#Minnesota Personal Injury Attorney

[chloe-doust]

Chloe Doust’s Dedication to Personal Injury and Consumer Advocacy

Chloe Doust stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for individuals facing personal injury and consumer rights issues. As an attorney at the esteemed Gillespie Law Firm, Chloe's dedication to her clients extends across North Carolina, Alabama, and Minnesota. Her commitment to justice and unwavering support for those in need make her a standout figure in the legal community.

A Passion for Advocacy

Chloe Doust's legal career is rooted in her profound passion for helping people. Specializing in personal injury and consumer rights law, she navigates the complexities of these fields with expertise and compassion. Her firm handles an array of claims, ensuring that every client receives the attention and justice they deserve.

Expertise in Personal Injury Law

Personal injury cases often bring emotional and financial turmoil to the victims and their families. Chloe's expertise covers a broad spectrum, including automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents. She meticulously investigates each case, ensuring that every detail is accounted for to build a strong claim. Her clients find solace in her thorough approach and her relentless pursuit of fair compensation for their suffering.

Championing Consumer Rights

In addition to her personal injury practice, Chloe is a staunch advocate for consumer rights. She tackles issues such as unlawful eviction and property law claims, safeguarding her clients' rights and ensuring they are not taken advantage of by powerful entities. Whether drafting lease agreements or fighting for consumer protections, Chloe's legal acumen and dedication shine through.

Beyond the Courtroom: Supporting Small Business

When she is not in the courtroom, Chloe Doust turns her attention to her small business in South Carolina. Her experience and knowledge in international trade law, bolstered by an LLM from Nottingham School of Law in England, equip her to handle the complexities of business negotiations and day-to-day operations. Her dual role as a business owner and attorney provides a unique perspective, enriching her ability to serve her clients with a well-rounded understanding of both legal and business landscapes.

A Heart for Service

Chloe's dedication to service extends beyond her professional obligations. She volunteers at Baptist South Church, offering her legal expertise to those who might not otherwise have access to it. Her commitment to pro bono work underscores her belief in making legal services accessible to all, irrespective of their financial standing.

Free Consultations and Compassionate Care

At the core of Chloe's practice is a genuine desire to help. Her motto of offering free consultations and services whenever possible is a testament to her selflessness and dedication. She believes that everyone deserves quality legal representation, and she strives to provide that to the best of her ability.

Conclusion

Chloe Doust's dedication to her clients and community is inspiring. Whether navigating the intricacies of personal injury and consumer rights law, supporting her small business, or volunteering her time and expertise, Chloe's impact is profound and far-reaching. She exemplifies what it means to be a compassionate advocate, tirelessly working to ensure justice and support for those in need.

[boricuacherry-blog]

On November 9, 2002, a 20-year-old student named Josh Guimond disappeared in Minnesota while he was attending St. John's University Campus.

Regarded as an exceptional student with aspirations of law school and a life in politics, friends and family say Josh was a responsible person who didn't behave irrationally. While alcohol was consumed prior to his disappearance, those who were with him that evening claim they did not observe him to be intoxicated. On the day in question, Josh left a small gathering where a poker party was happening at the Metten Court student housing and never made it back to his dorm at St. Mauer house. He left, seemingly, without a trace. His vehicle remained parked on campus. His keys were found securely in his apartment, along with his glasses, contact lenses and wallet, which included his credit cards and identification.

St. John's was in the headlines one month before Josh disappeared for settling a dozen cases of sexual abuse by monks at the Abbey on campus. According to CBS News, Josh's father, Brian Guimond, learned that the monks, who were credibly accused of past abuse, supervised both his son's dorm and the one where he was last seen.

He never about the school's history before.

It's reported that Josh was upset about the scandal, as Internet searches about the scandal of his computer had been on his computer, with him even looking up things like "statute of limitations" which made some wonder about the connections he may have had with some of the men accused and if he, too, could have been a victim.

Josh's family brought in a bloodhound team to try and track his scent

Steve Jenkins called Hoover, "the wonder dog," and said such efforts by the families of the missing students have been made necessary by a lack of police cooperation. "We got zero help from the Minneapolis Police Department," Jenkins said, noting that the family employed the services of a private investigator as soon as they found out about his son's disappearance.

Not being allowed to search inside the Abbey did severely limit the investigation though. And then, to add insult to injury, as Brian Guimond attempted to find more answers that could lead to the discovery of his son, his persistent questions and trips to campus were met with a restraining order by St. John's.

Josh's roommate even admits that whatever may have happened to his friend, it has soured his relationship with his alma mater. "Had there been some kind of accident like you hear about or still do hear about with college students he would have been found by now."

Brian Guimond is on a mission to find his son - and highlight what he sees as inadequacies in an investigation that has failed his family. He now seeks the release of the investigative file on his son.

While the Stearns County Sheriff's Office maintains the investigation into the disappearance of Joshua Guimond remains active, Attorney Mike Padden, who is representing Brian Guimond, is skeptical.

"We want to see it ourselves, and see if we can figure it out," Padden said. "To be frank, we don't really trust them to be competent."

"Back on day one, hour one, Jim Kostreba was the sheriff, and he said, 'He's in the lake, end of story,'" Brian Guimond said. "There was no investigation."

Kostreba focused entirely on a theory that Josh fell into one of the campus lakes while making the three-minute walk back to his residence. "Their main thing: hour one, day one, he's in the lake. Therefore, what's the first thing anyone thinks when they see it? He's dead already so nobody is looking for him. Exactly what they wanted," said Brian Guimond.

For two years, Sheriff Sanner was adamant that Josh's disappearance was not due to an abduction. However, in 2005, he did finally concede that Josh might have been abducted.

"Our whole goal is to get their investigation file, and they're fighting us on it. They don't want us to get it," Padden said. "With everything that has happened with Jacob Wetterling, these people just don't have a good track record."

Brian believed that his son was researching the monk's sexual misconduct. And oddly enough, someone had gone in and tried to wipe his computer history days after Josh went missing. Couple that with the fact that one of the monks accused of sexual abuse was supervising Josh's dorm.

Brian still searches for the answers to where Josh is and what happened to him.

[entrepreneurshipsecrets]

Things to Keep in Mind When Shortlisting a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, has become a hotspot for accidents in recent times. People are becoming more and more careless and breaching the duty of care they owe to others. The best way to make the city safe again is by holding the negligent party accountable by filing a personal injury claim. To do this, you will need the help of experienced personal injury lawyers. Minneapolis personal injury attorneys help victims by calculating damages, negotiating with the insurance company, and securing fair compensation for the losses. Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers has been in the business for over 16 years and has accumulated a whopping 1200+ five-star reviews. These are signs that a law firm is damn good. When you hire a lawyer, make sure they work for a reputed firm like Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers. In this article, we will discuss the important aspects to consider when making a shortlist for a personal injury lawyer so that you can make an informed decision.

Experience and Expertise

Experience handling cases like yours is something you really want to consider as a personal injury attorney. Get a lawyer who has experience and success in personal injury cases, experience in negotiating with insurance companies, and settling claims. An experienced lawyer is equally well-versed in the workings of the legal system, thereby guiding you through the process with confidence and skill.

Reputation and Reviews

Take some time to research the reputation of a personal injury attorney before hiring one, including going through reviews from previous clients. It is better to find a lawyer who has a good reputation in the legal world and is respected among colleagues. Check online review sites and legal directories to see what clients have to say about their working experience with this lawyer. A lawyer who has a good reputation and excellent reviews will have the ability to provide you with high-quality representation.

Communication and Availability

You can look for a personal injury lawyer who is effective in communication. One should answer your calls, reply to emails, and take time to explain to you the legal process in such a way that you understand. You should also consider the lawyer's availability and whether they have the time and resources to devote to your case. A lawyer who is difficult to reach or seems too busy to give your case the attention it deserves may not be the best choice.

Fees and Billing

Personal injury attorneys mostly work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they receive payment only if they win the case for you. However, the issue of fees and billing must be discussed and agreed upon beforehand to eliminate future surprises. Inquire about the attorney’s contingency fee percentage and any additional costs or expenses you might have to bear. A clear and honest billing process will make you feel safe and confident in your lawyer selection.

Personal Connection and Comfort Level

Finally, it is very important to choose a personal injury lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and can establish a personal connection. You will be working with this lawyer very closely through the entire legal process, so it’s important to work with someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Schedule a consultation with potential lawyers to get an idea of their personality and communication style. A lawyer who listens to your concerns and answers your questions is always a better choice.

Conclusion

Hiring the right personal injury attorney is one of the most crucial decisions that will determine how your case concludes. By keeping these key factors in mind when shortlisting potential attorneys, you are likely to find a competent and experienced professional who will fight for your rights and help you achieve the best possible result. Remember, the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery and future well-being. Image Source: https://imagesource.io/images/personal-injury-lawyer/personal-injury-lawyer-2/ Read the full article

[pashterlengkap]

Police arrest teen suspected of killing 1 & injuring 6 in shooting at LGBTQ+ music venue

Minneapolis police have arrested 18-year-old Dominic James Burris for allegedly killing one person and injuring six others in an August 11, 2023, shooting at Nudieland, an LGBTQ+-inclusive punk rock music venue. Burris and his suspected accomplice, 17-year-old Cyrell Ernest Boyd, now face seven felony charges. Prosecutors say their alleged actions were motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ hatred. Burris and Boyd allegedly went to the venue on the night in question and attempted to flirt with two lesbian women who expressed disinterest and said not to touch them, according to a transgender patron named Aaron Diveley. The men reportedly became upset, walked away, and then returned less than a minute later to begin shooting. “Two young men came in, started hitting on people that were not open to being hit on. And after being reprimanded and told to, like, step down, they grew increasingly violent, and did what they did,” Dively told CBS News. The shooting occurred during a double celebration for a band’s new recording and someone’s birthday. Six people were injured, and a 35-year-old cis male musician named August Golden was killed. Another victim suffered injuries to his intestine, liver, and kidney, which had to be removed, CBS News reported. While Boyd was identified by DNA on a cigarette butt found at the venue, he has neither been located nor arrested. Officers recovered nine discharged bullet casings from two different guns in a yard neighboring the venue, court documents say. “Witnesses identified the shooters as two males who were not part of the community, but who had come to the concert and interacted with multiple people in the minutes before the shooting,” court documents said, adding that some witnesses overheard the suspects “utter derogatory epithets about the sexual orientation of the concert attendees.” Burris and Boyd now face one charge of aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder and six counts of felony assault with a firearm. Minnesota lacks a hate crime charge, but legal penalties can be enhanced if prosecutors prove that the crime was motivated by bias. It’s unclear if prosecutors will do so and if they’ll charge Burris as an adult since he was 17 years old at the time of the shooting. A 21-year-old trans woman named Quinn McClurg told the news website Reckon, “[Do-it-yourself punk] shows are one of the only regularly safe places for trans folks, queer folks, punks, and everybody to get together and socialize. Because everybody you know and love is there. People you’ve worked in the encampments with, people you’ve done protests with — everybody’s there.” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told reporters, “This shooting at what should have been a joyous event rocked our LGBTQIA+ community and increased fear among a community that is too often already under attack.” A GoFundMe for the victims has raised over $211,000 as of Thursday afternoon. In 2023, Minnesota passed several pro-LGBTQ+ laws, including one declaring itself as a sanctuary state for trans youth seeking gender-affirming care, one banning ex-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy, and a repeal of its outdated sodomy ban. http://dlvr.it/T627FK

[fieldsinjurylaw]

Fields Injury Law

9999 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200 Minnetonka MN 55305 United States 612-206-3495 https://fieldsinjurylaw.com/ fieldsinjury@fieldslaw.com

When the careless and reckless actions of another person or entity cause an accident that injures you or your loved one, our Minnetonka personal injury attorneys can hold the responsible party liable for your damages.

The experienced legal team at Fields Injury Law Firm understands how these accidents can affect lives. We are committed to helping accident victims in Minnesota recover the compensation they need and deserve.

If you've been injured due to a Minnetonka car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, workplace accident, or other form of personal injury accident, let our dedicated attorneys handle the legal elements of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

[hallinjurylawmn]

Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys

825 Nicollet Mall #615 Minneapolis Minnesota 55402 United States (800) 292-1979 https://www.hallinjurylaw.com/ halllawpersonalinjury@gmail.com

Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys is a state-leader injury law firm serving in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina, MN. Our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers handle all types of injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, and more. Contact our law office today for a free consultation.

[nelsonpersonalinjury]

Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Head-On Collision

While all accidents can be serious and lead to injuries, a head-on collision is particularly dangerous. In these accidents, both drivers are typically affected. In many situations, the collision results in fatalities. 

After a head-on collision, you may experience severed limbs, a broken neck, a fractured spine, traumatic brain injuries, and even paralysis. The injuries are often significant and result in the loss of income now and in the future. Some victims must make lifestyle changes, resulting in serious financial losses. Accident victims should not have to shoulder these costs alone. 

You have rights if you are involved in a head-on collision caused by a negligent, intoxicated, or reckless driver. You should contact an experienced Minnesota car accident attorney to help with your case. Recovering the compensation you deserve can be challenging, and you need a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side. 

What to Do After a Head-On Collision 

After a head-on collision, you may be injured and unsure of what to do. While this is true, you should try to remain calm and take the following steps:

Seek Medical Treatment

After being injured in a car accident, your safety and health are a top priority. Contact 911 after a head-on accident and request service from the paramedics and police. For severe injuries, go to the hospital by ambulance. 

While you may be concerned about collecting evidence, your personal injury attorney can do this once you have been treated. 

The police who respond to the accident scene will create an official accident report that includes the details of what happened, witness information, and other important factors. 

If your injuries do not require immediate medical attention, you can stay at the scene until the police arrive. While there, never admit or accept wrongdoing. When talking to the authorities, stick to the facts and do not speculate about who is to blame. 

Never Talk to the Other Party’s Insurance Company

Insurance companies are in the business of making money. This is impossible if they constantly pay out large accident settlements. 

The at-fault party’s insurance company will want to settle with you as quickly as possible, for as little as possible. They will likely contact you soon after the accident and offer a settlement. Never provide any information to the insurance adjuster that contacts you, and do not accept the initial settlement offer without talking to a personal injury attorney. 

Instead, let them know you will not talk to them directly and that they can contact your attorney. 

Most personal injury cases will end with a settlement. But the settlement you accept should be for the full value of your current and future losses. Your attorney will ensure you only accept a fair offer from the insurance company. 

Avoid Stressing About Your Financial Situation 

After a head-on collision, your focus should be on your health. Do not refuse medical treatment because you are concerned about the cost. 

Minnesota has no-fault insurance coverage, meaning you first receive a payout from your insurance company. If the cost of treatment and your losses exceed this amount, your personal injury attorney can help you pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party. This claim may take time, but in the end, you can receive full payment for all the losses you sustained because of the head-on collision. 

Contact an Attorney for Help After a Head-On Collision

If you are involved in a head-on collision in Minnesota, contact a personal injury attorney to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. The impact of this accident can last for years or longer, and you deserve to have your losses covered. 

[lawfirmusa]

Have you or a loved one been injured in a #car accident? Nelson Personal Injury is the best option for you. For legal help taking action against the at-fault driver, call our Minnesota car accident attorneys at 320-201-7421 today.

[chloe-doust]

Chloe Doust: Leading Personal Injury and Debt Relief with Excellence

Chloe Doust, a dedicated attorney with an unwavering commitment to justice, stands out in the legal field for her leadership in personal injury and debt relief law. With a career that spans multiple states, including North Carolina, Alabama, and Minnesota, Chloe has built a reputation for her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, all while prioritizing the well-being of her clients.

At the core of Chloe Doust’s practice at the Gillespie Law Firm is her mission to help individuals and families who have been wronged or are in need of legal relief. Specializing in personal injury and consumer rights law, Chloe brings a combination of compassion and legal expertise to each case, ensuring that her clients receive the care, support, and justice they deserve.

A Legal Career Rooted in Advocacy

Chloe Doust’s legal career is deeply rooted in her passion for advocacy. With an LLM in International Trade Law from Nottingham School of Law, England, she is equipped with advanced skills in negotiating business contracts and handling everyday legal matters. However, it’s her experience in personal injury and consumer rights that has defined her career.

Through her work, Chloe handles a wide variety of cases, including automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents, property law claims, unlawful evictions, and drafting lease agreements. Her versatility and deep knowledge of these areas have made her a trusted advocate for her clients, many of whom have faced significant physical and financial hardships.

What sets Chloe Doust apart is her approach to each case. Rather than focusing solely on the legal outcomes, she ensures that her clients feel supported throughout the entire legal process. Chloe offers free consultations and, whenever possible, free legal services—a testament to her commitment to making justice accessible to all.

A Champion for Consumer Rights and Debt Relief

In addition to personal injury, Chloe Doust has also developed a strong focus on debt relief and consumer rights. As the economic climate becomes more challenging for many families, Chloe has seen an increasing need to protect individuals from predatory lenders, unlawful debt collection practices, and other financial injustices.

Her work in this area often involves negotiating settlements, representing clients in debt-related disputes, and offering guidance on financial recovery. Chloe Doust's approach is characterized by her empathy and understanding of the financial and emotional toll that debt can take on individuals and families. Her goal is to not only win cases but to empower her clients to regain financial stability and peace of mind.

Serving the Community Beyond the Courtroom

Chloe Doust’s dedication to helping others extends beyond her legal practice. When she’s not in the courtroom or fighting for her clients, she contributes to her local community by volunteering for Baptist South Church and taking on as many pro bono cases as possible. Her commitment to service has earned her respect, not only from her clients but also from her peers in the legal community.

Outside of her legal career, Chloe is a successful entrepreneur, managing a small business in South Carolina. Her legal background has given her an edge in navigating business challenges, and her experience with international trade law adds depth to her business negotiations.

A Vision for the Future

As a forward-thinking attorney, Chloe Doust continues to evolve her practice in response to the changing needs of her clients. With her combined expertise in personal injury, consumer rights, and debt relief, Chloe is uniquely positioned to lead her field and make a lasting impact on the lives of those she represents.

Her vision for the future is clear: to continue advocating for the underserved, offering legal services that are not only effective but also accessible to all. With her heart for service and her passion for justice, Chloe Doust is a true leader in personal injury and debt relief law, setting a standard of excellence that others strive to follow.

[osterbauerlaw]

Wish to hire a personal injury attorney St. Paul, MN? You can count on Osterbauer Law Firm, one of the top personal injury law firms in the area. Our specialization allows our attorneys to focus exclusively on working in this highly complex area of the law. We work with people from all across Minnesota, including those in Minneapolis and St. Paul. We strive hard to facilitate rapid settlement for our clients, providing them with fair compensation in a timely manner. Our personal injury lawyers assess and evaluate your case once you have scheduled an appointment. We provide you with information on the steps in the process, the options for settlement, and the potential range of the settlement. We typically settle most of the cases without the need to go through the litigation process. We are also fully prepared to take your case to court to ensure you get the settlement that is fair under the law. We can accommodate your schedule and your needs, including in-office consultations or phone consultations. Call us at 612-334-3434 today for a free consultation.

Osterbauer Law Firm

404 Third Avenue North Suite 201, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Email: josterbauer@osterbauerlawfirm.net  

Phone: 612-334-3434

Website: https://www.osterbauerlawfirm.com/

[bestlawyerinminnesota]

Get the ultimate tips for hiring a personal injury lawyer. Our personal injury lawyer Minneapolis provides the best service at an affordable price. Call us on 612-333-4500 for more offers.

[wilsoninjury]

At Robert Wilson & Associates, our Minnesota wrongful death attorneys have the experience, knowledge to help you with your family to develop a strong wrongful death lawsuit for your loss. Call today at 612-334-3444.

[autoaccidentlawyerminneapolis]

10 Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim

If you are injured through someone else’s negligence, Minnesota law allows you to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. However, filing a claim isn’t a guarantee of compensation. Minnesota injury law is nothing if not confusing, and a misstep could cost you. To help you protect your rights and recover the total compensation you deserve, SiebenCarey is always ready for your help.

[beardedmrbean]

The two student suspects arrested after Tuesday's school shooting in Minnesota, which left one students dead and another in critical condition, knew their victims, and the attack "was not random," police said Wednesday.

Police responded to gunfire that broke out at 12:07 p.m. at South Education Center in the Minneapolis suburb of Richfield and found two students shot on the sidewalk.

South Education Center is a 200-student facility, which includes pre-K students through young adults who attend for special education and community programs.

Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne said at a news conference Wednesday that the shooting involved five students at the school and that the attack “was not random.”

He identified the suspects, who were taken into custody Tuesday night, as Fernando Valdez-Alvarez, 18, and Alfredo Rosario Solis, 19, both of Minneapolis.

"The five students did know each other. An altercation, possibly related to a previous dispute, took place ... near the front entrance of the high school. During the altercation a handgun was produced and both juveniles were shot," Henthorne said.

Valdez-Alvarez and Solis fled in a vehicle, authorities said.

The two victims who were shot were rushed to the hospital, where a 15-year-old succumbed to his wounds, Henthorne said. A 17-year-old was injured and remains in critical condition, he added.

Henthorne said a 19-year-old student also suffered minor injuries in the gunfire and was treated at the scene. He did not identify the victims.

Police said that just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, SWAT teams with warrants searched two addresses simultaneously and arrested Valdez-Alvarez and Solis. The vehicle they were seen in was also taken into custody, they said.

Henthorne said at least five more search warrants were served Tuesday night. A handgun was recovered at an address in Crystal, and another gun was recovered at an address in Minneapolis. Ballistic testing will be done on both to determine whether they might have been used in the shooting.

He said that police are in talks with the Hennepin County district attorney and that charges are expected Thursday.

Henthorne said the shooting was an isolated incident.

Intermediate School District #287 Superintendent Sandy Lewendowski said Wednesday that the trauma experienced by the students at the school “will be with them for the rest of their lives.”

She said that in the coming days the school will work with Richfield police, safety staff members and mental health teams to help students when they return to school.

Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez paid tribute to the slain student Wednesday, saying: “We lost one of our beautiful youth, young leaders, one of our students, and there’s nothing we can do to bring him back.

“I know that he loved football, he loved to be with his friends and was respected and was a part of the community here in our schools in Richfield, as well as more broadly,” she said. “My deepest condolences go to the family members and all of his friends.”

She said she and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz met with school staff members Wednesday "to let them know that we're in this together."

Walz said in a statement Tuesday: “We know that one young person will not come home to their family tonight. My heart breaks that a young life was lost as a result of gunfire.

“We need more than words, though — we need action. We need action to get guns off the streets and prevent violent crime in the first place,” he added.

[96thdayofrage]

What the defense has planned

During the jury selection process, Nelson tried to humanize Chauvin beyond the image of the white police officer who knelt on a Black man’s neck as he struggled to breathe and begged for his mother.

When the first batch of potential jurors was being questioned, Chauvin — with half his face obscured by a black mask — sat taking notes and rarely making eye contact. At one point, a juror said she could not forget the “hateful look” on Chauvin’s face in the videos. The comment altered the way Nelson later introduced his client to potential jurors, with Chauvin removing his mask to show his full face and nodding at the group.

To avoid convicting Chauvin of the second-degree unintentional murder charge, the defense must prove he did not cause Floyd’s death while also committing a felony — in this case, assault. The defense will argue that Chauvin did not cause Floyd’s death, that it was a combination of excessive drug use and preexisting conditions that killed him. They will call on the county medical examiner who said Floyd’s toxicology report showed high traces of drugs during the incident — but the examiner also noted that it’s hard to say whether Floyd would have died of other causes, like Chauvin’s knee on his neck. If convicted, under Minnesota law, the charge is punishable by up to 40 years in prison.

To avoid conviction on the second-degree manslaughter charge, the defense needs to prove that Chauvin didn’t cause Floyd’s death due to negligence that created an unreasonable risk — meaning, he didn’t know that pinning him down by his neck for nearly nine minutes would lead to severe injury or death. In Minnesota, this charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years.

The third-degree murder charge, under Minnesota law, means the perpetrator acted in a way that was reckless at the risk of causing death and carries a sentence of no more than 25 years. Prosecutors argued to add the third-degree murder charge because not only is it easier to prove than second-degree unintentional felony murder, but it also gives jurors more options about how to convict. If convicted of any of these charges, Chauvin’s status as a first-time offender will also play into how long his prison sentence will be.

Ultimately, the defense’s central strategy is proving that something else ended Floyd’s life — and that it was not Chauvin’s knee. Nelson pushed for a pre-trial motion to include evidence of Floyd’s drug-related arrest by Minneapolis police in 2019. After reviewing Nelson’s arguments, in which the attorney called Floyd’s “emotional responses” during both arrests a “common modus operandi,” Judge Cahill has allowed the defense to show only a portion of the 2019 arrest video as evidence during the trial, adding that Floyd’s interactions with the police in 2019 mirrored the 2020 arrest that led to his death. Cahill also agreed that there were signs that Floyd may have taken drugs in both incidents.

The defense has also tried to argue that Chauvin was terminated due to prejudice, not for cause, and that Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo only fired him out of public pressure. However, prosecutors successfully motioned to exclude any evidence or testimony that speaks to the police department’s decision to fire Chauvin and the other three officers involved since it’s unrelated to how and why Floyd died.

Nelson’s arguments so far give observers a glimpse of how he expects to approach the trial — that the entire investigation leading to Floyd’s death was fundamentally biased against his client, including the ongoing federal civil rights investigation and Chauvin’s immediate firing. Arradondo, the city’s first Black police chief, said he fired the officers after reviewing all the evidence including body-camera videos.

During the month-long trial, several witnesses are expected to testify, including Arradondo, the county medical examiner, and the bystander who videotaped Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck.

The prosecution also plans to introduce “spark of life” witnesses, which under Minnesota law allows family and friends to be called to the stand to deliver testimony that would humanize the victim. Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, and former girlfriend Courteney Ross are among those expected to speak.

However, the spark-of-life testimonies won’t be considered “evidence” and will be tightly managed by Cahill. The judge said he would draw a line if witnesses talk about Floyd’s character rather than how much they loved him since it would “open the door” for the defense to introduce Floyd’s criminal history as evidence, which so far has been ruled inadmissible. Cahill, nonetheless, added he may allow witnesses to talk about Floyd’s struggles with opioid addiction.

“This is not a hard case,” Ben Crump, the attorney who helped the Floyd family secure the $27 million settlement, said in a news release after the jury selections were completed. “George Floyd had more witnesses to his death than any other person ever — white or Black. We all saw the same thing — the indisputable and unjustified torture and murder by a police officer of a Black man who was handcuffed, restrained, and posed no harm.”

What we know about the jury

The initial jury pool had 326 people, but only about 60 were questioned. Cahill decided 15 needed to be selected, including two alternates and another who will be dropped if the first 14 jurors show up for duty (only 12 will be on the actual jury).

Even though the jury selection process was broadcasted live, the faces of the prospective jurors were not shown to the public for their safety and privacy, and they will not be seen for the duration of the trial. Among the 15 selected jurors, we do know six are people of color — one Black woman, three Black men, and two mixed-race women — while nine are white, six of whom are women. Despite being a white majority, the jury is actually more diverse than the county and the city: According to 2019 data from the US Census Bureau, Hennepin County is about 74 percent white and 14 percent Black while Minneapolis is about 64 percent white and 19 percent Black.

The jurors also come from an array of backgrounds, ranging from an accountant to a chemist to a nurse who has been caring for patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Some are extremely familiar with the case while others haven’t been actively following monthslong developments. According to USA Today, seven are in their 20s or 30s, three in their 40s, four in their 50s, and one in her 60s.

Prior to the selection, each potential juror was asked to fill out a 14-page written questionnaire. During the selection process, the jurors were questioned and vetted by Judge Cahill, prosecution, and defense lawyers. The general line of questioning included if their views have changed since filling out the questionnaire, whether they could set aside their personal opinions on the case and social movements to remain impartial, and also about personal safety concerns. Those who expressed major anxiety and fears of being on the jury were ultimately dismissed.

The jurors were also asked about their thoughts or whether they’ve seen the video of Chauvin pinning his knee on Floyd’s neck as well as their views on the Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter movements. One of the selected jurors, who said he plans to move out of Minnesota in late May, noted he has a neutral opinion of Floyd and also generally favors the Black Lives Matter movement but also believes it was “a contributing factor” in the unrest that erupted following Floyd’s death last summer.

Another juror, a white man who works in sales, called the Blue Lives Matter movement “not offensive but shortsighted.” The man, who is supposed to get married in May but said he is willing to postpone the wedding if the trial continues, noted he generally supports law enforcement.

Some of the jurors’ responses also indicated how they would approach the final verdict of the trial. One juror said she wanted to know more about police training and whether placing a knee on someone’s neck was allowed while another said he wanted to hear Chauvin offer his side of the story.

However, one potential juror last week was dismissed by Chauvin’s defense attorney after sharing his thoughts and personal experience with the Minneapolis Police Department and the criminal justice system as a whole.

“As a Black man, you see a lot of Black people get killed and no one’s held accountable for it, and you wonder why or what was the decision, and so with this, maybe I’ll be in the room to know why,” the potential juror told the court.

Although the Army veteran said he could put his personal opinions aside to hear the case solely based on the evidence presented in court, he was still dismissed by the defense arguing that he was biased against the Minneapolis Police Department.

“That was his actual lived experiences with the Minneapolis police, but he was disqualified because it was assumed he couldn’t look past that in order to look at the facts of the case,” Bullock told Vox. “It’s an insult to Black Minneapolis residents because we have to forgo our bias and lived experiences all the time to fit in the system. It just shines a light on some of the inherent unfairness about the system.”

Cahill said he plans to reveal the names of the jurors when it is “safe” to do so. In the meantime, government buildings in downtown Minneapolis remain heavily barricaded by fencing and concrete barriers while members of the Minnesota National Guard remain stationed outside the courthouse. The heavy police presence, Bullock said, has left the community on edge.

Still, activist groups like Reclaim the Block and Black Visions Collective will keep a close eye on the trial while also protesting outside the courthouse and rallying at what’s now George Floyd Square. What they ultimately hope comes out of Floyd’s death is what they’ve always wanted: replacing Minneapolis police with a new public safety department, which means first changing the city charter and knocking door to door to collect signatures to do so.

“Regardless of the outcome of the verdict, we know that true justice would have to reflect in a fundamental change in the way we address public safety. If we’re not doing that, true justice is not served,” Bullock said. “We want justice for George Floyd and his family, of course, but we know that true justice means changing our public safety system.”

[osterbauerlaw]

Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Minnesota

https://osterbauerlawfirm.com/blog/why-hire-a-personal-injury-attorney-in-minnesota/ - If you have sustained an injury in some type of accident due to another person’s negligence, you may be having the right to receive compensation. Trying to go through the claim’s process on your own, however, is not advisable. An experienced lawyer can help you if you have been injured anywhere due to someone else’s negligence. An attorney from our team at Osterbauer Law Firm can answer the question: How does workman’s compensation work? Minnesota workers or simply pedestrians injured can find great help through a personal injury attorney.

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For help with your Personal Injury Attorney in the Minnesota area or to ask for a free consultation.

Osterbauer Law Firm 404 Third Avenue North Suite 201, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Email: josterbauer@osterbauerlawfirm.net   Phone: 612-334-3434 Website: https://www.osterbauerlawfirm.com/