Accused of Assembling or Training for a Civil Disorder? A Minnesota Lawyer Explains Statute § 609.669
You find yourself in a situation you never imagined. Perhaps you were at a protest that grew tense, or you were practicing shooting with friends on private property. Now, you’re looking at a criminal charge that sounds archaic and deeply serious: Civil Disorder under Minnesota Statute § 609.669. The charge itself feels like a judgment, accusing you of something far more sinister than you intended. You might have been exercising what you believed to be your constitutional rights, or simply been with a group of people the police targeted. The line between lawful assembly and “civil disorder” can feel blurry and unfairly applied, especially in the charged atmosphere of a protest in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Rochester.
You are likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and uncertain about what comes next. This is a gross misdemeanor, a serious crime in Minnesota that prosecutors do not take lightly. They may try to paint your actions in the most negative light possible, alleging you were training for or teaching others to engage in violence. But an accusation is not proof, and their version of the story is not the only one that matters. You do not have to face this fight alone. I have defended clients across Minnesota, from Duluth to Bloomington and St. Cloud to Eagan, who have been caught in the crossfire of aggressive prosecution. I understand the nuances of these charges and how to protect your rights. Your future is on the line, and the first step toward defending it is understanding the battle ahead.
What “Civil Disorder” Actually Means in Minnesota
In Minnesota, a Civil Disorder charge isn’t about simply being present at a protest or a public disturbance. It’s a specific and serious accusation that focuses on the preparation for violence. Prosecutors use Minnesota Statute § 609.669 to target individuals they believe are either teaching others to use weapons for unlawful purposes or assembling with a group to train with weapons with the intent to cause trouble. This law is less about what happened during a chaotic event and more about the alleged intent behind your actions beforehand. “Minnesota Civil Disorder charges” are designed to stop potential violence before it starts, but they can easily be misapplied to lawful activities.
Facing a “Civil Disorder accusation” can be jarring because the state is trying to prove what you were thinking. Common scenarios might involve a group of friends practicing with firearms on a rural property near Maple Grove, only to be accused of training for a riot because one person made an inflammatory comment online. Or perhaps you were demonstrating how to use a particular piece of equipment at a protest in downtown Minneapolis, and the police interpreted your actions as teaching someone how to create an “incendiary device.” The core of “what is Civil Disorder in Minnesota” lies in the prosecution’s ability to prove your knowledge and intent, which is often their weakest link and our greatest strength in building your defense.
Minnesota Law on Civil Disorder — Straight from the Statute
The entire case against you is built on the specific language found in the Minnesota Statutes. To begin fighting back, you must first understand the law you are accused of breaking.
The controlling law is Minnesota Statute § 609.669, CIVIL DISORDER.
Subdivision 1.Prohibited acts. (a) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who:
(1) teaches or demonstrates to any other person how to use or make any firearm, or explosive or incendiary device capable of causing injury or death, knowing or having reason to know that it will be unlawfully employed for use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder; or
(2) assembles with one or more persons for the purpose of training with, practicing with, or being instructed in the use of any firearm, or explosive or incendiary device capable of causing injury or death, with the intent that it be unlawfully employed for use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder.
Subd. 2.Definitions. For purposes of this section…
(1) “civil disorder” means any public disturbance involving acts of violence by assemblages of three or more persons, which causes an immediate danger of or results in damage or injury to the property or person of any other individual…
Breaking Down the Legal Elements of Civil Disorder in Minnesota
To convict you under this statute, a prosecutor can’t just point to your presence in a group. They must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, every single component of the offense. My job is to deconstruct their case piece by piece, showing that they cannot meet their high burden of proof. We will attack the evidence and challenge their interpretation of your actions and intent.
- The Act: The state must first prove you did one of two things: either you taught or demonstrated how to use or make a firearm or device, or you assembled with others to train or practice with such items. This requires more than just showing you were part of a group. For instance, if you were at a political rally in St. Paul, the prosecution needs specific evidence that you were actively instructing someone or engaged in a clear act of training, not just lawfully carrying a firearm or standing with friends who were. We will scrutinize their evidence to show your actions were lawful and non-threatening.
- The Mental State (Intent and Knowledge): This is the most critical element and often the hardest for the prosecution to prove. If you are accused of teaching, they must show you knew or had reason to know the skills would be used for a civil disorder. If you are accused of assembling to train, they must prove you had the specific intent for the weapons to be used in a civil disorder. This is about your state of mind. Were you simply a firearms enthusiast sharing a hobby, or were you intentionally preparing for violence? We will build a narrative that demonstrates your true, lawful intentions.
- In Furtherance of a Civil Disorder: The prosecutor must link your alleged actions directly to a “civil disorder.” This isn’t just any disturbance; the law defines it as a public disturbance with acts of violence by three or more people that causes immediate danger or actual harm. It’s not enough for them to say you were preparing for a protest that might get out of hand. They must prove you intended for your training or teaching to be used in a situation that meets this high standard of violence and danger. We will argue that your actions were entirely disconnected from any such event.
Penalties for a Civil Disorder Conviction in Minnesota Can Be Severe
Do not mistake a gross misdemeanor for a minor offense. A conviction for Civil Disorder under § 609.669 carries significant penalties and creates a permanent criminal record that can haunt you for the rest of your life. The state views this crime as a threat to public order, and the “penalties for Civil Disorder in Minnesota” reflect that seriousness. You need to understand what’s at stake as we prepare to fight these charges.
Gross Misdemeanor Conviction
As a gross misdemeanor, a Civil Disorder conviction in Minnesota can result in:
- Up to one year in jail.
- A fine of up to $3,000.
- A lengthy period of probation (up to two years), with strict conditions you must follow.
The “Minnesota sentencing for Civil Disorder” is not just about fines and potential jail time. The conviction itself becomes a public record, accessible to employers, landlords, and anyone else who runs a background check. This single event could jeopardize your career, your housing, and your reputation.
What Civil Disorder Looks Like in Real Life — Common Scenarios in Minnesota
These charges often arise from situations where actions are taken out of context or intentions are misinterpreted by law enforcement. Here are some scenarios that could lead to a Civil Disorder charge in Minnesota.
The Political Protest
You are part of a group planning to attend a protest at the State Capitol in St. Paul. In a private online group, members discuss the importance of self-defense and share links to articles about protective gear. One person posts a video demonstrating how to use a shield to block projectiles. Law enforcement, monitoring the group, uses this single video as evidence to charge the poster with “teaching” how to use a device in furtherance of a civil disorder, even if the intent was purely defensive.
The Firearms Training Session
You and a few friends go to a private property in a rural area outside Rochester to practice shooting. You are all legal gun owners and are simply honing your skills. However, one member of the group is being monitored by the FBI for their political speech. Based on this person’s involvement, the entire group is arrested and charged with assembling to train for a civil disorder, turning a lawful weekend activity into a criminal conspiracy in the eyes of the prosecution.
The Survivalist Group
You belong to a community group in a northern Minnesota city like Duluth that focuses on emergency preparedness and survival skills. As part of your training, you learn and practice how to create and use various tools, some of which could be considered “incendiary devices” (like fire starters). Although your group’s purpose is for wilderness survival, if the political climate is tense, a local prosecutor could misconstrue your activities as training for domestic unrest and bring Civil Disorder charges against the members.
Misinterpreted Social Media Posts
You are passionate about your political beliefs and post a message on social media encouraging friends in Minneapolis to “be prepared to stand your ground” at an upcoming rally. You accompany the post with a picture of your legally owned firearm. The police and prosecutor interpret this not as political speech, but as an intent to assemble for the purpose of using your firearm in a civil disorder, leading to a frightening and unexpected criminal charge based on a few words and a photo.
Legal Defenses That Might Work Against Your Civil Disorder Charge
When you are facing a charge as serious as Civil Disorder, it can feel like the deck is stacked against you. However, the prosecution’s burden of proof is high, and there are powerful defenses we can use to dismantle their case. An accusation requires evidence, and intent is notoriously difficult to prove. We will meticulously review every piece of the state’s evidence—from social media posts to witness statements—to find the weaknesses and build a defense strategy designed to protect your freedom.
A strong defense requires more than just denying the charge. It requires a proactive, intelligent strategy that challenges the very foundation of the prosecutor’s argument. Whether it’s questioning their interpretation of your words or asserting your constitutional rights, we will tailor our approach to the unique facts of your case. Your reputation and your future are on the line, and I will fight to ensure your side of the story is heard.
Lack of Intent or Knowledge
This is often the most powerful defense against a Civil Disorder charge in Minnesota. The state must prove what you were thinking—that you knew your teaching would be used unlawfully or that you intended for your training to further a civil disorder.
- Lawful Purpose: We can argue that your actions had a completely legal purpose. Were you teaching friends about firearm safety? Were you a member of a survivalist group focused on emergency preparedness? We will present evidence of your actual, lawful intentions to counter the prosecution’s narrative.
- No Connection to a “Civil Disorder”: Your training or assembly may have been entirely disconnected from any planned public disturbance. We will work to show that there was no specific, violent event you were preparing for, making the state’s claim of intent purely speculative.
- Innocent Association: You may have been assembled with people who had unlawful intentions, but you were not aware of them. We will argue that you cannot be held criminally liable for the secret intentions of others in your group.
First Amendment and Freedom of Speech
Your right to speak and assemble is protected by the First Amendment. The government cannot criminalize you for your political views or for speech that does not cross the line into direct incitement of imminent lawless action.
- Protected Political Speech: Your social media posts, private messages, or public statements may be inflammatory, but that does not make them criminal. We will argue that your words were protected political hyperbole, not a genuine plan to commit violence.
- Freedom of Assembly: You have a constitutional right to gather with like-minded individuals. We will assert that your assembly was for a lawful purpose, such as discussing political issues or organizing a peaceful protest, not for training to commit violence.
- Vague and Overbroad Application: We can challenge the statute’s application to your case as being unconstitutionally vague or overbroad, arguing that it is being used to punish you for protected expressive activities rather than any real threat.
Challenging the Definition of “Civil Disorder”
The statute requires the state to prove you were preparing for a very specific type of event: a public disturbance involving acts of violence by three or more people causing immediate danger.
- No Imminent Threat: We can argue that the event you were allegedly preparing for did not pose an “immediate danger” of violence. Perhaps it was a planned peaceful protest or a rally with no history of violence.
- Actions Were Defensive: If you were teaching or training with items like shields or protective gear, we will argue that the intent was purely defensive—to protect yourself and others from potential violence, not to cause it. This directly counters the idea that you were furthering a “civil disorder.”
Unlawful Search and Seizure
If law enforcement discovered evidence against you by violating your constitutional rights, that evidence can be thrown out of court.
- Illegal Surveillance: Did the police monitor your private online communications without a warrant? We will investigate the methods used to gather evidence against you and challenge any illegal surveillance.
- Warrantless Search: If evidence was seized from your home, car, or person without a valid warrant or probable cause, we can file a motion to suppress that evidence. If the motion is successful, the prosecutor may be left with no case against you.
Minnesota Civil Disorder FAQs — What You Need to Know Now
Will I go to jail for Civil Disorder in Minnesota?
A conviction for this gross misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail. However, a jail sentence is not automatic. An experienced defense attorney can argue for alternatives like probation, community service, or even fight for a dismissal of the charges altogether. My primary goal is to keep you out of jail and protect your record.
Can a Civil Disorder charge be dismissed?
Yes. A charge is only an accusation. There are many ways to get a case dismissed. We can challenge the sufficiency of the evidence, prove that your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation, or negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, possibly in exchange for completing a program. Early and aggressive intervention provides the best chance for a dismissal.
Do I need a lawyer for a charge in a city like Minneapolis or St. Paul?
Absolutely. A Civil Disorder charge is a serious crime with significant consequences. The prosecutors in major urban centers like Hennepin and Ramsey Counties are skilled and have the full resources of the state behind them. Trying to face them alone is a massive risk. You need a dedicated legal advocate who knows the local court system and is prepared to fight for you.
How long does a Civil Disorder charge stay on my record in Minnesota?
A gross misdemeanor conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently unless you successfully petition for an expungement. In Minnesota, you must typically wait four years after completing your sentence before you can even apply for an expungement. This public record can create long-term barriers to employment and housing, making it critical to fight the charge now.
What if I was just practicing with legal firearms on my own property?
This is a common scenario. The legality of your firearms and your location are important facts, but the prosecutor will focus on your alleged intent. They will use any social media posts, text messages, or associations you have to argue that your intent was unlawful. A strong defense will focus on proving your lawful purpose.
Is expressing anger at the government on social media enough to be charged?
It shouldn’t be, as that is protected by the First Amendment. However, police and prosecutors can take political speech out of context and use it as evidence of criminal intent. A key part of your defense will be framing your speech as constitutionally protected and not as a true threat or a plan to commit violence.
What is the difference between Civil Disorder and Unlawful Assembly?
Unlawful Assembly (a misdemeanor) is a broader charge that involves assembling with intent to disturb the public peace. Civil Disorder (§ 609.669) is a more serious gross misdemeanor that specifically targets the act of training with or teaching about weapons with the intent that they be used in a violent public disturbance.
What if I didn’t know the people I was with intended to cause trouble?
This is a crucial point. The statute requires the state to prove your specific intent. If you can show that you were unaware of the unlawful plans of others in the group, you cannot be found guilty. This defense requires a thorough investigation into your communications and relationships with the other individuals involved.
Can my right to own firearms be taken away for this charge?
While a gross misdemeanor conviction does not automatically result in a lifetime firearms ban like a felony “crime of violence,” a judge can order you not to possess firearms as a condition of your probation. Furthermore, any conviction related to violence or threats can create future complications for your gun rights.
What if the “weapon” was just a paintball gun or a shield?
The statute refers to a “firearm, or explosive or incendiary device capable of causing injury or death.” While a paintball gun might not qualify, the prosecution could argue a shield is a “device” used to further a disorder. The definition and capability of the item in question will be a key battleground in your case.
What if I was only there as a medic or to provide support?
Your role in the group is a critical fact. If you were present to provide first aid or other peaceful support, we can argue that your intent was to help people, not to participate in or further any acts of violence. This directly counters the state’s claim that you shared the group’s alleged unlawful intent.
The police read my private messages. Is that legal?
It depends. Police generally need a warrant based on probable cause to search your phone or access your private social media messages. If they obtained this information illegally, we can file a motion to have it suppressed, meaning the prosecutor cannot use it against you in court.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a Civil Disorder charge?
The cost of a strong legal defense is an investment in your future. The long-term financial and personal costs of a conviction—lost job opportunities, difficulty finding housing, and a damaged reputation—far outweigh the expense of hiring a dedicated attorney. I provide a clear fee structure and will work with you to make a powerful defense affordable.
What is the most important thing I can do right now?
Do not talk to the police. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise it. Anything you say can be twisted and used against you. Politely state that you are invoking your right to remain silent and that you want an attorney. Then, call me immediately.
I live in Greater Minnesota, not the Twin Cities. Can you still help me?
Yes. I represent clients in every corner of Minnesota, from the Iron Range to the southern prairies. Justice isn’t confined to the metro area, and neither is my practice. I will travel to your local courthouse in St. Cloud, Mankato, Duluth, or wherever you need a vigorous defense.
What a Civil Disorder Conviction Could Mean for the Rest of Your Life
A conviction for Civil Disorder is a serious black mark on your record. It’s not a simple traffic ticket that you pay and forget. This is a gross misdemeanor that tells the world you were convicted of a crime related to public violence. The collateral consequences can follow you for years, limiting your opportunities and altering the course of your life.
The Permanent Criminal Record and Job Impact
Most employers today conduct background checks. A conviction for “Civil Disorder” is a major red flag that can cause an employer to immediately discard your application. They may see the conviction as evidence of poor judgment, a violent disposition, or radical politics, regardless of the actual circumstances. This can bar you from careers in education, healthcare, government, and many other fields. The “life after a Civil Disorder conviction in Minnesota” can mean a permanent struggle to find meaningful employment.
Loss of Housing and Educational Opportunities
Landlords are often just as cautious as employers. When they see a criminal conviction for a charge like this, they may deny your rental application, fearing you will bring trouble to their property. Similarly, colleges and universities may reject your application or even expel you if you are a current student. The “criminal record consequences for Civil Disorder” can slam the door on your ability to secure safe housing and pursue your education.
Damage to Your Reputation and Relationships
A criminal charge of this nature can damage your standing in your community and even strain relationships with family and friends. The public nature of a criminal record means that anyone can look up your case. You may be unfairly labeled as an extremist or a troublemaker, affecting your social life and personal well-being. The stigma of the conviction can be one of the most difficult and lasting penalties.
Potential Impact on Firearm Rights
While a gross misdemeanor isn’t an automatic lifetime ban on firearms, a judge will almost certainly prohibit you from possessing any firearms while you are on probation, which can last for up to two years. Furthermore, a conviction for a crime that prosecutors will frame as being related to violence can create serious problems for you in the future if you ever need to pass a background check to purchase a firearm. Protecting your Second Amendment rights is a critical part of defending against this charge.
Why You Need a Tough, Experienced Minnesota Civil Disorder Attorney
When you are facing the power of the state, with its investigators and prosecutors, you cannot afford to have anyone less than a tenacious, dedicated fighter in your corner. The prosecutor’s job is to secure a conviction; my only job is to protect you. You need an attorney who sees you as a person, not a case number, and who is prepared to challenge the prosecution at every turn.
The Advantage of a Private Lawyer
Public defenders are dedicated lawyers, but they are often swamped with hundreds of cases at once. They simply may not have the time or resources to conduct the deep investigation that a Civil Disorder charge requires, especially one that involves complex digital evidence and First Amendment issues. As a private attorney, I limit my caseload to ensure I can give your defense the focus and personal attention it demands. I will be the one answering your calls, appearing with you in court, and fighting for you every step of the way. We will have the resources to hire investigators and digital forensic analysts if needed to pick apart the state’s case.
How Fast Action Can Change the Outcome
The time between being accused and your first court appearance is a critical window of opportunity. The sooner I am involved, the more I can do to shape the outcome. I can immediately contact the prosecutor to present your side of the story, potentially influencing their charging decision or convincing them to drop the case altogether. We can begin preserving evidence, like exculpatory social media posts or witness testimony, before it disappears. In a criminal case, acting quickly is a strategic advantage. You need a “Minnesota Civil Disorder defense attorney” on your side from the moment you suspect you are under investigation.
Understanding the Local Court Systems Across Minnesota
The way a Civil Disorder case is handled can vary dramatically from one courthouse to another. Prosecutors in Minneapolis may have a different approach than those in Duluth. Judges in suburban Plymouth or Brooklyn Park may view these cases differently than judges in St. Cloud. I have defended clients in courtrooms all across Minnesota. This statewide experience gives me critical insight into the tendencies of local prosecutors and judges, allowing me to tailor a strategy that is most effective for the specific jurisdiction where you have been charged. This is not something that can be learned from a book; it comes from years of experience on the ground.
Building a Case That Gets Results
My objective is clear: to achieve the best possible result for you. For some clients, that means a full dismissal of the charges before trial. For others, it might be a strategic negotiation that reduces the gross misdemeanor to a petty offense, protecting your record and keeping you out of jail. It could involve securing a “continuance for dismissal,” where the charge is dropped after a period of good behavior. And if the prosecution refuses to be fair, it means taking your case to a jury and fighting for an acquittal. I am not afraid to go to trial. We will prepare your case for that possibility from day one, ensuring we are in the strongest possible position to win.