What is a Stay of Adjudication in Minnesota?

A "Stay of Adjudication" under Minnesota law is a court decision in a criminal case that results in a suspension of a finding of guilt. In other words, the defendant is not officially convicted of the crime, but the charges against them remain pending and could still result in a conviction if the defendant fails to comply with the conditions set by the court.

A stay of adjudication is often used in cases involving low-level or first-time offenses, such as minor drug possession or disorderly conduct. The court may impose conditions such as community service, probation, or counseling, and the defendant must comply with these conditions in order to avoid a finding of guilt and a criminal conviction.

In Minnesota, a stay of adjudication is seen as a more lenient alternative to a criminal conviction, as it allows the defendant to avoid a criminal conviction if they comply with the conditions set by the court. However, if the defendant violates the conditions of the stay, the court can proceed with a finding of guilt and impose a sentence.

A stay of adjudication is not the same as an acquittal. The charges remain pending, and the defendant may still be found guilty if they fail to comply with the conditions set by the court. The purpose of a stay of adjudication is to give the defendant the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to comply with the conditions set by the court and avoid a criminal conviction.

Some offenses, such as felony fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance, can carry statutory stays of adjudication. Generally speaking, however, stays of adjudication require approval from the prosecuting authority. Only in rare cases can a court stay adjudication over the prosecutor’s objection.