MN SF1544

Authorizes courts to issue criminal protection orders as part of sentencing for felonies, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors in addition to other sentences imposed.

Defines "person offense" to include 50+ specific Minnesota statutes covering crimes of violence and similar offenses in other jurisdictions, with protection orders restraining defendants from contacting victims or their family members by any means.

Criminal protection order relief extends for the term of the defendant's sentence unless the court determines a different period is appropriate, with prosecutors and defendants able to submit written or oral arguments before issuance.

Violation of a criminal protection order is a misdemeanor, escalates to a gross misdemeanor (minimum 10 days imprisonment) within 10 years of a prior person offense conviction, and becomes a felony (up to 5 years imprisonment or $10,000 fine) for subsequent violations or violations while possessing a dangerous weapon.

Peace officers may arrest without a warrant anyone they have probable cause to believe violated the order if its existence can be verified, with the person held in custody for at least 36 hours unless released earlier by a judge; effective August 1, 2015.