Minnesota § 631.046 - AUTHORIZING PRESENCE OF SUPPORT PERSON FOR MINOR PROSECUTING WITNESS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 631.046 — AUTHORIZING PRESENCE OF SUPPORT PERSON FOR MINOR PROSECUTING WITNESS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 631.046. AUTHORIZING PRESENCE OF SUPPORT PERSON FOR MINOR PROSECUTING WITNESS
Subdivision 1.Child abuse and violent crime cases.
Notwithstanding any other law, a prosecuting witness under 18 years of age in a case involving child abuse as defined in section 630.36, subdivision 2, a crime of violence, as defined in section 624.712, subdivision 5, or an assault under section 609.224 or 609.2242, may choose to have in attendance or be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other supportive person, whether or not a witness, at the omnibus hearing or at the trial, during testimony of the prosecuting witness. If the person so chosen is also a prosecuting witness, the prosecution shall present on noticed motion, evidence that the person's attendance is both desired by the prosecuting witness for support and will be helpful to the prosecuting witness. Upon that showing the court shall grant the request unless information presented by the defendant or noticed by the court establishes that the support person's attendance during the testimony of the prosecuting witness would pose a substantial risk of influencing or affecting the content of that testimony.
Subd. 2.Other cases.
Notwithstanding any other law, a prosecuting witness in any case involving criminal sexual conduct as defined in sections 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, and 609.345, or sexual extortion in section 609.3458 may choose to be accompanied by a supportive person, whether or not a witness, at the omnibus or other pretrial hearing. If the supportive person is also a witness, the prosecution and the court shall follow the motion procedure outlined in subdivision 1 to determine whether or not the supportive person's presence will be permitted.
History:
1985 c 286 s 23; 1986 c 463 s 21; 1993 c 326 art 6 s 24; 1995 c 259 art 3 s 26; 1Sp2021 c 11 art 4 s 31
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 631.046
What does Minnesota Statutes § 631.046 cover?
Section 631.046 ("AUTHORIZING PRESENCE OF SUPPORT PERSON FOR MINOR PROSECUTING WITNESS") 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 § 631.046?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 631.046" (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 § 631.046 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.