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State Representative
Rich Stanek

543 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 296- 5502

For Immediate ReleaseFor more information contact:
June 28, 2000Sandra Whalen (651-296-5529)
NEWS RELEASE
NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE JULY 1 PROTECTS JUVENILES, SPOUSES & OFFICERS

(ST. PAUL) Several new Minnesota criminal statutes, effective July 1, will add further security for victims of sexual assault and family violence, protect youth from prostitution and empower police officers who apprehend potentially dangerous suspects, said House Crime Prevention Committee Chairman Rich Stanek, a Maple Grove Republican and Minneapolis police officer.

Under one retooled statute, an inter-agency domestic violence and sexual assault task force will be created in the Office of Crime Victim's Services of the Department of Public Safety. It will coordinate statewide efforts to prevent family abuse and investigate suspected situations. The measure follows an initiative that expands first-degree (premeditated) murder charges to some incidences of domestic abuse, and enhances penalties for malicious punishment of a child especially in a second or subsequent conviction, Stanek said.

Harassment and stalking definitions are also further clarified in law, making it easier for serious incidents to be heard in court, while clearing the court's docket of more frivolous charges, he added. The Supreme Court estimates that one-fourth of all petitions for harassment restraining orders are without foundation.

Another measure targets preying adults by increasing penalties for those who sexually exploit youth and solicit or engage juveniles in acts of prostitution. It also lays the groundwork for further police officer training for recognizing situations of sexual exploitation.

New laws also give some security to police and peace officers. Two potentially dangerous situations involving officers are now criminal offenses under Minnesota state law.

Suspects can now be charged with a gross misdemeanor for assaulting an officer, even if it does not cause "demonstrable bodily harm," said Stanek, whose committee approved the legislation. The provision stems from a situation when an officer was struck in the groin by a suspect resisting arrest. It is a three-year felony penalty to physically harm an officer.

Another important change makes escape from police custody a felony, when a suspect flees after an arrest and whether or not they have been charged. Previous law allowed the felony charge to be made only on escapees who fled after being charged or convicted.

"For officers, every arrest has the potential to turn into something more dangerous," Stanek said. "But without a serious penalty, charges against those who interfere with police officers' ability to do their job are not pursued. With the new penalty, officers hope that violence against them will also be prevented."

Other new crime prevention laws-- regarding tobacco sales to youth, tracking criminal sex offenders, and prison inmate telephone use will be effective August 1. For more information on new laws, contact Rep. Stanek or House Public Information at (651) 296-2146.

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