2025 Session Last amended: 2023 session

§ 611.01 — Ground of Arrest, Knowledge

Plain-Language Summary

When you are arrested, you have the right to know why. The officer who arrests you must tell you the true reason for your arrest. If you ask to see the arrest warrant, the officer must show it to you. An officer who refuses, lies, or fails to show the warrant can be fined up to $3,000 or jailed for up to 364 days.

611.01 GROUND OF ARREST, KNOWLEDGE.

Every person arrested by virtue of process, or taken into custody by an officer, has a right to know from such officer the true ground of arrest; and every such officer who shall refuse to answer relative thereto, or shall answer untruly, or neglect on request to exhibit to the arrested person, or to any person acting in the arrested person’s behalf, the precept by virtue of which such arrest is made, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $3,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 364 days.

History:

(9951) RL s 4783; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1986 c 444; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16

History: History: (9951) RL s 4783; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1986 c 444; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16

Practical Notes

If you are arrested, ask the officer why you are being arrested and request to see the warrant. The officer is required by law to answer truthfully and show you the paperwork. If an officer refuses to explain the reason for your arrest, document the interaction and report it, as the officer can face criminal penalties.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes