Minnesota § 412.861 - PROSECUTIONS, VIOLATIONS OF ORDINANCES

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 412.861 — PROSECUTIONS, VIOLATIONS OF ORDINANCES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 412.861. PROSECUTIONS, VIOLATIONS OF ORDINANCES

Subdivision 1.Complaint.

All prosecutions for violation of ordinances shall be brought in the name of the city upon complaint and warrant as in other criminal cases. If the accused be arrested without a warrant, a written complaint shall thereafter be made, to which the accused shall be required to plead, and a warrant shall issue thereon. The warrant and all other process in such cases shall be directed for service to any police officer, process officer, or court officer of any town or city in the county, to the sheriff of the county, or all of them.

Subd. 2.Form and contents of complaint.

It shall be a sufficient pleading of the ordinances or resolutions of the city to refer to them by section and number or chapter. They shall have the effect of general laws within the city and need not be given in evidence upon the trial of civil or criminal actions. Judgment shall be given, if for the plaintiff, for the amount of fine, penalty, or forfeiture imposed, with costs; and the judgment shall direct that, in default of payment, the defendant be committed to the county jail for such time, not exceeding 90 days, as the court shall see fit. The commitment shall state the amount of judgment, the costs, and the period of commitment. Every person so committed shall be received by the keeper of the jail and kept, at the expense of the county, until lawfully discharged. The committing court may release the defendant at any time upon payment of the fine and costs.

Subd. 3.Appeal to court of appeals.

Appeals may be taken to the court of appeals in the manner prescribed by court rule. On appealing, the defendant shall give bond to the city, to be approved by the court, conditioned that, if the judgment be affirmed in whole or in part, the defendant will pay the judgment, and all costs and damages awarded against the defendant on the appeal. In case of affirmance, execution may issue against both defendant and the defendant's sureties. Upon perfection of the appeal, defendant shall be discharged from custody.

History:

1949 c 119 s 103; 1953 c 735 s 13; 1955 c 867 s 7; 1973 c 34 s 5; 1973 c 123 art 2 s 1 subd 2; 1976 c 2 s 132; 1983 c 359 s 66; 1984 c 387 s 2; 1986 c 444; 2005 c 10 art 2 s 4

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 412.861

What does Minnesota Statutes § 412.861 cover?

Section 412.861 ("PROSECUTIONS, VIOLATIONS OF ORDINANCES") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 412.861?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 412.861" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 412.861 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.