Fighting an Unborn Child Charge in Duluth with a Dedicated Defense Attorney
The moment you learn you’re being investigated or have been charged with injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime, your world in Duluth shatters. This isn’t just a legal challenge; it’s a profound personal crisis that rips through every aspect of your life, leaving a trail of fear, uncertainty, and despair. The accusations alone can feel like an immediate judgment, isolating you from your community and casting a long shadow over your future. You might be reeling, wondering how such a grave accusation could be leveled against you, and grappling with the terrifying prospect of what lies ahead. This isn’t a time for passive acceptance; it’s a call to arms, a moment to understand that an accusation, no matter how serious, is not a conviction.
The shock of a criminal charge reverberates far beyond the courtroom, touching every corner of your existence in Northern Minnesota. If you live in a tight-knit community like Proctor or Two Harbors, the whispers can start quickly, threatening your reputation and the respect you’ve worked so hard to build. Your job, your home, and your ability to provide for your family are all suddenly on the line. The damage to your standing, even before a verdict, can feel insurmountable. This is the state wielding its immense power against you, and the isolation can be suffocating. But you are not alone in this fight. There is a path forward, forged through strength, strategic defense, and an unwavering commitment to protecting your rights and your future.
The Stakes: What a Conviction Truly Costs
A conviction for injury or death of an unborn child is not just a sentence; it’s a life-altering event that carries severe and lasting consequences. The fight against these charges is essential because the stakes are incredibly high, impacting every facet of your life long after your time in court is over.
Your Permanent Criminal Record
A conviction for injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime will result in a permanent felony record. This isn’t something that fades away with time; it’s a indelible mark that follows you for the rest of your life. Every background check, every job application, every housing inquiry will reveal this conviction, creating immediate barriers and lasting prejudice. Even years down the line, when you might believe you’ve moved past this traumatic period, that record will resurface, preventing you from securing opportunities and living the life you envisioned. It becomes a constant shadow, limiting your freedom and casting doubt on your character, regardless of your rehabilitation or personal growth.
Loss of Second Amendment Rights
One of the most immediate and impactful consequences of a felony conviction, including for injury or death of an unborn child, is the permanent loss of your Second Amendment rights. This means you will no longer be legally permitted to own or possess firearms. For many in Northern Minnesota, where hunting, sport shooting, and personal protection are deeply ingrained in the culture and way of life, this loss is not merely a legal technicality but a fundamental infringement on their lifestyle and sense of security. It’s a right that, once lost, is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to regain, significantly altering how you can live your life in a community where these rights are often highly valued.
Barriers to Employment and Housing
The collateral damage of a felony conviction extends deeply into your ability to secure stable employment and housing. Employers are often reluctant to hire individuals with felony records, particularly for serious offenses, due to concerns about liability, trust, and public perception. Many housing complexes and landlords conduct thorough background checks, and a felony conviction can lead to immediate disqualification, leaving you struggling to find suitable living arrangements. This can create a devastating cycle of unemployment and instability, making it incredibly difficult to rebuild your life and contribute to your community, trapping you in a desperate fight for basic necessities.
Impact on Professional Licenses and Reputation
For those holding professional licenses in fields like healthcare, education, or finance, a conviction for injury or death of an unborn child can be catastrophic. Licensing boards often view such offenses as grounds for suspension or permanent revocation, effectively ending your career and dismantling years of education and hard work. Even if your profession doesn’t require a specific license, your reputation within your community, whether in Duluth, Cloquet, or Bemidji, will suffer immense and potentially irreversible damage. The public perception of you will shift dramatically, leading to social ostracism, loss of trust, and the erosion of your standing, making it incredibly challenging to regain respect and move forward.
The Accusation: Understanding the State’s Case
Facing an accusation of injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime means understanding the formidable challenge presented by the state. This is not a time for guesswork; it’s a time for clear, direct understanding of what you are up against. Knowing the specifics of the charge, the relevant laws, and the prosecution’s burden is the first step in formulating a powerful defense.
What Does the State Allege? Injury or Death of Unborn Child Explained in Plain English
When the state brings a charge of injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime, it alleges that while you were committing another serious offense—a felony or certain specific violent misdemeanors—you caused harm or death to an unborn child. This charge focuses not on the intent to harm the unborn child, but rather on the tragic consequence occurring during the commission of another, underlying crime. The prosecution will try to demonstrate a direct link between your actions during that separate crime and the resulting injury or death to the unborn child, aiming to prove that your conduct, even if not specifically targeting the unborn child, directly led to the harm.
This means the state is essentially building two cases against you: one for the underlying felony or specified misdemeanor, and another for the harm or death to the unborn child that occurred during that original crime. They will present evidence to establish both that the underlying crime was committed and that, as a direct result, an unborn child was injured or died. The specific nature of the underlying offense matters greatly, as Minnesota law precisely defines which felonies and other crimes can serve as the basis for this severe charge. It is a complex legal framework, and the state will attempt to weave together a narrative that firmly connects your actions to both components of the accusation.
The Law on the Books: Minnesota Statute 609.268
Minnesota Statute 609.268 addresses the grave offense of causing injury or death to an unborn child during the commission of another crime. This statute’s purpose is to provide legal recourse and penalties for acts that result in harm to an unborn child, even if that harm was not the primary intent of the perpetrator, but rather a tragic consequence of engaging in other serious criminal activity.
609.268 INJURY OR DEATH OF UNBORN CHILD IN COMMISSION OF CRIME.
Subdivision 1.Death of unborn child. Whoever, in the commission of a felony or in a violation of section 609.224, 609.2242, 609.23, 609.231, 609.2325, or 609.233, causes the death of an unborn child is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 15 years or to payment of a fine not more than $30,000, or both. As used in this subdivision, “felony” does not include a violation of sections 609.185 to 609.2114, 609.221 to 609.2231, or 609.2661 to 609.2665.
Subd. 2.Injury to unborn child. Whoever, in the commission of a felony or in a violation of section 609.23, 609.231, 609.2325 or 609.233, causes great or substantial bodily harm to an unborn child who is subsequently born alive, is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both. As used in this subdivision, “felony” does not include a violation of sections 609.2112 to 609.2114, 609.221 to 609.2231, or 609.267 to 609.2672.
The Prosecution’s Burden: Elements of Injury or Death of Unborn Child
In any criminal case, the burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution. They must prove every single element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the state fails to prove even one element, their entire case against you crumbles. This is the fundamental principle of our justice system, and it is the bedrock upon which your defense will be built. Your role is not to prove your innocence; it is to ensure the state is held to its incredibly high burden.
- Commission of an Underlying Felony or Specified Misdemeanor: The prosecution must prove that you were actively engaged in the commission of a felony, or a violation of specific sections of Minnesota law related to assault (609.224, 609.2242), or crimes involving vulnerable adults (609.23, 609.231, 609.2325, 609.233). This is the foundational element; without proof of this underlying crime, the charge of injury or death of an unborn child cannot stand. The state will present evidence to demonstrate that you were perpetrating one of these qualifying offenses at the time the alleged harm occurred.
- Causation of Death or Injury to an Unborn Child: The state must then demonstrate a direct causal link between your actions during the underlying crime and the death or injury of an unborn child. For Subdivision 1 (death), they must prove that your actions caused the death of an unborn child. For Subdivision 2 (injury), they must prove that your actions caused great or substantial bodily harm to an unborn child who was subsequently born alive. This causation element is critical and often complex, requiring the prosecution to establish a clear and unbroken chain of events from your conduct to the harm suffered by the unborn child. They will likely rely on medical evidence, witness testimony, and potentially forensic analysis to attempt to establish this connection.
The Potential Outcome: Penalties for an Injury or Death of Unborn Child Conviction
A conviction for injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime carries exceptionally severe penalties, reflecting the gravity of the offense. These are not minor consequences; they are life-altering sentences that can lead to years, if not a decade or more, behind bars, significant financial burdens, and a permanent felony record that will follow you everywhere.
- Death of Unborn Child (Subdivision 1)If convicted under Subdivision 1, which involves causing the death of an unborn child during the commission of a felony or specific listed misdemeanors, you face a felony conviction. The potential penalties include imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or a fine of not more than $30,000, or both. This is a substantial period of incarceration that would completely disrupt your life, separating you from your family, your community, and your freedom for a significant portion of your future. The financial penalties are also severe, adding an immense burden to an already devastating situation.
- Injury to Unborn Child (Subdivision 2)A conviction under Subdivision 2, which pertains to causing great or substantial bodily harm to an unborn child who is subsequently born alive during the commission of a felony or specific listed misdemeanors, also results in a felony conviction. The penalties here can include imprisonment for not more than ten years, or a fine of not more than $20,000, or both. While slightly less severe than a death-related conviction, ten years in prison is still an immense period of time, and the financial repercussions can be devastating, impacting your ability to rebuild your life for years after your release.
The Battle Plan: Building Your Strategic Defense
An accusation of injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime is a declaration of war from the state, but it is not the end of your fight. This is where the battle plan begins, a proactive and strategic counter-offensive designed to dismantle the prosecution’s case and protect your future. You are not a passive recipient of charges; you are a combatant in a crucial legal battle, and every weakness in the state’s position will be relentlessly exposed.
An accusation is merely that: an accusation. It is a statement of what the state believes happened, based on their interpretation of the evidence. Your defense is not about proving innocence; it is about rigorously testing every aspect of the state’s narrative, challenging their assumptions, scrutinizing their evidence, and exposing every flaw in their case. The state has an immense burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and my job is to ensure they fail to meet that burden. This fight starts now, and it is a fight for your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
How an Unborn Child Charge Can Be Challenged in Court
Every charge, no matter how serious, can be challenged. An accusation of injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime is no exception. A formidable defense will meticulously examine every angle of the state’s case, looking for weaknesses in their evidence, inconsistencies in their narrative, and violations of your rights.
Challenging the Underlying Felony or Crime
A core component of this charge is the commission of an underlying felony or specified misdemeanor. If the prosecution cannot prove you committed this underlying offense, the entire charge related to the unborn child falls apart.
- Lack of Evidence for the Underlying Crime: A defense can focus on challenging the prosecution’s evidence regarding the underlying felony or specified misdemeanor. This could involve demonstrating that the state lacks sufficient evidence to prove every element of that foundational crime, or that the evidence they do possess is unreliable, circumstantial, or tainted. If the underlying crime cannot be proven, then the charge concerning the unborn child cannot stand.
- Mistaken Identity or Alibi for Underlying Crime: It may be possible to assert that you were not the person who committed the underlying felony or specified misdemeanor. This could involve presenting alibi evidence placing you elsewhere at the time of the alleged crime, or demonstrating that the identification process used by law enforcement was flawed, leading to a misidentification. Without clear and convincing proof that you committed the underlying offense, the state’s case against you for the unborn child charge weakens significantly.
- Justification or Excuse for Underlying Crime: In some cases, the defense might argue that while an action occurred, it was justified or excused under the law. For example, if the underlying felony was an assault, and it can be proven that you acted in self-defense, then the assault itself was not a crime, and consequently, the charge related to the unborn child would also fail. This requires a meticulous examination of the circumstances surrounding the alleged underlying offense.
Disputing Causation
The prosecution must prove a direct causal link between your actions during the underlying crime and the injury or death of the unborn child. If this link can be broken, the case against you weakens considerably.
- Intervening Cause: A defense may argue that an independent, unforeseen event occurred between your actions and the alleged injury or death of the unborn child, breaking the chain of causation. This “intervening cause” could be anything from a medical complication unrelated to the alleged crime to another party’s actions, demonstrating that your conduct was not the direct cause of the harm. Establishing an intervening cause can significantly weaken the prosecution’s argument that you are legally responsible for the outcome.
- Pre-existing Conditions: It might be argued that the injury or death of the unborn child was due to pre-existing medical conditions or vulnerabilities of the mother or the unborn child, rather than your alleged actions. This would involve a thorough review of medical records and potentially expert medical testimony to show that the harm was not a direct result of the alleged crime, but rather a tragic consequence of other factors.
- Lack of Medical Certainty: In cases involving complex medical circumstances, it might be possible to challenge the certainty of the medical findings presented by the prosecution. This could involve presenting alternative medical opinions or highlighting ambiguities in the evidence to create reasonable doubt as to whether your actions definitively caused the injury or death of the unborn child. The state must prove causation beyond a reasonable doubt, and any uncertainty benefits the defense.
Challenging the Definition of “Unborn Child” or “Born Alive”
The legal definitions within the statute are critical. Any ambiguity or inability by the state to definitively meet these definitions can be a powerful defense.
- Questioning Viability or Developmental Stage: Depending on the specifics of the alleged injury or death, a defense might involve questioning whether the entity truly met the legal definition of an “unborn child” at the time of the incident, or whether there was sufficient evidence to determine its developmental stage. While the statute is broad, the precise legal interpretation can sometimes be a point of contention requiring expert testimony.
- Disputing “Born Alive” for Injury Cases: For charges under Subdivision 2, which requires the unborn child to be “subsequently born alive” to have suffered great or substantial bodily harm, a defense could argue that this specific condition was not met. This might involve a rigorous examination of medical records and testimony to demonstrate that the child was not truly born alive as defined by the statute, or that the injury occurred after birth and was unrelated to the underlying crime.
Constitutional Violations and Procedural Errors
Even if the state has evidence, if that evidence was obtained illegally or if proper procedure was not followed, it may be inadmissible in court.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: Evidence obtained through an unlawful search and seizure, violating your Fourth Amendment rights, can be suppressed, meaning the prosecution cannot use it against you. This involves a meticulous review of how evidence was collected, including search warrants, consent, and the circumstances surrounding any police searches.
- Miranda Rights Violations: If you were interrogated by law enforcement without being properly advised of your Miranda rights (the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney), any statements you made during that interrogation could be deemed inadmissible. This is a critical protection that ensures your statements are voluntary and not coerced.
- Police Misconduct or Coercion: Any evidence, including confessions or witness statements, obtained through police misconduct, coercion, or undue pressure can be challenged and potentially excluded from trial. This requires a thorough investigation into the conduct of law enforcement during the arrest and investigation phases.
Defense in Action: Scenarios in Northern Minnesota
The principles of defense are universal, but their application is always tailored to the unique circumstances of each case and the specific realities of life in Northern Minnesota. Here are scenarios demonstrating how a strategic defense fights an injury or death of unborn child charge.
Scenario in Bemidji: Challenging the Underlying Assault
In Bemidji, a stressful evening culminates in an argument, and a sudden physical altercation results in an accusation of assault against a pregnant woman, leading to the grave charge of injury to an unborn child. The police report details a heated exchange that escalated, with the state claiming a direct link between the physical contact and subsequent medical complications. The individual is overwhelmed, fearing their life in this tight-knit community is over.
My strategic defense would scrutinize the underlying assault charge. We would investigate whether the alleged contact was indeed the cause of the injury to the unborn child, or if there was an intervening medical issue or pre-existing condition that led to the complications. By challenging the causation element for the injury to the unborn child and demonstrating that the physical contact was not the direct cause, or that the underlying assault itself was not legally established due to insufficient evidence, we could dismantle the prosecution’s case against the client.
Scenario in Cloquet: Questioning the Causation of Death
In Cloquet, following a vehicular incident where one vehicle was involved in what the state is alleging was reckless driving, leading to a collision with another car carrying a pregnant passenger. Tragically, the pregnant passenger suffers a severe impact, and later, the unborn child does not survive, leading to a charge of death of an unborn child in the commission of a felony. The driver is devastated, facing the weight of an accusation that carries significant prison time.
Here, the defense would focus heavily on disputing the causation. We would bring in accident reconstruction experts to analyze the forces involved in the collision and medical experts to review the specific cause of the unborn child’s death. The goal would be to demonstrate that the death was not directly and solely caused by the alleged reckless driving, but perhaps by another unforeseen factor or medical issue, or that the nature of the collision itself did not meet the legal threshold for causing the death as alleged by the state.
Scenario in Two Harbors: Challenging Police Procedure
In Two Harbors, an individual is accused of committing a felony, and during the arrest process, police claim they observed actions that led to a secondary charge of injury to an unborn child. The individual was interrogated for hours without proper Miranda warnings, and evidence was collected from their home without a valid search warrant. The client feels trapped, believing the police have an airtight case.
My defense would immediately move to suppress any evidence obtained through unconstitutional means. This would involve filing motions to exclude any statements made during the unwarned interrogation and to suppress any evidence seized during the unlawful search. If the core evidence against the client was obtained in violation of their Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights, it cannot be used against them in court, significantly weakening the prosecution’s ability to prove the charges, including the serious unborn child charge.
Scenario in Proctor: Disputing the “Born Alive” Requirement
In Proctor, an individual is accused of committing a felony during which an unborn child suffered what the state describes as “great bodily harm,” with the child subsequently born prematurely. The prosecution is proceeding with a charge of injury to an unborn child. The family is experiencing immense emotional distress, and the legal burden feels overwhelming.
In this scenario, the defense would focus on the “subsequently born alive” element of the injury to unborn child statute. We would thoroughly examine all medical records and potentially engage independent medical experts to determine if the child truly met the legal criteria of being “born alive” at the time of the alleged injury, as defined by Minnesota law, or if the harm occurred under circumstances that do not meet the precise statutory requirements for the charge. This detailed medical and legal analysis could create reasonable doubt as to whether the specific conditions for the charge have been met.
The Advocate: Why a Dedicated Duluth Defense Attorney is Essential
When your world is shattered by a charge as serious as injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape and the immense personal stakes. You need a fighter by your side, someone who is prepared to challenge every aspect of the state’s case and tirelessly defend your rights.
Countering the Resources of the State
The state of Minnesota wields immense resources when prosecuting a felony charge. Prosecutors have access to police investigations, forensic labs, expert witnesses, and virtually unlimited funding. They are a formidable opponent, and without a dedicated defense attorney by your side, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer power and machinery of the state. A defense attorney acts as your shield and sword, strategically countering their resources with a meticulous investigation of the evidence, bringing in independent experts where necessary, and challenging every piece of their narrative. I will ensure that the scales of justice are not tipped unfairly against you, leveling the playing field and fiercely advocating for your rights against the might of the prosecution.
Strategic Command of the St. Louis County Courts
Navigating the complexities of the St. Louis County court system, and specifically the courtrooms in Duluth, requires a strategic mind and an intimate understanding of local legal procedures, judges, and prosecutorial tactics. This isn’t just about knowing the law; it’s about understanding the unwritten rules, the specific preferences of judges, and the negotiating styles of prosecutors in this jurisdiction. A dedicated defense attorney brings this invaluable strategic command to your case, anticipating moves, identifying optimal paths, and leveraging local knowledge to your advantage. This nuanced understanding of the local judicial landscape in St. Louis County is crucial for effective negotiation, aggressive litigation, and ultimately, securing the best possible outcome for your specific circumstances.
Fighting for Your Story, Not Just the Police Report
When you are accused, the police report often becomes the state’s entire story of what happened. It is a one-sided narrative, designed to build a case against you, often overlooking crucial details, context, and your perspective. A dedicated defense attorney fights to ensure your full story is heard, not just the truncated version presented by law enforcement. I will conduct my own independent investigation, interview witnesses, uncover overlooked evidence, and meticulously piece together a comprehensive and compelling account of events that reflects your truth. This isn’t about fabricating; it’s about revealing the complete picture, highlighting the nuances and complexities that the police report conveniently ignores, and ensuring that the court sees you as more than just an accusation.
An Unwavering Commitment to a Winning Result
From the moment you walk through my door, my unwavering commitment is to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. This isn’t just a job; it’s a personal mission to fight for your freedom and your future. This commitment means meticulously preparing every aspect of your defense, relentlessly challenging the prosecution at every turn, exploring every legal avenue, and never backing down in the face of adversity. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea agreement, challenging evidence in pre-trial motions, or taking your case to trial and fighting for an acquittal, my dedication to securing a winning result for you remains absolute. Your fight becomes my fight, and I will stand by you every step of the way.
Your Questions Answered
What does “unborn child” mean in Minnesota law?
In Minnesota Statute 609.268, “unborn child” refers to the individual from conception until birth. The law does not specify a particular stage of development, focusing instead on the biological existence of the developing life within the womb, making it a broad definition for the purpose of these severe charges.
Can I be charged with injury or death of an unborn child even if I didn’t intend to harm the child?
Yes. Minnesota Statute 609.268 is unique in that it does not require you to have intended to harm the unborn child. The charge arises when the injury or death occurs during the commission of a felony or certain specific violent misdemeanors. The focus is on the consequence of your actions during another crime, not your specific intent towards the unborn child.
What is the difference between Subdivision 1 and Subdivision 2 of the statute?
Subdivision 1 of Minnesota Statute 609.268 deals with causing the death of an unborn child during the commission of a specified crime. Subdivision 2 deals with causing great or substantial bodily harm to an unborn child who is subsequently born alive during the commission of a specified crime. The key difference lies in the outcome for the unborn child and the requirement of being born alive for injury charges.
What are “great or substantial bodily harm” in the context of an unborn child?
“Great or substantial bodily harm” refers to injuries that create a high probability of death, cause serious permanent disfigurement, or cause a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the1 function of any bodily member or organ, or other severe bodily harm. For an unborn child, this would relate to severe injuries that impact their development or survival, or are apparent after birth.
Does the statute apply if the underlying crime is a misdemeanor?
Yes, but only specific misdemeanors are covered. The statute specifically lists violations of sections 609.224 (Assault in the Fifth Degree), 609.2242 (Domestic Assault), 609.23 (Mistreatment of Persons Confined), 609.231 (Mistreatment of Residents),2 609.2325 (Criminal Abuse of Vulnerable Adult), or 609.233 (Criminal Neglect of Vulnerable Adult). Other misdemeanors generally do not trigger this statute.
Can a self-defense claim apply to the underlying felony?
Yes, if the underlying felony (like an assault) can be successfully argued as an act of self-defense, then the prosecution’s case for that underlying crime would fail. If the underlying crime is not proven, then the charge of injury or death of an unborn child, which is dependent on that underlying crime, would also fail.
What kind of evidence does the prosecution use in these cases?
The prosecution typically relies on medical records, forensic evidence, witness testimony (including that of the pregnant individual), police reports, and potentially expert testimony from medical professionals or accident reconstructionists to establish the underlying crime and the causation of harm to the unborn child.
How important is the medical evidence?
Medical evidence is critically important in these cases. It is often the primary means by which the state attempts to prove causation—that your actions led to the injury or death of the unborn child. A thorough review and challenge of this medical evidence by a defense attorney, possibly with independent medical experts, can be crucial.
What if the identity of the person who committed the underlying felony is disputed?
If there is a dispute over the identity of the person who committed the underlying felony or specified misdemeanor, the defense can challenge the prosecution’s identification evidence. If the state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the one who committed the underlying crime, the unborn child charge will also fail.
How does being charged with this crime affect my family in Duluth?
A charge of injury or death of an unborn child in Duluth can have a devastating impact on your family. It creates immense emotional stress, financial strain, and can lead to social isolation within your community. The threat of severe penalties means potential long-term separation from your loved ones.
What is the first step I should take if I’m accused?
The absolute first step you should take is to remain silent and immediately contact a dedicated criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement, investigators, or anyone else about the accusations without your attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Can this charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, it is possible for this charge to be reduced or dismissed. This can happen through various defense strategies, such as challenging the evidence, negotiating with the prosecution for a lesser charge, or demonstrating that the state cannot prove all the necessary elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
What if I was not aware the person was pregnant?
While your knowledge of the pregnancy might be a factor in some aspects of a case, the statute for injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime does not explicitly require such awareness. The focus is on the commission of the underlying crime and the resulting harm. However, lack of awareness could be relevant in specific defense arguments regarding intent for the underlying crime, if applicable.
Will this charge affect my ability to travel?
A felony charge, especially one as serious as injury or death of an unborn child, can significantly impact your ability to travel, even before a conviction. If you are released on bail, there may be restrictions on your movement. A conviction will likely result in a permanent criminal record that can prevent international travel to many countries.
What is the role of a grand jury in these cases?
In Minnesota, felony charges are often brought by complaint, but a grand jury indictment is also possible, particularly for very serious felonies. A grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution to determine if there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that you committed it. If they find probable cause, they issue an indictment.