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Traveling should be an exciting experience. But if you’re arrested while visiting Minnesota, your trip can quickly turn into a nightmare. Feeling panicked or overwhelmed is normal, especially if you are far from home and unsure of what to do. The good news is that by staying calm, understanding your rights, and taking a few key steps, you can protect yourself and improve your chances of resolving the situation with minimal damage. Here’s a practical guide on what to do if you find yourself in this difficult situation.

Stay Calm and Cooperate

The first and most important thing to remember is to stay calm. Getting angry, yelling at the police, or trying to run away will only make things worse. Even if you think the arrest is unfair, the roadside or sidewalk is not the place to argue. You will have your chance to challenge the arrest later in court with the help of a lawyer.

Instead, take a few deep breaths, keep your hands visible, and listen carefully to the officer’s instructions. Do not resist, even in small ways like pulling your arm back when handcuffs are applied. Resisting arrest can lead to additional charges that make your situation much more serious.

Know Your Rights

Many travelers do not know they have the same constitutional rights in Minnesota as they do in their home state. You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. You do not have to answer questions beyond giving your name and showing identification. Politely tell the officer you choose to remain silent until you can speak with an attorney.

You also have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. Never waive your right to a lawyer just because you are worried about cost or want to get things over with quickly. A lawyer is your best chance to protect yourself.

It’s also important to know that you do not have to consent to a search of your car, belongings, or hotel room. If police ask to search, you can clearly say, “I do not consent to a search.” They may still search if they have probable cause or a warrant, but your refusal preserves your rights for later challenges in court.

Do Not Discuss Your Case

After an arrest, you might feel the urge to explain your side of the story to the police, other people in jail, or even friends and family over the phone. Resist that urge. Anything you say can be used against you. Police are trained to get people to talk, even in casual conversation, and what seems harmless to you can damage your defense later.

Equally important, do not post anything about your arrest on social media. Even a single post can become evidence and make your situation worse. Until you have spoken with a lawyer, it is best to say nothing about your case to anyone.

Contact a Local Criminal Defense Attorney

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After your arrest, you need a lawyer who knows Minnesota laws and local court procedures. A Minnesota-based criminal defense attorney will understand the charges you face, possible penalties, and how to negotiate with local prosecutors. Your lawyer can also advise you about bail, help arrange your release, and start building your defense.

If you do not know any lawyers in Minnesota, you can call your home attorney for a referral or search online for criminal defense attorneys in the area. Many lawyers offer free consultations and can quickly help you understand what you’re facing.

Call Someone You Trust

After contacting a lawyer, reach out to a friend or family member you trust. You may need help arranging bail, contacting your employer, or notifying someone about travel changes. Having a reliable person back home can make a huge difference, especially if you are held in jail overnight or longer.

If you’re traveling with companions, you may want them to notify your family. But remember, anything you say on the jail phone is recorded. Keep conversations short and avoid discussing details of the incident.

Understand the Charges

When you meet with your lawyer, ask them to explain the charges in plain language. Minnesota has specific laws for offenses like DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, theft, and drug possession. The severity of the charge can range from a petty misdemeanor, which might carry only a fine, to a felony that could lead to years in prison.

For example, a first-time DUI in Minnesota can lead to up to 90 days in jail and a fine, plus license suspension. But if your blood alcohol level is very high or you have a child in the car, penalties increase significantly. Understanding exactly what you are accused of helps you make better decisions about how to proceed.

Attend All Court Dates

Once you are released, it is essential to return for every scheduled court appearance. Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest and additional charges, even if the original offense was minor. If you are from out of state, your lawyer may be able to appear on your behalf in some situations, but you should always confirm this first.

If you move or change your phone number, notify your lawyer and the court immediately so you do not miss important updates. Staying in touch shows the court you are taking the charges seriously, which can make a positive difference in your case.

Follow Legal Advice

Your lawyer is your best ally. Listen to their advice about what you should and should not do. This might include avoiding contact with certain people, staying away from specific locations, or following other conditions set by the court or bail agreement. Violating these conditions can lead to your bail being revoked or new charges being filed.

Following your lawyer’s guidance also helps build trust, making them more willing to fight aggressively on your behalf.

Prepare for Travel Disruptions

An arrest while traveling often means you will need to change your travel plans. You may miss flights or other connections, and the court may order you to remain in Minnesota until your case is resolved. This can be costly and inconvenient, but it is better to comply than risk being charged with bail jumping or fleeing.

Contact your airline, hotel, or tour operators as soon as you can to explain you may need to reschedule. Depending on your situation, travel insurance might help cover some of these costs.

Plan for the Future

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Once your case is resolved, you may want to talk to your lawyer about getting records of your arrest sealed or expunged. This can help protect your reputation and make it easier to pass background checks for jobs, housing, or professional licenses.

If your charges were dismissed or reduced, you might still need to request expungement. Minnesota law allows many nonviolent offenses to be sealed after certain conditions are met, but it does not happen automatically.

Conclusion

No one expects to be arrested while traveling, but it can happen to anyone. By staying calm, knowing your rights, getting a Minnesota-based lawyer, and following legal advice, you can navigate the situation and protect your future. Remember, the steps you take right after an arrest can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Be proactive, stay respectful, and reach out for professional help as soon as possible.