Legal FAQs

General

Does the City Attorney’s Office represent private individuals?
How do I file a claim against the City?
How do I file a complaint against the Bloomington Police Department?
How do I address private trespass issues such as intruding tree branches, fallen trees or branches, snow placement, fence placement or other boundary issues?

Crime victims and witnesses

I'm the victim of a domestic assault. Is there someone I can call for help?
Someone has committed a crime against me. What is the legal process?
How do I get a domestic order for protection (“OFP”)?
How do I get a harassment restraining order (“HRO”)?
How do I obtain information about my participation in a criminal case as a witness or victim?
How do I respond to a subpoena?

Neighborhood quality-of-life issues

How do I report nuisance conduct or conditions on my neighbor’s property?
How do I respond to an administrative citation?
How can I get help in resolving an ongoing dispute with my neighbor, such as animal control issues, private trespass issues or other nuisances that do not qualify as a criminal offense or City code violation?

Criminal defendants

What should I do in response to a traffic ticket?
How do I find out if there's a warrant against me?
What should I do if I missed, or need to continue, my court date?
How do I get a copy of a police report, accident report or other discovery in a criminal case?
How do I have my criminal conviction expunged?
How do I get my property back from the police?
How do I speak with the prosecutor about my criminal case?

Someone has committed a crime against me. What is the legal process?

First, file a police report with the Bloomington Police Department, 952-563-4900. If it is determined that an offense has been committed, the Police Department will forward the report to the City Attorney's Office. Either a citation or a criminal complaint, depending on the type of offense, will be issued and the defendant will be issued a court date by the Hennepin County Division IV District Court.

The defendant's first appearance before the court is called an arraignment. The defendant will be asked to plead either guilty or not guilty to the offense.

If the defendant pleads not guilty, a new court date will be assigned for either a court trial or pretrial, depending on the type of offense. If a pretrial date is assigned, the victim of the offense will be notified by mail. At this time, the City Attorney's office will ask that the victim give pertinent information and inform the attorney of any restitution required. The victim may not need to appear at the pretrial to give testimony.

At the pretrial, if the defendant pleads not guilty, a date for a jury trial will be assigned. At this time the victim and all witnesses will receive notices or subpoenas to appear in court to give testimony. The notice will ask that the victim/witnesses contact the City Attorney's Office one day prior to the trial date for specific instructions. In most instances the victim/witnesses will be asked to be on standby and to call the City Attorney's Office at 11:30 a.m. the day of the trial for a court appearance time. Jury trials are conducted downtown at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis.

How do I find out if there's a warrant against me?

Call the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, 612-348-2000.

What should I do if I missed my court date?

When you missed your court date, a warrant for your arrest (a bench warrant) was issued by the judge. Contact the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, 612-348-2000.

How do I file a complaint against the Bloomington Police Department?

The City Attorney's Office has no jurisdiction over the Police Department. Complainants should contact the Police Commander of Professional Standards, 952-563-4900, to request an investigation.

My neighbor's tree branches hang over/grow into my yard. Who is responsible for cutting or trimming these branches?

This is a property dispute between neighbors and is not regulated by City ordinance. The City Attorney cannot advise or represent you in this type of matter and you need to contact private legal counsel. To obtain an attorney, see where to call for assistance.

I'm the victim of a domestic assault. Is there someone I can call for help?

Call the City Attorney's Office, 952-563-8753, or the Police Department, 952-563-4900, to receive numbers to call for help.