Prof. Amy Sweasy Interviewed by KSTP News About Reduced Sentences or Dismissal of Minnesota Fraud Convictions 

Professor Amy Sweasy was interviewed by KSTP News about Minnesota fraud convictions that have often resulted in reduced sentences or have been dismissed. This is due to two sentencing options available to state court judges: a stay of imposition and a stay of adjudication. Prof. Sweasy explained that when sentenced to a stay of imposition, the judge will accept a guilty plea from the defendant and will put that defendant on probation. She said, “If the defendant successfully completes all of those conditions and terms … that final felony sentence will not actually be imposed.” It’s an incentive for a defendant, particularly in the cases of a felony, to complete those terms of probation so at the end, there won’t be a felony conviction on that person’s record.”