Minnesota § 626.21 - RETURN OF PROPERTY AND SUPPRESSION OF EVIDENCE

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 626.21 — RETURN OF PROPERTY AND SUPPRESSION OF EVIDENCE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 626.21. RETURN OF PROPERTY AND SUPPRESSION OF EVIDENCE

(a) A person aggrieved by an unlawful search and seizure may move the district court for the district in which the property was seized or the district court having jurisdiction of the substantive offense for the return of the property and to suppress the use, as evidence, of anything so obtained on the ground that:

(1) the property was illegally seized;

(2) the property was illegally seized without warrant;

(3) the warrant is insufficient on its face;

(4) the property seized is not that described in the warrant;

(5) there was not probable cause for believing the existence of the grounds on which the warrant was issued;

(6) the warrant was illegally executed;

(7) the warrant was improvidently issued; or

(8) the warrant was executed or served in violation of section 626.14.

(b) The judge shall receive evidence on any issue of fact necessary to the decision of the motion. If the motion is granted the property shall be restored unless otherwise subject to lawful detention, and it shall not be admissible in evidence at any hearing or trial. The motion to suppress evidence may also be made in the district where the trial is to be had. The motion shall be made before trial or hearing unless opportunity therefor did not exist or the defendant was not aware of the grounds for the motion, but the court in its discretion may entertain the motion at the trial or hearing.

History:

1963 c 850 s 1; 1998 c 254 art 2 s 71; 2023 c 52 art 9 s 9

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 626.21

What does Minnesota Statutes § 626.21 cover?

Section 626.21 ("RETURN OF PROPERTY AND SUPPRESSION OF EVIDENCE") 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 § 626.21?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 626.21" (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 § 626.21 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.