likely would be without prejudging the child or prejudicing the right to a fair and impartial trial.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 3 also provides that a child retains an absolute right to withdraw any plea obtained without the assistance of counsel or to obtain a new trial if adjudicated without the assistance of counsel, if that adjudication provides the underlying predicate for an out‑of‑home placement.  See, e.g., In re D.S.S., 506 N.W.2d 650, 655 (Minn. Ct. App. 1993) ("The cumulative history of uncounseled admissions resulting after an inadequate advisory of the right to counsel constitutes a manifest injustice").  Appointing counsel solely at disposition is inadequate to assure the validity of the underlying offenses on which such placement is based.  Of course, routine appointment of counsel in all cases would readily avoid any such dilemma.

 

      Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subd. 16 defines "juvenile petty offenses," and converts most offenses that would be misdemeanors if committed by an adult into petty offenses. Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 5 and 17.02 explain when a juvenile petty offender is entitled to court-appointed counsel.  If a child is charged as a juvenile petty offender, the child or the child's parents may retain and be represented by private counsel, but the child does not have a right to the appointment of a public defender or other counsel at public expense.  The denial of access to court-appointed counsel is based on the limited dispositions that the juvenile court may impose on juvenile petty offenders.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.235, subd. 4 (2002).  However, children who are charged with a third or subsequent juvenile alcohol or controlled substance offense are subject to out-of-home placement and therefore have a right to court-appointed counsel, despite their status as juvenile petty offenders.  If the court is authorized to impose a disposition that includes out-of-home placement, then the provisions of Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 5 and 17.02 are applicable and provide the child a right to counsel at public expense. 

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 6 is an exception to the prohibition of appointment of counsel at public expense for a juvenile traffic or juvenile petty offender.  If such a child is detained, at any hearing to determine if continued detention is necessary, the child is entitled to court-appointed counsel if unrepresented because substantial liberty rights are at issue.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02, subd. 7 is an exception to the prohibition of appointment of counsel at public expense for a juvenile traffic or juvenile petty offender.  As soon as any child is alleged to be incompetent to proceed, that child has a right to be represented by an attorney at public expense for the proceeding to determine whether the child is competent to proceed.  Substantial liberty rights are at issue in a competency proceeding.  A finding of incompetency is a basis for a Child in Need of Protection or Services adjudication and possible out-of-home placement.  Minnesota Statutes, sections 260C.007, subd. 6(15) and 260C.201 (2002).  See also Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 20.01.  Because out-of-home placement is a possibility, the child is entitled to court-appointed counsel.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.03 regarding advising children of the perils of dual representation is patterned after Minn. R. Crim. P. 17.03, subd. 5.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.04 prescribes the circumstances under which a child charged with an offense may waive counsel.  The validity of relinquishing a constitutional right is determined by assessing whether there was a "knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver" under the "totality of the circumstances."  See, e.g., Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. 707 (1979); Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458 (1938) (waiver of counsel); In re M.D.S., 345 N.W.2d 723 (Minn. 1984); State v. Nunn, 297 N.W.2d 752 (Minn. 1980); In re L.R.B., 373 N.W.2d 334 (Minn. Ct. App. 1985).  The judicial position that a young minor can "knowingly and intelligently" waive constitutional rights is consistent with the legislature's judgment that a youth can make an informed waiver decision without parental concurrence or consultation with an attorney.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.163, subd. 10 (2002) ("Waiver of any right ... must be an express waiver intelligently made by the child after the child has been fully and effectively informed of the right being waived").

 

      While recognizing a right to waive counsel and proceed pro se, Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.02 requires juvenile courts to appoint standby counsel to assist a child charged with a felony or gross misdemeanor, or where out‑of‑home placement is proposed, and to provide temporary counsel to consult with a child prior to any waiver in other types of cases.  See, e.g., State v. Rubin, 409 N.W.2d 504, 506 (Minn. 1987) ("[A] trial court may not accept a  guilty plea to a felony or gross misdemeanor charge made by an unrepresented defendant if the defendant has not consulted with counsel about waiving counsel and pleading guilty"); Jones, 266 N.W.2d 706 (standby counsel available to and did consult with defendant throughout proceedings and participated occasionally on defendant's behalf); Burt, 256 N.W.2d at 635 ("One way for a trial court to help ensure that a defendant's waiver of counsel is knowing and intelligent would be to provide a lawyer to consult with the defendant concerning his proposed waiver").

 

      In State v. Rubin, the court described the type of "penetrating and comprehensive examination" that must precede a "knowing and intelligent" waiver and strongly recommended the appointment of counsel "to advise and consult with the defendant as to the waiver."  See also ABA Standards of Criminal Justice, Providing Defense Services, sections 5‑7.3 (1980); Minn. R. Crim. P. 5.02.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.04, subd. 1 prescribes the type of "penetrating and comprehensive examination" expected prior to finding a valid waiver.  Prior to an initial waiver of counsel, a child must consult privately with an attorney who will describe the scope of the right to counsel and the disadvantages of self‑representation.  Following consultation with counsel, any waiver must be in writing and on the record, and counsel shall appear with the child to assure the court that private consultation and full discussion has occurred.

 

      To determine whether a child "knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily" waived the right to counsel, Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.04, subd. 1 requires the court to look at the "totality of the circumstances," which includes but is not limited to the child's age, maturity, intelligence, education, experience, and ability to comprehend and the presence and competence of the child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian.  In addition, the court shall decide whether the child understands the nature of the charges and the proceedings, the potential disposition that may be imposed, and that admissions or findings of delinquency may be valid even without the presence of counsel and may result in more severe sentences if the child re-offends and appears again in juvenile court or in criminal court.  United States v. Nichols, 511 U.S. 738 (1994); United States v. Johnson, 28 F.3d 151 (D.C. Cir. 1994) (use of prior juvenile convictions to enhance adult sentence).  The court shall make findings and conclusions on the record as to why it accepts the child's waiver or appoints standby counsel to assist a juvenile who purports to waive counsel.

 

      Even though a child initially may waive counsel, the child continues to have the right to counsel at all further stages of the proceeding.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.05 requires that at each subsequent court appearance at which a child appears without counsel, the court shall again determine on the record whether or not the child desires to exercise the right to counsel.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.06 prescribes the standard to be applied by the court in determining whether a child or the child's family is sufficiently indigent to require appointment of counsel.  The standards and methods for determining eligibility are the same as those used in the Minn. R. Crim. P. 5.02, subds. 3‑5.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.06, subd. 2 provides that if the parent(s) of a child can afford to retain counsel but have not done so and the child cannot otherwise afford to retain counsel, then the court shall appoint counsel for the child.  When parents can afford to retain counsel but do not do so and counsel is appointed for the child at public expense, in the exercise of its sound discretion, the court may order reimbursement for the expenses and attorney's fees expended on behalf of the child.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.331, subd. 5 (2002) ("[T]he court may inquire into the ability of the parents to pay for such counsel's services and, after giving the parents a reasonable opportunity to be heard, may order the parents to pay attorneys fees").  See, e.g., In re M.S.M., 387 N.W.2d 194, 200 (Minn. Ct. App. 1986).

     

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.07 implements the rights of a child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian to participate in hearings affecting the child.  After a child has been found to be delinquent and state intervention potentially may intrude upon the parent's custodial interests in the child, the parent(s) have an independent right to the assistance of counsel appointed at public expense if they are eligible for such services.

 

Rule 4.  Warrants

 

Rule 4.01  Search Warrants Upon Oral Testimony

 

      Issuance of search warrants based on oral testimony is governed by Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure 33.06 and 36, except as modified by this Rule.  If the focus of the warrant pertains to a juvenile, the court may designate on the face of the warrant that it shall be filed in the juvenile court.  When so designated, the original warrant, the duplicate original warrant, the certified transcript of the oral application for the warrant, any longhand verbatim record, and any related documents shall be deemed to be a juvenile court record under Rule 30.

 

Rule 4.02  Search Warrants Upon Written Application

 

      Issuance of search warrants based upon written application is governed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 626.04 through 626.18 and Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure 33.04, except as modified by this Rule.  If the focus of the warrant pertains to a juvenile, the court may designate on the face of the warrant that it shall be filed in the juvenile court.  When so designated, the search warrant, warrant application, affidavit(s) and inventories, including statements of unsuccessful execution and documents required to be served shall be deemed to be a juvenile court record under Rule 30.

 

Rule 4.03  Warrants for Immediate Custody

 

      Subdivision 1. Probable Cause Required.  Probable cause may be established by facts set forth in writing attached to the charging document, by facts set forth in the charging document, by affidavit(s) attached to the charging document, or by sworn testimony presented to the court on the record.

 

      Subd. 2. Warrant. The court may issue a warrant for immediate custody of a delinquent child or a child alleged to be delinquent if the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the child has committed a delinquent act as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subdivision 6, and:

      (A) the child failed to appear after having been personally served with a summons or subpoena, or reasonable efforts to personally serve the child have failed, or there is a substantial likelihood that the child will fail to respond to a summons; or

      (B) the child or others are in danger of imminent harm; or

      (C) the child has left the custody of the detaining authority without permission of the court; or

      (D) the child has violated a court order; or

      (E) the child has violated the terms of probation.

 

      Subd. 3. Warrant for Juvenile Petty or Traffic Offenses.  The court may only issue a warrant for immediate custody of a juvenile petty or juvenile traffic offender or a child alleged to be a juvenile petty or juvenile traffic offender if the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that:

 

      (A) the child has committed a juvenile petty offense as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subdivision 16 or a juvenile traffic offense as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.225; and

      (B) the child failed to appear after having been personally served with a summons or subpoena, reasonable efforts to personally serve the child have failed, or there is a substantial likelihood that the child will fail to respond to a summons.

 

      Subd. 4. Contents of Warrant for Immediate Custody.  A warrant for immediate custody shall be signed by a judge and shall:

     

      (A)  order the child to be brought immediately before the court or the child to be taken to a detention facility designated by the court to be detained pending a detention hearing or the child to be transferred to an individual or agency, including but not limited to any welfare agency or hospital as the welfare of the child might require;

      (B)  state the name and address of the child, or if unknown, designate the child by any name or description by which the child can be identified with reasonable certainty;

      (C)  state the age and sex of the child, or, if the age of the child is unknown, that the child is believed to be of an age subject to the jurisdiction of the court;

      (D)  state the reasons why the child is being taken into custody;

      (E)  where applicable, state the reasons for a limitation on the time or location of the execution of the warrant; and

      (F)  state the date when issued, and the county and court where issued.

 

      Subd. 5.  Who May Execute.  The warrant for immediate custody may only be executed by a peace officer authorized by law to execute a warrant.

 

      Subd. 6.  How Executed.  The warrant for immediate custody shall be executed by taking the child into custody.

 

      Subd. 7.  Where Executed.  The warrant for immediate custody may be executed at any place in the state except where prohibited by law, unless the judge who issues the warrant limits in writing on the warrant the location where the warrant may be executed.

 

      Subd. 8.  When Executed.  A warrant may be executed at any time unless the judge who issues the warrant limits in writing on the warrant the time during which the warrant may be executed.  If the offense is a misdemeanor, petty offense or juvenile traffic offense, the child may not be taken into custody on Sunday or between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on any other day except by direction of the judge.

 

      Subd. 9.  Possession of Warrant.  A warrant for immediate custody need not be in the peace officer's possession at the time the child is taken into custody.

 

      Subd. 10.  Advisory.  When a warrant is executed, the child and the child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian, if present, shall immediately be informed of the existence of the warrant for immediate custody and as soon as possible of the reasons why the child is being taken into custody.

 

Comment--Rule 4

 

      If the child fails to appear in response to a summons without reasonable cause, then the court may issue a warrant to take the child into immediate custody pursuant to Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 4.03, subd. 2.  See Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.154 (2002).  Probable cause is required for every warrant issued.  Before the court may issue a warrant, it shall make a finding of probable cause based on the contents of the charging document, any supporting affidavits or sworn supplemental testimony  to believe that the child committed an act governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subds. 6 or 16, or Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.225.  In addition, the court must also find either that the summons was personally served on the child and the child failed to appear, that service will be ineffectual, or, for a delinquent child or child alleged to be delinquent, that there is a substantial likelihood that the child will not respond to a summons, or that the child or others are in danger of imminent harm.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.154 (2002).

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 4.03, subd. 4 prescribes the contents of the warrant.  When a child is taken into custody, a detention hearing shall commence pursuant to Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.07 within thirty-six (36) hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, or within twenty-four hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, if the child is detained in an adult jail or municipal lockup.

 

      Under Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 4.03, subd. 5, a warrant may be executed only by a peace officer. Limitations on the manner of execution are the same as those set out in Minn. R. Crim. P. 3.03, subd. 3 for adults where the offense charged is a misdemeanor or non-criminal offense.  The minor nature of misdemeanors, juvenile petty and juvenile traffic offenses should not ordinarily justify taking a child into immediate custody during the proscribed period of time.

 

Rule 5.  Detention

 

Rule 5.01  Scope and General Principles

 

      Rule 5 governs all physical liberty restrictions placed upon a child before trial, disposition, or pending a probation violation hearing.  For purposes of this Rule, the day of the act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run shall be included. 

 

Rule 5.02  Definitions

 

      Subdivision 1.  Detention.  Detention includes all liberty restrictions that substantially affect a child's physical freedom or living arrangements before trial, disposition or pending a probation violation hearing.  A child's physical liberty is restricted when

 

      (A) the child is taken into custody;

      (B) the court orders detention of the child;

      (C) the court orders out-of-home placement; or

      (D) the court orders electronic home monitoring or house arrest with substantial liberty restrictions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Detaining Authority.  The detaining officer, the detaining officer's supervisor, the person in charge of the detention facility, the prosecuting attorney or the court is a detaining authority for the purposes of this rule. 

 

      Subd. 3.  Place of Detention.  A place of detention can be any one of the following places:

 

      (A)  the child's home subject to electronic home monitoring or house arrest with substantial liberty restrictions;

      (B)  a foster care or shelter care facility;   

      (C)  a secure detention facility;

      (D)  a detoxification, chemical dependency, or psychiatric facility;

      (E)  an adult jail; or

      (F)  any other place of detention.

 

Rule 5.03  Detention Decision

 

      Subdivision 1.  Presumption for Unconditional Release.  The child shall be released unless:

      (A) the child would endanger self or others;

      (B) the child would not appear for a court hearing;

      (C) the child would not remain in the care or control of the person into whose lawful custody the child is released; or

      (D) the child's health or welfare would be immediately endangered.

 

      There is a presumption that a child will not appear for a court hearing when the person to whom the child is to be released refuses to sign a written promise to bring the child to court.

 

      Subd. 2.  Detention Factors. The following non-exclusive factors may justify a decision to detain a child:

      (A) the child is charged with the misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony offense of  arson, assault, prostitution or a criminal sexual offense; 

      (B) the child was taken into custody for an offense which would be a presumptive commitment to prison offense if committed by an adult, or a felony involving the use of a firearm;

      (C)  the child was taken into custody for additional felony charges while other delinquency charges are pending;

      (D)  the child was taken into custody for a felony and, as a result of prior delinquency adjudication(s), has received an out-of-home placement;

      (E)  the child was an escapee from an institution or other placement facility to which the court ordered the child;

      (F)  the child has a demonstrable recent record of willful failure to appear at juvenile proceedings;

      (G)  the child is a fugitive from another jurisdiction; or

      (H)  the above factors are not met but the detaining authority documents in writing, objective and articulable reasons why the child's welfare or public safety would be immediately endangered if the child were released.

 

      Subd. 3.  Discretion to Release Even if One or More Factors are Met.  Even if a child meets one or more of the factors in Rule 5.03, subdivisions 1 and 2, the detaining authority has broad discretion to release that child before the detention hearing if other less restrictive measures would be adequate. 

 

      Subd. 4.  Factors Which Can Not Support Detention Decision.  In deciding whether detention is justified, the detaining authority shall not consider the child or the child's family's race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, economic or public assistance status, family structure or residential mobility.

 

Rule 5.04  Release or Continued Detention

 

      Subdivision 1.  For Child Taken Into Custody Pursuant to Court Order or Warrant. 

 

      (A) Detention Required.  Unless the court orders an earlier release, the child may be detained for thirty-six (36) hours after being taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. 

      (B) When Release is Mandatory.  Unless the time for the detention hearing is extended by twenty-four (24) hours pursuant to Rule 5.07, subdivision 7, the child shall be released no later than thirty-six (36) hours after being taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, unless the court orders continued detention following a detention hearing commenced within that time period.

 

      Subd. 2.  For Child Taken Into Custody Without a Court Order or Warrant. 

      (A) Exception Permitting Detention.  The officer taking a child into custody without a court order or warrant shall release the child unless the officer reasonably believes, after consideration of the factors set out in Rule 5.03, that

            (1)  the child would endanger self or others;

            (2)  the child would not appear for a court hearing;

            (3)  the child would not remain in the care or control of the person into whose lawful custody the child is released; or

            (4)  the child's health or welfare would be immediately endangered.

      There is a presumption that a child will not appear for a court hearing when the person to whom the child is to be released refuses to sign a written promise to bring the child to court.

      (B) Discretionary Release Any Time Before Detention Hearing.  The detaining authority has discretion to release a child any time before the detention hearing if other less restrictive measures would be adequate.

      (C) When Release is Mandatory.  Unless the time for the detention hearing is extended by twenty-four (24) hours pursuant to Rule 5.07, subdivision 7, the child shall be released no later than thirty-six (36) hours after being taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, unless the court orders continued detention following a detention hearing commenced within that time period.

 

      Subd. 3.  Child Taken Into Custody and Placed in an Adult Jail or Municipal Lockup.

      (A)  Generally.  The child shall be released no later than twenty-four (24) hours after being taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, unless within that time period, a charging document has been filed with the court and the court has determined at a detention hearing that the child shall remain detained. If the court's decision at the detention hearing is that the child shall remain detained, the child shall be detained at an appropriate juvenile facility.  The court may extend the time for a detention hearing for good cause pursuant to Rule 5.07, subdivision 7 only if a charging document has been filed with the court within twenty-four (24) hours of the child being taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

      (B)  Adult Jail or Municipal Lockup in a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.  If the jail or municipal lockup is in a standard metropolitan statistical area, the child shall be held no longer than six (6) hours after the child was taken into custody including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays unless a charging document has been filed with the court within that time period and the court has determined after a detention hearing that the child shall remain detained.  If the court's decision at the detention hearing is that the child shall remain detained, the child shall be detained at an appropriate juvenile facility.  The time for a detention hearing shall not be extended.

 

      Subd. 4.  Probable Cause Determination.

 

      (A) Time Limit. The child shall be released no later than forty-eight (48) hours after being taken into custody without a court order or warrant signed by a judge, including the day the child was detained, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, unless the court determines there is probable cause to believe the child committed the offense(s) alleged.

      (B) Application and Record.  The facts establishing probable cause to believe the offense(s) was committed and that the child committed the offense(s) shall be presented to the judge upon oath, either orally or in writing.  Oral testimony shall be recorded and retained by the judge.  Written facts may be presented to the judge by telephone, facsimile, video, or other similar device.  If probable cause is determined on written facts and the judge is not personally present to sign the determination, the document shall be presented to the judge for signature within two (2) business days.  The judge shall be advised if a prior request for a probable cause determination was made and turned down relative to the same incident.

      (C) Approval of Prosecuting Attorney.  No request for a probable cause determination may proceed without approval by the prosecuting attorney.  The person requesting the probable cause determination shall, under oath, state that the prosecutor approves the request. If the prosecutor is unavailable, the court may make the probable cause determination if the matter should not be delayed.

      (D) Determination.  After the information is presented, the court shall determine whether there is probable cause to believe an offense(s) was committed and that the child committed the offense(s).  If probable cause is found, the court may order continued detention pursuant to Rule 5, and release the child with conditions or with no conditions.  A written determination of probable cause shall be filed with the court and a copy provided to the child and child's counsel.

 

      Subd. 5.  Release of Any Child at Any Time by the Court and Conditions of Release.  Only the court may impose conditions of release.  The court at any time may release a child and may impose one or more of the following conditions:

 

      (A) require the parent(s), legal guardian, legal custodian or child to post bail;

      (B) place restrictions on the child's travel, associations or place of abode during the period of the child's release; or

      (C) electronic home monitoring or any other conditions deemed reasonably necessary and consistent with factors for detaining the child.

 

      Unless the time for the detention hearing is extended by twenty-four (24) hours pursuant to Rule 5.07, subdivision 7, all conditions of release which restrict the physical liberty of a child  terminate after thirty-six (36) hours excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays unless a detention hearing has commenced and the court has ordered continued detention.

 

      Subd. 6.  Release to Custody of Parent or Other Responsible Adult.  A child released from a place of detention shall be released to the custody of the child's parent(s), legal guardian, or legal custodian if deemed appropriate by the detaining authority.  If these individuals are unavailable or deemed inappropriate, the detaining authority may release the child to a member of the extended family or kinship network or other suitable adult deemed appropriate by the detaining authority and acceptable to the child.

 

Rule 5.05  Detention Reports

 

      Subdivision 1.  Report by Detaining Authority.  When a child has been detained, the detaining officer or his agent shall file a signed report with the court and deliver a copy to the supervisor of the facility containing the following information:

      (A) the time the child was taken into custody and the reasons why the child was taken into custody;

      (B) the time the child was delivered to the place of detention and the reasons why the child is being held there;

      (C) a statement that the child and the child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian have received the notification required by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.176, subdivisions 3 and 5, including the advisory that every child at a detention hearing has a right to counsel at public expense pursuant to Rule 3.02, subdivision 6, and the time such notification was given to each or the efforts made to notify them.

 

      Subd. 2.  Report by Supervisor of the Secure Detention Facility or Shelter Care Facility.  When a child has been delivered to a secure detention facility or shelter care facility, the supervisor of the facility shall file with the court a signed report acknowledging receipt of the child and containing a statement that the child and the child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian have received the notification required by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.176, subdivisions 3 and 5 and the time such notification was given to each or the efforts made to notify them.

 

      Subd. 3.  Timing of Reports.  The reports shall be filed with the court on or before the court day following detention of the child or by the time of the detention hearing, whichever is earlier.

 

      Subd. 4.  Notice to Child’s Counsel; Child’s Counsel Access to Child and Reports.  If a child is detained pending a detention hearing in a place of detention other than home detention or at home on electronic home monitoring, the court administrator shall give the Office of the Public Defender or the child's attorney, if privately retained, notice that the child is in custody, notice of the detention hearing and provide copies of the reports filed with the court by the detaining officer and the supervisor of the place of detention.  Child’s counsel shall have immediate and continuing access to the child.

 

Rule 5.06  Identification Procedures

 

      Subdivision 1.  Photographing. 

 

      (A) Generally.  A detained child may be photographed when the child is taken into custody in accordance with the laws relating to arrests.  All children in custody alleged to have committed a felony or gross misdemeanor shall be photographed without a court order.

      (B) Report.  A report stating the name of the child photographed and the date the photograph was taken shall be filed with the court.

 

      Subd. 2.  Fingerprinting. 

 

      (A) Generally.  All children in custody alleged to have committed a felony or gross misdemeanor shall be fingerprinted without court order.  Otherwise, a court order is required pursuant to Rule 10. 

      (B) Report.  A report stating the name of the child fingerprinted and the date of the fingerprinting shall be filed with the court.

 

      Subd. 3.  Line-Up. 

 

      (A) Generally.  A detained child may be placed in a line-up.  A child may choose not to participate in a line-up which is not related to the matter for which the child is detained unless ordered by the court to appear in a line-up pursuant to Rule 10.05, subdivision 2(A).

      (B) Right to Counsel During Line-Up for Child Alleged to be Delinquent.  A child has the right to have counsel present when placed in a line-up related to a delinquent act for which the child has been taken into custody unless exigent circumstances exist such that providing counsel would unduly interfere with a prompt investigation of the crime.  When a delinquency petition has been filed, counsel for the child shall be present for any line-up.  Any identification evidence obtained without the presence of counsel shall be inadmissible, unless the line-up occurred before the filing of the petition and exigent circumstances existed preventing the presence of counsel.

      (C) Report.  A report stating the name of the children who participated in the line-up and the date of the line-up shall be filed with the court.

 

Rule 5.07  Detention Hearing

 

      Subdivision 1.  Time and Filing.  For a child detained in a secure juvenile detention facility or shelter care facility, the court shall commence a detention hearing within thirty-six (36) hours of the time the child was taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, unless a charging document has been filed and the judge or referee determines pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.178 that the child shall remain in detention.  For a child detained in an adult jail or municipal lockup, the court shall commence a detention hearing within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the child was taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, or within six (6) hours of the time the child was taken into custody if the child is detained in an adult jail or municipal lockup in a standard metropolitan statistical area, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, unless a charging document has been filed and the judge or referee determines pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.178 that the child shall remain in detention.

 

      The following documents shall be filed with the court before the detention hearing:

      (A) a report or reports that the child is being held in detention filed pursuant to Rule 5.05; and

      (B) a charging document with probable cause.

 

      Subd. 2.  Notice. 

 

      (A) Child, Child's Counsel, Prosecuting Attorney, Child's Parent(s), Legal Guardian or Legal Custodian and Spouse of the Child.  The court shall inform the child, the child's counsel, the prosecuting attorney, the child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian and spouse of the child of the time and place of the detention hearing pursuant to Rule 25. Failure to inform the parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian or spouse of the child or their absence at the hearing shall not prevent the hearing from being conducted or invalidate an order of detention.

      (B) Victim.  If a detained child is charged with a crime of violence against a person or attempting a crime of violence against a person, the court administrator shall make reasonable and good faith efforts to notify the victim of the alleged crime of:

            (1) the time and place of the detention hearing;

            (2) the name and telephone number of a person that can be contacted for additional information; and

            (3) the right of the victim and victim's family to attend the detention hearing.

      If the victim is incapacitated or deceased, notice must be given to the victim's family.  If the victim is a minor, notice must be given to the victim's parent, legal guardian or legal custodian.

 

      Subd. 3.  Advice of Rights.  At the beginning of the detention hearing, the court shall advise all persons present of:

 

      (A) the reasons why the child was taken into custody;

      (B) the allegations of the charging document;

      (C) the purpose and scope of the detention hearing;

      (D) the right of the child to be represented by counsel at the detention hearing and at every other stage of the proceedings, and the right of a child alleged to be delinquent to counsel at public expense; and

      (E) the right of the child to remain silent.

 

      Subd. 4.  Evidence.  The court may admit any evidence including reliable hearsay and opinion evidence that is relevant to the decision whether to detain the child.  The court may not admit evidence of privileged communications.

 

      Subd. 5.  Findings Necessary for Continued Detention.  A court may detain a child beyond the time set in subdivision 1 of this rule if, after a hearing, the court finds:

 

      (A) probable cause to believe the child committed the offense(s) alleged pursuant to Rule 5.04, subdivision 4; and

      (B) there is reason to believe that if the child were released, after consideration of the factors set forth in Rule 5.03, that:

            (1) the child would endanger self or others;

            (2) the child would not appear for a court hearing;

            (3) the child would not remain in the care or control of the person into whose lawful custody the child is released; or

            (4) the child's health or welfare would be immediately endangered.

 

      There is a presumption that a child will not appear for a court hearing when the person to whom the child is to be released refuses to sign a written promise to bring the child to court.

 

      Subd. 6.  Order. 

 

      (A) Release.  The child shall be released if the findings required by Rule 5.07, subdivision 5 are not made.

 

      (B) Detention.  If the findings required by Rule 5.07, subdivision 5 are made, the court may order continued detention or release with the posting of bail or bond and other conditions deemed appropriate by the court.

 

      (C) Notice of Next Hearing.  On the record, the court shall advise all persons present of the date, time, and place of the next hearing.  If persons entitled to participate at the next hearing are not present, the court shall provide those persons with notification of the next hearing by written notice of hearing.  If the child is released, the child may be required to sign a promise to appear.       

 

      Subd. 7.  Extension of Time for Detention Hearing.  For good cause shown, the court may extend the time for a detention hearing by twenty-four (24) hours on written application of the prosecuting attorney, if the application for extension is filed with the court within the time prescribed by this rule.  The court may extend the time for one additional twenty-four (24) hour period upon a second written application being filed within the extended time previously ordered by the court.

 

Rule 5.08  Detention Review

 

      Subdivision 1.  Informal Review.  An informal review of detention shall be made by the court every eight (8) days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, of the child’s detention.  If the circumstances justifying detention have not changed, detention may be continued.  If the circumstances justifying detention have changed, detention may be modified with consent of the child, child's counsel, and the prosecuting attorney.

 

      Subd. 2.  Formal Review.  The court may schedule a formal review of detention at any time.

 

      (A) Request by Child, Child's Counsel or Prosecuting Attorney.  If the court finds a substantial basis exists for the request to schedule a hearing to review detention, a hearing shall be scheduled as soon as possible, and at least within eight (8) days of the request.  

      (B) Notice. The person requesting a formal review shall make the request by motion as provided in Rule 27.

      (C) Relevant Evidence. Subject to constitutional limitations and privileged communications, the court may admit any evidence, including reliable hearsay and opinion evidence that is relevant to the decision regarding continued detention of the child.

      (D) Continued Detention.  The court may continue the child in detention if the court makes findings pursuant to Rule 5.07, subdivision 5.

 

Comment--Rule 5

 

      There is a presumption in favor of releasing an accused child unconditionally.  If the child cannot be released unconditionally, the least restrictive liberty restriction is favored.  The American Bar Association's Juvenile Justice Standards Relating to Interim Status:  The Release Control, and Detention of Accused Juvenile Offenders Between Arrest and Disposition (1980) describes the general principles governing liberty restrictions. These general principles and policy considerations do not determine the outcomes of specific cases.  Rather, they provide the process framework within which law enforcement and intake personnel, prosecuting attorneys and judges decide individual cases.  When these decision makers decide whether or not to place a child in detention or to impose other physical liberty restrictions, the following policy considerations apply:  to the greatest extent possible, any interim liberty restrictions should respect the autonomy interests of the accused child and family, ensure equality of treatment by race, class, ethnicity, and sex, ensure the child promptly receives access and continuing access to legal assistance, protect the child's access to education to the extent reasonably possible, and ensure public safety.

 

      The primary concern of this rule is a child's physical liberty and living arrangements pending trial and disposition.  For purposes of this rule, other non-physical limitations on a child's autonomy, such as a court order to avoid contact with victims or witnesses, to attend school, to remain under the control of parents or custodians, or the like, do not constitute liberty restrictions that invoke either the procedures of this rule or the expedited timing of procedures for youths physically detained or restricted. 

 

      Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.154 (2002) authorizes the court to issue a warrant for immediate custody for a child who fails to appear in court in response to a summons.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.175 (2002) authorizes a child to be taken into custody: 1) when the child has failed to obey a summons or subpoena; 2)  pursuant to the laws of arrest; or 3) by a peace officer or probation or parole officer when it is reasonably believed that the child has violated the terms of probation, parole, or other field supervision.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.07 defines the circumstances under which a child is subject to continuing physical restraints.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.176 (2002) authorizes a detention hearing and provides the statutory framework that governs this rule.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.02, subd. 3 defines the places in which a child's liberty is restricted.  A child's liberty is restricted when the child is placed at home, but his or her physical mobility is limited by electronic home monitoring, or house arrest with substantial liberty restrictions.  In addition, the provisions of this rule apply whenever, prior to disposition, the child is placed outside of the home, whether or not the placement is in a secure facility.  Thus, a child's liberty is restricted when placed in a foster care (Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subd. 7 (2002)) or shelter care facility (Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subd. 15 (2002)), in a detoxification or mental health treatment facility, in a secure detention facility (Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subd. 14 (2002)), in an adult jail or lock-up, or other place of detention.  A child who is returned to an out-of-home placement which was made voluntarily or pursuant to a CHIPS proceeding is not "detained" for the purposes of this rule.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.03, subd. 1 establishes a general presumption in favor of unconditional release for all children taken into custody.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.03, subd. 2 provides some non-exclusive evidentiary guidelines by which detaining authorities can decide whether a child meets the criteria for detention.  Under Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.03, subd. 2, the detaining authority may detain a child if it believes or the court finds that the child poses a danger to other people because the child is charged with a presumptive commitment to prison offense.  The presumptive commitment to prison offenses are enumerated under Section V, Offense Severity Reference Table of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines. In addition, an inference the child poses a danger to others applies when the child uses a firearm in the commission of a felony pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.125, subds. 3 and 4 (2002).  However, detaining authorities should exercise individualized discretion.  Moreover, detaining authorities ought not detain children who meet the evidentiary criteria if other, less restrictive alternatives would assure the child's subsequent court appearance, welfare, and public safety.  The non-exclusive evidentiary criteria emphasize objective indicators that the child poses a danger to self or others, or would fail to return for court appearances.  The list of criteria set out in Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.03, subd. 2 are examples of factors which may justify pretrial detention.  If a detained child does not meet any of the enumerated criteria, the detaining authority may justify detention only if a written report is filed stating objective and articulable reasons for detention.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.03, subd. 2.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.03 governs the initial custody decisions affecting a juvenile by the police, detention and court intake personnel, and the prosecuting attorney.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.04, subd. 1 governs the liberty restrictions on a child taken into custody pursuant to a court order or warrant. Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.04, subd. 2 governs the liberty restrictions of a child taken into custody by a peace officer or other person, and then brought to a detention facility or other place of custody.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.04, subd. 3 is based upon Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.176, subd. 2 (2002).  The statute provides for an extension of the time for a detention hearing for a child detained in an adult detention facility outside of a standard metropolitan statistical area county only under two circumstances: 1) where the adult facility in which the child is detained is located where conditions of distance to be traveled or other ground transportation do not allow for court appearances within 24 hours (with the delay not to exceed 48 hours); and 2) where "conditions of safety exist" including adverse life-threatening weather conditions which do not allow for reasonably safe travel. The time for appearance may be delayed until 24 hours after the time that conditions allow for reasonably safe travel.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.176, subd. 2 (2002).  See also 42 U.S.C.A. section 5633(a)(13) and (14) (1995).  Even though the statute permits an extension of the time for a detention hearing in such circumstances, the extension may be granted only if the prosecuting attorney has filed a charging document within twenty-four (24) hours of the child being taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.  Minn. Juv. P. 5.04, subd. 3(A).  If the court determines after the detention hearing that the child should remain detained, the child shall be detained in an appropriate juvenile facility.  Id.  See also 42 U.S.C.A. section 5633(a)(14) (1995).

 

Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.04, subd. 4 is based upon Minn. R. Crim. P. 4.03.  Under Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.04, subd. 4, if a child arrested without a warrant is not released by law enforcement, court intake, the court, or the prosecuting attorney, then a judge or judicial officer must make a probable cause determination without unnecessary delay and in any event within forty-eight (48) hours from the time of the arrest including the day of arrest, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.  If the Court determines that probable cause does not exist or if there is no determination as to probable cause within the time as provided by this rule, the person shall be released immediately.  County of Riverside v. McLaughlin, 500 U.S. 44, 111 S.Ct. 1661, 114 L.Ed.2d 49 (1991), requires a prompt judicial determination of probable cause following a warrantless arrest.  That determination must occur without unreasonable delay and in no event later than forty-eight (48) hours after the arrest.  There are no exclusions in computing the forty-eight-hour time limit.  Even a probable cause determination within forty-eight (48) hours will be too late if there has been unreasonable delay in obtaining the determination.  "Examples of unreasonable delays are delays for the purpose of gathering additional evidence to justify the arrest, a delay motivated by ill will against the arrested individual or delay for delay's sake."  County of Riverside v. McLaughlin, 500 U.S. 44, 64, 111 S.Ct. 1661, 1670, 114 L.Ed.2d 49 (1991).  The requirements of Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.04, subd. 4 are in addition to the requirement that a child arrested without a warrant must receive a detention hearing within thirty-six (36) hours after the arrest, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.  Because of the exclusion permitted in computing time under the "36-hour rule," compliance with that rule will not necessarily assure compliance with the "48-hour rule".  The "48-hour rule" also apples to all misdemeanor cases.

     

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.05, subd. 4 requires the court administrator to notify the office of the Public Defender that a child is in custody and the time of the detention hearing and to provide facsimile copies of all reports transmitted to the court.  If a specific attorney has been assigned to represent the child, that attorney should receive notice.  In jurisdictions where public defenders rotate, notice to the chief public defender would be sufficient.  Minnesota data privacy laws do not restrict notification of counsel of a child's detention prior to the first appearance in court and appointment of counsel.  The rules of professional responsibility and attorney client privilege adequately protect the privacy of the child.

     

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.06, subd. 1 implements the provision of Minnesota Statutes, section 299C.10 (2002), which requires peace officers to take the fingerprints and photograph of a child taken into custody according to the laws of arrest, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.175, subd. 1(b) (2002).  Any photograph taken of a child must be destroyed when the child reaches the age of 19 years.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.171, subd. 5(c) (2002).  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.06, subd. 2 implements the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 299C.10 (2002) which requires law enforcement personnel to take the fingerprints of all juveniles arrested or charged with felony- or gross misdemeanor-level offenses.

     

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.06, subd. 3 implements the policies of U.S. v. Wade, 388 U.S. 218 (1967) to provide the assistance of counsel to minimize the dangers of erroneous misidentification.  See Feld, "Criminalizing Juvenile Justice:  Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile Court," 62 Minn. L. Rev. 141, 209-16 (1984).  Unlike the formalistic limitations imposed by Kirby v. Illinois, 406 U.S. 682 (1972), the rule recognizes that the dangers of unreliability, suggestibility, and error are inherent in all identification procedures.  The rule attempts to balance the protection of a child from prejudicial misidentification with the State's interest in prompt investigation.  A child who is in custody is entitled to have counsel present at a lineup, even prior to the filing of a delinquency petition, unless exigent circumstances exist and delay to provide counsel would unduly interfere with an expeditious investigation.  Blue v. State, 558 P.2d 636 (Alaska 1977); People v. Jackson, 391 Mich. 323, 217 N.W.2d 22 (Mich. 1974); Commonwealth v. Richman, 238 Pa. Super. 413, 357 A.2d 585 (1976).  Once an investigation proceeds beyond an immediate on-the-scene show-up, and especially once the child is in custody, there are no compelling law enforcement exigencies that offset the dangers of prejudice to the child.  Since youth in custody already have a Miranda right to counsel, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), the delay involved in securing counsel will be a matter of hours at most and if conditions require immediate identification without even minimal delay or if counsel cannot be present within  reasonable time, such existent circumstances will justify proceeding without counsel. People v. Bustamante, 30 Cal 3d 88, 634 P.2d 927 (Cal. 1981).

     

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 5.07 implements Minnesota Statutes, section 629.725 (2002) by providing that, in addition to giving notice to the child, child's counsel, prosecuting attorney, child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian and spouse of the child, the court administrator must make a reasonable and good faith effort to give notice of the time and place of the detention hearing to the victim if the child is charged with a crime of violence against a person or attempting a crime of violence against a person.  If the victim is deceased or incapacitated, the victim's family must receive notice.  If the victim is a minor, the victim's parent or guardian must receive notice.  Minnesota Statutes, section 629.725 (2002). "Crime of violence" has the meaning given it in Minnesota Statutes, section 624.712, subd. 5 (2002), and also includes Minnesota Statutes, section 609.21, gross misdemeanor violations of Minnesota Statutes, section 609.224 (2002), and nonfelony violations of Minnesota Statutes, sections 518B.01 (2002), 609.2231 (2002), 609.3451 (2002), 609.748 (2002), and  609.749 (2002). Id.

 

Rule 6.  Charging Document

 

Rule 6.01  Generally

 

      A charging document is a petition, tab charge or a citation.

 

Rule 6.02  Tab Charge or Citation

 

      Subdivision 1.  Generally.  Juvenile petty offenses as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subdivision 16, misdemeanors, juvenile traffic offenses and gross misdemeanors under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169A may be charged by tab charge or citation.  Before entering a plea of guilty or not guilty to alleged misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charge(s), the child may demand that a petition be filed with the court.  If a petition is demanded, the prosecuting attorney shall have thirty (30) days to file the petition unless the child is in custody.  The prosecuting attorney shall have ten (10) days to file a petition if a demand is made by a child in custody or the child shall be released.

 

      Subd. 2.  Filing.  Before a tab charge or citation may be filed with the court by the peace officer or attendance officer who issued the charges, it shall be endorsed by the prosecuting attorney to permit screening for diversion programs.  Filing a tab charge or citation gives the juvenile court jurisdiction over the matter.

 

      Subd. 3.  Contents of Tab Charge or Citation.  Tab charges or citations shall contain:

 

      (A) the name, address, date of birth, and race of the child;

      (B) the name and address of the parent, legal guardian or legal custodian of the child;

      (C) the offense charged and a reference to the statute or local ordinance which is the basis for the charge;

      (D) the time and place and county of the alleged offense.

 

      Subd. 4. Notice of Court Appearance.  When a tab charge or citation is filed with the court, the court administrator shall promptly schedule the matter for hearing and send notices as provided by Rule 25.

 

Rule 6.03  Petition

 

      Subdivision 1.  Generally.  A child alleged to be delinquent because of a felony or gross misdemeanor offense (except gross misdemeanors under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169A, which may be charged by tab charge or citation) shall be charged by petition.  A child alleged to be delinquent because of a misdemeanor offense may be charged by petition.  A child charged with a juvenile petty offense or a juvenile traffic offense may be charged by petition.

 

      Subd. 2.  Filing.   Each petition shall be signed by the prosecuting attorney before it is filed with the court.  The signature of the prosecuting attorney shall be an acknowledgement that the form of the petition is approved and that reasonable grounds exist to support the petition.  A delinquency petition may be filed without the prosecutor's signature if the prosecutor is unavailable and a judge determines that filing and the issuance of process should not be delayed.

 

      Subd. 3.  Contents of the Delinquency Petition.  Every petition alleging a child is delinquent shall contain:

 

      (A) a concise statement alleging the child is delinquent;

      (B) a description of the alleged offense and reference to the statute or ordinance which was violated;

      (C) the applicable Minnesota Offense Code (MOC);

      (D) the name, date of birth, address, and race of the child;

      (E) the names and addresses of the child's parent(s), legal guardian, legal custodian, or nearest known relative;

      (F) the name and address of the child's spouse.

 

      Subd. 4.  Separate Counts.  A petition may allege separate counts, whether the alleged delinquent acts arise out of the same or separate behavioral incidents.

 

      Subd. 5.  Contents of Petition Alleging Juvenile Petty Offender or Juvenile Traffic Offender.  Every petition alleging a child is a juvenile petty offender or alleging a child is a juvenile traffic offender shall contain:

 

      (A) a concise statement alleging that the child is a juvenile petty offender or a juvenile traffic offender;

      (B) the name, address, date of birth, and for juvenile traffic offenders, the drivers license number of the child, if known;

      (C) the name and address of the parent(s), legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child;

      (D) a description of the offense charged and reference to the statute or ordinance which is the basis for the charge;

      (E) the applicable Minnesota Offense Code (MOC);

      (F) the date, county, and place of the alleged offense.

 

Rule 6.04  Amendment

 

      Subdivision 1.  Permissive.  A charging document may be amended by order of the court at any time:

 

      (A) before the introduction of evidence at the trial by motion of the prosecuting attorney; or

      (B) after the commencement of the trial with consent of the child and prosecuting attorney; or

      (C) after trial but before a finding that the allegations of the charging document have been proved, upon motion of the prosecuting attorney, if no additional or different offense is alleged and if substantial rights of the child are not prejudiced.

 

      Amendments shall be granted liberally in the interest of justice and the welfare of the child.  If the court orders a charging document amended, additional time may be granted to the child or prosecuting attorney to adequately prepare for and ensure a full and fair hearing.

 

      Subd. 2.  Prohibited. 

 

      (A) A charging document alleging a child is delinquent shall not be amended to allege a child is in need of protection or services.

      (B) A charging document alleging a juvenile petty or traffic offense shall not be amended to allege the child is delinquent.

      (C) A petition alleging that a child is in need of protection or services shall not be amended to allege a delinquency, petty offense or juvenile traffic offense. 

 

      (Amended effective September 1, 2005.)

 

Rule 6.05  Probable Cause

 

      Subdivision 1.  Establishing Probable Cause.  The facts establishing probable cause may be set forth in writing in the charging document or police reports may be attached to the charging document. If police reports are attached to the charging document to establish probable cause, the child shall have the right to demand a statement establishing probable cause with specificity.  Once demanded, the prosecuting attorney shall have ten (10) days to file with the court and serve on opposing counsel, the specific statement of probable cause.  Probable cause may also be presented by sworn affidavits attached to a charging document or by sworn testimony presented to the court.  If testimony is presented, a verbatim record of the proceedings shall be made and a transcript of the proceedings prepared and filed with the court.

 

      Subd. 2.  When Required.  There must be a finding of probable cause:

 

      (A) before the court may issue a warrant pursuant to Rule 4;

      (B) before a detention hearing is held for a child taken into custody without a warrant;

      (C) within ten (10) days of a court order directing the prosecuting attorney to establish probable cause on the charge(s) alleged in a charging document.  The court for any reason may order the prosecutor to show probable cause and the court shall order the prosecutor to show probable cause on demand of the child; or

      (D) when competency of the child has been challenged.

 

      Subd. 3.  Dismissal.  The court shall dismiss a charging document when a showing of probable cause has not been made.  A dismissal for failure to show probable cause shall not prohibit the filing of a new charging document and further proceedings on the new charging document.

 

Rule 6.06  Procedure on Filing a Charging Document with the Court

 

      Subdivision 1.  Dismissal.  The court shall dismiss a charging document if it does not allege an act of delinquency as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subdivision 6, a juvenile petty offense as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subdivision 16 or a juvenile traffic offense as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.225.

 

      Subd. 2.  Arraignment.  When a charging document is filed, the court administrator shall promptly schedule an arraignment on the charging document and send notices pursuant to Rule 25.

 

      (Amended effective September 1, 2005.)

 

Comment--Rule 6

 

      Previously, this rule only related to petitions in juvenile court.  Due in large part to the high volume of gross misdemeanor alcohol related driving offenses, the law was amended to permit tab charges for these offenses to get cases to court more promptly. 

 

      A citation is defined as a writ issued out of a court of competent jurisdiction or an order issued by police commanding the person named to appear on a designated day and respond to a particular violation.  It is most commonly used for minor offenses such as traffic violations.  Some "tickets" issued by police are called "citation," some are called "complaint," and some are called "tab charge."  The terms have become interchanged in everyday use.

 

      In its revision of juvenile statutes, the legislature also expanded the list of offenses that may be charged by tab charge rather than petition in juvenile court. See Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.007, subd. 16 (2002).  A tab charge is a brief statement entered upon the records by the clerk of the offense charged and citation to the statute, rule, regulation, ordinance or other provision of the law a child is alleged to have violated.  The tab charge serves as a substitute for a petition.  Tab charges may be used for any misdemeanor and for gross misdemeanors under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169A.  Adults have the right to demand a formal complaint in place of a tab charge.  If a demand for a formal complaint is made by an adult charged with a gross misdemeanor alcohol offense, the prosecutor must file the complaint within 48 hours if the defendant is in custody, and within 10 days if not in custody.  These rules have afforded juveniles the right to demand a petition where the child is charged with a misdemeanor(s) or gross misdemeanor(s).

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 6.06, subd. 2 provides that the court administrator shall promptly schedule the matter for hearing when a charging document is filed with the court.  Certain offenses may be resolved without a court appearance by mailing or delivering to the court administrator a payable fine which has been predetermined by the court.  Each judicial district may establish a list a minor offenses which may be settled by paying a fine.  It is recommended that the list be made part of or considered by the district in establishing its dispositional criteria.

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 6.03, subd. 2 provides that a petition shall be signed by the prosecuting attorney before it is filed with the court.  Minnesota Statutes, section 260B.141, subd. 1 (2002) provides that any reputable person having knowledge of a child who is a resident of this state, who appears to be delinquent, may petition the juvenile court.  Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 6.03, subd. 3 sets forth the necessary contents of the petition.

 

Rule 7. Arraignment

 

Rule 7.01  Application

 

      This rule is not applicable to proceedings on juvenile petty offenses or juvenile traffic offenses, which are governed by Rule 17.

 

Rule 7.02  Generally

 

      Arraignment is a hearing at which the child shall enter a plea in the manner provided in Rule 8.

 

Rule 7.03  Timing

 

      Upon the filing of a charging document, the court administrator shall promptly fix a time for arraignment and send notices pursuant to Rule 25. 

 

      Subdivision 1.  Child in Custody. The child in custody may be arraigned at a detention hearing and shall be arraigned no later than five (5) days after the detention hearing.  The child has the right to have a copy of the charging document for three (3) days before being arraigned.

 

      Subd. 2.  Child Not in Custody. The child not in custody shall be arraigned not later than thirty (30) days after the filing of the charging document.  The child has the right to have a copy of the charging document for three (3) days before being arraigned. 

 

Rule 7.04  Hearing Procedure

 

      Subdivision 1.  Initial Procedure. At the commencement of the hearing, the court shall on the record:

 

      (A) verify the name, age, race, and residence of the child who is charged;

      (B) determine whether all necessary persons are present and identify those present for the record;

      (C) determine whether notice requirements have been met and if not, whether the affected persons waive notice;

      (D) determine whether the child is either represented by counsel or waives counsel in the manner provided by Rule 3;

      (E) if the child appears without counsel, and the court determines the child has properly waived the child's right to counsel, the court shall advise the child of all trial rights and other rights provided by these rules;

      (F) explain to the child and the child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian, if present, the child's right to remain silent in this and subsequent appearances before the court; and

      (G) if two or more children are charged jointly with the same offense, advise the child of the danger of dual representation pursuant to Rule 3.03.

 

      Subd. 2.  Reading of Allegations of Charging Document.  Unless waived by the child, the court shall read the allegations of the charging document to the child and determine that the child understands them, and if not, provide an explanation.

 

      Subd. 3.  Motions.  The court shall hear and make findings on any motions regarding the sufficiency of the charging document, including its adequacy in stating probable cause of charges made, and the jurisdiction of the court, without requiring the child to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges stated in the charging document.  A challenge on probable cause shall not delay the setting of trial proceedings in cases where the child has demanded a speedy trial.

 

      Subd. 4.  Response to Charging Document.  After considering the wishes of the parties to proceed later or at once, the court may continue the arraignment without requiring that the child plead guilty or not guilty to charges stated in the charging document.

 

Comment--Rule 7

 

      Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 7.04, subd. 1 (G) and Minn. R. Juv. Del. P. 3.03 regarding advising children of the perils of dual representation are patterned after Minn. R. Crim. P. 17.03, subd. 5.

 

Rule 8.  Pleas

 

Rule 8.01  Application

 

      Subdivision 1.  Juvenile Petty and Traffic Proceedings.  Pleas in juvenile petty or juvenile traffic proceedings are governed by Rule 17.06. 

 

      Subd. 2.  Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile Proceedings.  Pleas in extended jurisdiction juvenile proceedings are governed by Rule 19.10, subdivision 1 and Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure 15.

 

      Subd. 3.  Competency Proceedings.  Any child subject to competency proceedings pursuant to Rule 20 shall not be permitted to enter a plea until the court determines that the child is competent.

 

Rule 8.02  Generally

 

      If the child pleads not guilty to charges alleged in the charging document, the court shall conduct proceedings in accordance with Rules 9 through 16.  If the child remains silent when confronted with charges, or if the court refuses to accept a guilty plea by the child, the court shall proceed in the same manner as if the child pled not guilty.

 

Rule 8.03  Plea of Not Guilty Without Appearance

 

      Except when the child is in detention, the court may permit a written plea of not guilty or a plea of not guilty on the record to be entered by child's counsel without the personal appearance of the child, child's parent(s), legal guardian or legal custodian or their counsel.  The child's counsel shall immediately furnish a copy of the written plea of not guilty to the prosecuting attorney, either personally or by mail.

 

Rule 8.04  Plea of Guilty

 

      Subdivision 1.  Waiver of Right to Trial.  The court shall not accept a child's plea of guilty until first determining, the following, under the totality of the circumstances, and based on the child's statements, whether on the record or contained in a written document signed by the child and the child's counsel:

 

      (A) Charges in Charging Document; Factual Basis for Plea.  That the child understands the charges stated in the charging document, and the essential elements of each charge, and that there is a factual basis for the guilty plea;

      (B) Right to Trial. That the child understands the child's right to have a trial, that is, to require proof of all elements of each offense stated in the charging document, and that this includes an understanding of the following related rights:

            (1) the right to be presumed innocent of each charge until and unless the petitioner succeeds in proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the child is guilty;

            (2) the right to remain silent during trial proceedings if the child wishes and the right of the child to testify on the child's own behalf if the child wants to;

            (3) the right to call witnesses to testify on the child's behalf, including the right to use court subpoenas to require that witnesses for the child attend the trial; and

            (4) the right to hear the testimony of all witnesses called by the prosecuting attorney, and to cross-examine these witnesses;

      (C) Dispositions.  That the child understands the powers of the court to make a disposition if the court finds that the allegations in the charging document are proved, including the child's understanding that:

            (1) the court's powers range up to the most severe step of placing custody of the child in an institution;

            (2) the court's disposition could be for a duration ranging upward to the time the child attains age 19; and

(3) the court can modify an initial disposition, even repeatedly, for a term ranging up to the time the child attains age 19; and

                        (4) the child understands the potential future consequences if the court finds that the allegations in the charging document are proved, including the child's understanding of:

                        (a) the effect of the finding on sentencing of the child if the child, when an adult, is convicted of an adult offense; and

                        (b) the effect of the finding in the event the child commits any further offenses while a juvenile, including the prospects for certification of the child for an adult court prosecution or for prosecution in juvenile court as an extended jurisdiction juvenile;

      (D) Right to Counsel.  If a child charged with a misdemeanor remains without counsel or with only standby counsel, that the child understands the continued right to be represented by counsel, and understands that counsel:

            (1) could give the child further information and advice on the child’s rights and on the choice to plead guilty or not guilty to the offenses in the charging document; and

            (2) could assist the child during a trial, to protect all rights of the child that arise in the course of a trial;

      (E) Free Choice.  That any plea of guilty is made freely, and that no one has made either threats or promises to the child to encourage a plea of guilty other than those that the parties have disclosed to the court; and

      (F)  No Claim of Innocence.  That the child is not making any claim of innocence.

 

      Subd. 2.  Withdrawal of Plea.  The child may, on the record or by written motion filed with the court, request to withdraw a plea of guilty.  The court may allow the child to withdraw a guilty plea

 

      (A) before disposition, if it is fair and just to do so, giving due consideration to the reasons the child gives and any prejudice that withdrawal of the plea would cause because of actions taken in reliance on the child's plea; or

      (B) at any time, upon showing that withdrawal is necessary to correct a manifest injustice.

     

      Subd. 3.  Plea to a Lesser Offense or a Different Offense.  With the consent of the prosecuting attorney and the approval of the court, the child shall be permitted to enter:

 

      (A) a plea of guilty to a lesser included offense or to an offense of lesser degree, or

      (B) a plea of guilty to a different offense than alleged in the original charging document.

 

      A plea of guilty to a lesser included offense or to an offense of lesser degree may be entered without an amendment of the charging document.  If a plea to different offense is accepted, the charging document must be amended on the record or a new charging document must be filed with the court.

 

      Subd. 4.  Acceptance or Nonacceptance of Plea of Guilty.  The court shall make a finding within fifteen (15) days of a plea of guilty:

 

      (A) that the plea has been accepted and allegations in the charging document have been proved; or

      (B) that the plea has not been accepted.

     

      Subd. 5.  Future Proceedings.  If the court accepts a plea of guilty and makes a finding that the allegations in the charging document are proved, the court shall schedule further proceedings pursuant to Rules 14 and 15.

 

Comment--Rule 8

 

      It is also desirable that the child be asked to acknowledge by signing the plea petition that the child has read the questions set forth in the petition or that they have been read to the child; that the child understands them; that the child gave the answers set forth in the petition; and that they are true.  Suggested forms of the plea petition are appended to the rules.

 

Rule 9.  Settlement Discussions and Plea Agreements

 

Rule 9.01  Generally

 

      In cases in which it appears that it would serve the interests of the public in the effective administration of juvenile justice under the principles set forth in this rule, the prosecuting attorney may engage in settlement discussions for the purposes of reaching a settlement agreement.  If the child is represented, the prosecuting attorney shall engage in settlement discussions only through the child's counsel.

 

Rule 9.02  Relationship between the Child and the Child’s Counsel

 

      The child's counsel shall conclude a settlement agreement only with the consent of the child and shall ensure that the decision to enter a guilty plea is ultimately made by the child.

 

Rule 9.03  Disclosure of Settlement Agreement

 

      If a settlement agreement has been reached which contemplates a guilty plea, the court shall require the disclosure of the agreement and the reasons for it before the plea.  The court shall reject or accept the plea on the terms of the settlement agreement.  The court may postpone its acceptance or rejection until it has received the results of a pre-disposition report.  If the court rejects the settlement agreement, it shall advise the parties in open court and then ask the child to either affirm or withdraw the plea.

 

Rule 9.04  Settlement Discussions and Agreements Not Admissible

 

      If the child enters a guilty plea which is not accepted or which is withdrawn, neither the settlement discussions, nor the settlement agreement, nor the plea shall be received in evidence against or in favor of the child in any subsequent proceeding against the child.

 

Rule 10.  Discovery

 

Rule 10.01  Scope and Application

 

      Rule 10 applies to discovery for delinquency proceedings, certification hearings and extended jurisdiction juvenile proceedings and prosecutions. Pursuant to Rule 17.07, this rule may apply, in the discretion of the court, to juvenile petty and juvenile traffic proceedings.  The discovery procedures provided for by this rule do not exclude other lawful methods available for obtaining evidence. 

 

Rule 10.02  Evidence and Identification Disclosure

 

      The prosecuting attorney shall advise the child's counsel in writing of:

 

      (A) any evidence against the child obtained as a result of a search, seizure, wiretapping or any form of electronic or mechanical eavesdropping;

      (B) any confessions, admissions, or statements in the nature of confessions made by the child;

      (C) any evidence against the child discovered as a result of confessions, admissions or statements in the nature of confessions made by the child; and

      (D) any identification procedures involving the child, including but not limited to line‑ups or other observations of the child and the exhibition of photographs of the child.

 

      The notice required by this rule shall be provided by the prosecutor within five (5) days of a not guilty plea by the child.  If child’s counsel makes a demand for disclosure pursuant to this rule, the disclosures shall be provided within five (5) days of the demand.  Evidence which becomes known to the prosecutor after the deadlines for disclosure provided here, shall immediately be disclosed to child’s counsel.

 

Rule 10.03  Notice of Additional Offenses

 

      The prosecuting attorney shall advise child's counsel of evidence of any additional offenses that may be offered at the trial under any exclusionary rule exceptions.  Such additional acts shall be described with sufficient particularity to enable the child to prepare for the  trial. The notice need not include offenses for which the child has been previously prosecuted, or that may be offered in rebuttal of character witnesses for the child or as a part of the occurrence or episode out of which the charges against the child arose.  Notice of additional offenses shall be given at or before the pretrial or omnibus hearing or as soon after those hearings as the offenses become known to the prosecutor.  If there is no pretrial or omnibus hearing, the notice shall be given at least seven (7) days before the trial.

 

Rule 10.04  Disclosure by Prosecuting Attorney

 

      Subdivision 1.  Disclosure by Prosecuting Attorney Without Order of Court.  After a charging document is filed, if the child's counsel makes a request, the prosecuting attorney shall make the following disclosures within five (5) days of the receipt of the request: 

 

      (A) Trial Witnesses.  The prosecuting attorney shall disclose to the child's counsel the names and addresses of the persons the prosecuting attorney intends to call as witnesses at the trial, extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding or prosecution or certification hearing, together with their prior record of adult convictions, any prior record of allegations of delinquency which have been proved and any prior delinquency adjudications within the actual knowledge of the prosecuting attorney.  The prosecuting attorney shall permit the child's counsel to inspect and copy the witnesses' relevant written or recorded statements and any written summaries of the substance of relevant oral statements made by the witnesses to the prosecuting attorney or agents of the prosecuting attorney within the knowledge of the prosecuting attorney.

      (B) Statements of Child and Accomplices.  The prosecuting attorney shall disclose and permit the child's counsel to inspect and copy any relevant written or recorded statements made by the child and accomplices within the possession or control of the prosecuting attorney, the existence of which is known by the prosecuting attorney, and shall provide the child's counsel with the substance of any oral statements made by the child and accomplices which the prosecuting attorney intends to offer in evidence at the trial, extended jurisdiction juvenile  proceeding or prosecution or certification hearing.

      (C) Documents and Tangible Objects.  The prosecuting attorney shall disclose and permit the child's counsel to inspect and copy books, papers, documents, photographs and tangible objects that the prosecutor intends to introduce in evidence at the trial, extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding or prosecution or certification hearing, or which were obtained from or belong to the child and which the prosecuting attorney intends to offer as evidence at the trial, extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding or prosecution or certification hearing.  If the prosecuting attorney intends to offer evidence of buildings or places at the trial, extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding or prosecution or certification hearing, the prosecuting attorney shall permit the child's counsel to inspect and photograph such buildings or places.

      (D) Reports of Examinations and Tests.  The prosecuting attorney shall disclose and permit the child's counsel to inspect and copy any results or reports of physical or mental examinations, scientific tests, experiments or comparisons made which are relevant to the case.

      (E) Record of the Child.  The prosecuting attorney shall inform the child's counsel of any prior allegations of delinquency which have been proved and of prior adjudications of delinquency of the child within the possession or control of the prosecuting attorney.

      (F) Special Education and School Disciplinary Records.  The prosecuting attorney shall disclose and permit the child’s counsel to inspect and copy all special education and school disciplinary records of the child, which were transmitted by the agency reporting the crime for consideration in charging.

      (G) Exculpatory Information.  The prosecuting attorney shall disclose to the child's counsel any material or information within the possession and control of the prosecuting attorney that tends to disprove the allegation(s).

      (H) Scope of the Prosecuting Attorney's Obligations.  The prosecuting attorney's obligations under this rule extend to material and information in the possession or control of members of the prosecuting attorney's staff and of any others who have participated in the investigation or evaluation of the matter and who report to the prosecuting attorney's office.

 

      Subd. 2.  Disclosure Upon Order of Court.  Upon motion of the child's counsel, the court at any time before trial may require the prosecuting attorney to disclose to the child's counsel any information requested that is relevant to guilt, innocence or culpability of the child.  If the motion is denied, the court upon application of the child shall inspect and preserve any relevant information.

 

      Subd. 3.  Information Not Subject to Disclosure by Prosecuting Attorney.

 

      (A) Opinions, Theories or Conclusions.  Unless otherwise provided by these rules, any legal research, records, correspondence, reports or memoranda to the extent that they contain the opinions, theories or conclusions of the prosecuting attorney or members of the prosecuting attorney's staff or officials or agents of the prosecuting attorney participating in the matter are not subject to disclosure.

      (B) Reports.  Except as provided in Rule 10.04, subdivisions 1, (C)‑(G), reports, memoranda or internal documents made by the prosecuting attorney or members of the prosecuting attorney's staff or by agents of the prosecuting attorney in connection with the matter are not subject to disclosure.

      (C) Prosecution Witnesses Under Prosecuting Attorney's Certificate.  The information relative to the witnesses and persons described in Rule 10.04, subdivisions 1(A) and (B), shall not be subject to disclosure if approved by the court when the prosecuting attorney files a written certificate with the court that to do so may subject the witnesses or persons or others to physical harm or coercion, provided, however, that non‑disclosure under this rule shall not extend beyond the time the witnesses are sworn to testify.