2025 Session Last amended: 1971 session

§ 609.04 — Conviction of Lesser Offense

Plain-Language Summary

Allows a person charged with a crime to be convicted of a lesser included offense instead. A lesser included offense can be a lower degree of the same crime, an attempt, or a crime that is automatically proved by proving the charged crime. A conviction or acquittal bars future prosecution for included offenses.

Practical Notes
This is a key trial right. For example, someone charged with first-degree assault could be convicted of second-degree assault instead. Once convicted or acquitted, the person cannot be prosecuted again for any lesser included offense from the same incident.