(a) The legislature has the exclusive authority to define crimes and offenses and the range of the sentences or punishments for their violation. No other or different sentence or punishment shall be imposed for the commission of a crime than is authorized by this chapter or other applicable law.

criminal case

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Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 609.095

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(b) Except as provided in section 152.18, 609.1056, 609.375, or upon agreement of the parties, a court may not refuse to adjudicate the guilt of a defendant who tenders a guilty plea in accordance with Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 15, or who has been found guilty by a court or jury following a trial. A decision by the court to issue a stay of adjudication under this paragraph for a charge of violating section 243.166, 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.3451, subdivision 3, or 609.3453, must be justified in writing and on the record.

(c) Paragraph (b) does not supersede Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 26.04.