WHAT EACH CHARGE CARRIES
13 charges people actually meet, each with the section it comes from, what it requires the state to show, and the most it can carry. Minnesota sorts an offense into a petty misdemeanor, a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor or a felony. A petty misdemeanor is not a crime, and a felony's term and fine are set by the offense itself, so each felony level here names its own.
13 charges
Fifth degree assault
MISD to GROSS · up to Not more than 364 days
Also searched as assault, hit someone, fight, threatened to hit
An act done with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death, or intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm on another.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenThe ordinary case |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenAgainst the same victim within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related conviction, or anyone within three years of one |
Disorderly conduct
MISD · up to Not more than 90 days
Also searched as disturbing the peace, fighting, brawling, noisy conduct
Knowing, or having reasonable grounds to know, it will tend to alarm, anger or disturb others or provoke an assault or breach of the peace: brawling or fighting, or offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous or noisy conduct or language.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenThe ordinary case |
The section also lists disturbing a lawful assembly or meeting, but the state supreme court held that clause unconstitutional as substantially overbroad.
Obstructing legal process
MISD to FELONY · up to Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none
Also searched as resisting arrest, obstructing, interfering with an officer
Intentionally obstructing, resisting or interfering with a peace officer performing official duties, or obstructing the lawful execution of legal process or an arrest.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenIn other cases |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenAccompanied by force or violence, or the threat of it |
| FELONYFelony | Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none$10,000 fine | WhenKnowingly creating or causing a risk of death, substantial bodily harm or serious property damage: up to five years |
Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
FELONY · up to Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none
Also searched as fleeing, car chase, did not pull over, eluding
Fleeing or trying to flee in a motor vehicle from a peace officer lawfully on duty, whom the driver knows or should know is an officer. Speeding up, turning off the lights or refusing to stop to elude an officer after a signal are all fleeing.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| FELONYFelony | Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none$5,000 fine | WhenThe ordinary case: up to three years and one day |
Giving a peace officer a false name
MISD to GROSS · up to Not more than 364 days
Also searched as false name, fake ID to police, lying about my name, false date of birth
With intent to obstruct justice, giving a peace officer a fictitious name other than a nickname, a false date of birth, or a false or altered identification card, during a lawful stop, a lawful arrest, or another duty the law imposes.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenA fictitious name, a false date of birth, or a false or altered card |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenAnother person's name and date of birth |
The section punishes a false answer given to obstruct justice. It does not itself require anyone to answer.
Reckless and careless driving
MISD to GROSS · up to Not more than 364 days
Also searched as reckless driving, careless driving, racing, street racing
Driving while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm, or racing, is reckless driving; operating carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of others' rights, or in a way likely to endanger anyone, is careless driving.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenReckless driving, racing, or careless driving |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenReckless driving or racing that causes great bodily harm or death |
Driving after suspension or revocation
MISD to GROSS · up to Not more than 364 days
Also searched as driving on a suspended license, DAS, DAR, revoked license
Driving a motor vehicle that needs a license while the license is suspended, revoked or canceled, having been given notice of it or reasonably should know of it.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenThe ordinary case |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenDriving after revocation, for a person who may drive only through the ignition interlock program |
Open container
MISD · up to Not more than 90 days
Also searched as open bottle, drinking in the car, open beer
Drinking an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle on a street or highway, possessing an opened container in a private motor vehicle there, or, as the owner or the driver, keeping or allowing one in it.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenThe ordinary case |
An opened container in the trunk, or where there is no trunk in an area not normally occupied by the driver and passengers, is outside the possession offenses.
No proof of insurance
MISD to GROSS · up to Not more than 364 days
Also searched as no insurance card, uninsured, proof of insurance
Not producing proof of insurance covering the vehicle on an officer's demand.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenThe ordinary case, with a fine of at least $200 |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenWithin ten years of the first of two prior convictions |
A driver who owns the vehicle is not convicted if the court administrator receives the proof by the first court appearance. Using a phone to show the proof is not consent to anything else on it.
Failing to stop after a collision
MISD to FELONY · up to Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none
Also searched as hit and run, leaving the scene, drove off after a crash
For a driver involved in a collision who did not cause it, not stopping, investigating, and staying to give the information the section requires.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenDamage to an attended or unattended vehicle |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenSubstantial bodily harm to another |
| FELONYFelony | Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none$4,000 fine | WhenGreat bodily harm to another: up to two years |
| FELONYFelony | Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none$5,000 fine | WhenThe death of another: up to three years |
Carrying a pistol without a permit
PETTY to FELONY · up to Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none
Also searched as carrying without a permit, gun in the car, no permit card
Carrying, holding or possessing a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat, on or about the person, or otherwise in a public place, without first getting a permit to carry.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| PETTYPetty misdemeanor | No jail, and not a crime$25 fine | WhenA permit holder without the permit card and photo identification, a first offense |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenCarrying without a permit |
| FELONYFelony | Set by the offense, and five years where it sets noneSet by the offense, and $10,000 where it sets none fine | WhenCarrying without a permit, a second or later conviction |
The permit card citation is dismissed if the person shows they were authorized to carry at the time.
Unlawful interception
FELONY · up to Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none
Also searched as wiretapping, secret recording, recording a call
Intercepting a wire, electronic or oral communication without being a party to it or having a party's prior consent.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| FELONYFelony | Set by the offense, and five years where it sets none$20,000 fine | WhenThe ordinary case: up to five years |
It is not unlawful to intercept a communication one is a party to, or one a party consented to, unless it is done to commit a criminal or tortious act. Some kinds of radio communications carry lower penalties.
Police radio in a vehicle
MISD to GROSS · up to Not more than 364 days
Also searched as scanner, police scanner, radio in the car
Equipping a motor vehicle with radio equipment that can receive a police emergency frequency, or using or possessing it in one, without being a peace officer, a State Patrol member, an amateur radio license holder, or holding a permit.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| MISDMisdemeanor | Not more than 90 days$1,000 fine | WhenA first violation |
| GROSSGross misdemeanor | Not more than 364 days$3,000 fine | WhenA second or later violation |
Every level on this page, for reference
The misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor ranges are the statutes' defaults. A felony's range is on its own line in each card.
- PETTYPetty misdemeanorNo jail, and not a crime$300
- MISDMisdemeanorNot more than 90 days$1,000
- GROSSGross misdemeanorNot more than 364 days$3,000
- FELONYFelonySet by the offense, and five years where it sets noneSet by the offense, and $10,000 where it sets none
Words on a charging document
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Careless drivingOperating or halting a vehicle carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of others' rights, or in a way that endangers or is likely to endanger property or anyone. A misdemeanor.
- Disorderly conductBrawling, fighting, or offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous or noisy conduct or language, knowing it will tend to alarm, anger or disturb others or provoke an assault or breach of the peace. A misdemeanor.
- ExpungementSealing a criminal record on petition after a period without a new conviction: two years after discharge for a petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor, three for a gross misdemeanor.
- Fifth-degree assaultAn act done with intent to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death, or intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm. A misdemeanor.
- Fleeing a peace officerFleeing or trying to flee in a motor vehicle from a peace officer lawfully on duty, including speeding up, turning off the lights or refusing to stop after a signal. A felony.
- Gross misdemeanorAny crime that is not a felony or misdemeanor. Where no other penalty is set, it carries up to 364 days, a $3,000 fine, or both.
- Medical amnestyA person under 21 who calls 911 to report that someone needs medical help is not prosecuted for consuming or possessing, if the caller is the first to report, gives a name and contact information, stays until help arrives and cooperates.
- Money bailBail deposited in money, which belongs to the accused whoever deposited it, held until the case is finally disposed of. On most misdemeanors it can be no more than double the highest cash fine.
- Obstructing legal processIntentionally obstructing, resisting or interfering with a peace officer performing official duties, or obstructing an arrest. Up to 90 days, a $1,000 fine, or both, and more with force or violence.
- Petty misdemeanorAn offense that is not a crime, punishable by a fine of not more than $300.
About this guide — maximums, not predictions. What a specific case carries turns on priors, the facts, and the court, and only a licensed Minnesota attorney can tell you what yours is. Current as of September 2026.