Criminal Law and Procedure

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines

Grids

Minnesota statute allows a life sentence to be applied to individuals convicted of murder in the first degree and for certain criminal sexual conduct offenses.

On August 1, 1989, Minnesota changed the mandatory minimum prison term for a life sentence to 30 years. Prior to this change, the mandatory minimum prison term for a life sentence was 17 years.

In our positions as librarians, not lawyers, we can suggest resources but cannot give legal advice (such as which form to file) or legal opinions (such as how a statute might apply to particular facts). To do so could be considered the unauthorized practice of law. Even though we try to suggest materials that will be of help, more research is often required to find a complete and correct answer. For many questions, the best answer may be to consult an attorney.