Minnesota Statutes 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.
Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 631.046
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 631.046
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
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.