ANOKA, Minn. – (April 19, 2018) – The public is invited to attend Anoka County Law Day on Friday, April 27, 2018, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Anoka County Courthouse and Government Center, 2100 3rd Ave., Anoka. This free event celebrates the role of law in our society and aims to promote a deeper understanding of the legal profession.
“This is great opportunity for everyone, whether it’s getting legal advice, drafting a motion for a court hearing, or just learning more about how our justice system works,” said Bethany Fountain Lindberg, District Court Judge and event organizer. “It’s a day we set aside to debunk citizens’ anxiety or fear about coming into the courthouse, and encourage them to use the many resources and services available. We’re all working together toward the goal of getting your business taken care in a convenient and collaborative manner.”
This year’s theme is Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom. Law Day events include free legal clinics and assistance covering a variety of topics; courthouse tours; Q&A sessions with a district court judge; and Sheriff K-9 Unit demonstrations.
Free Clinics 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Family Law (Divorce/Custody/Child Support/Paternity) – Volunteer attorneys will be available to discuss issues surrounding child support, driver’s license payment plans for child support, custody, parenting time, paternity, contempt, divorce, domestic violence, waiver of court fees and costs, order enforcement, proper service, establishing court hearing dates, and other family matters that may come up after a divorce.
• Driver’s License – Representatives from Anoka County Court Administration, Child Support and Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) will be on hand to assist in reviewing your DL record to determine why you are suspended, and assist in getting you all the information needed to get your license reinstated, potentially as soon as you leave the courthouse. If it cannot be reinstated immediately, you will have received comprehensive instructions on what steps will still need to be taken to reinstate.
• Adult & Juvenile Expungements – At 9 a.m., Central Minnesota Legal Services and the Volunteer Lawyers Network will offer a presentation on the process for seeking an expungement of adult and juvenile offenses from the court record. After the presentation, volunteer attorneys will be available until 3 p.m. to answer questions and provide assistance in filling out the appropriate court forms.
• Eviction Expungements – At 1 p.m., Central Minnesota Legal Services and the Volunteer Lawyers Network will offer a presentation on the process for seeking criminal and eviction expungements from the court record. After the presentation, volunteer attorneys will be available until 3 p.m. to answer questions and provide assistance in filling out the appropriate court forms.
• Outstanding Warrant Resolution – Those with an Anoka County warrant or case will have the opportunity to resolve outstanding warrants for criminal misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, and discuss resolution of outstanding issues in some felony cases; address matters regarding driver’s license status and unpaid fines and fees.
• Conservators/Guardianships/Probate – Volunteer attorneys will be available to answer questions and provide information regarding guardianships, conservatorships, and general probate and estate planning issues. Court staff will be available to answer questions about conservator responsibilities.
• Immigration – A volunteer attorney from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid will be available to answer questions and provide information regarding immigration law issues.
• Civil Law – Volunteer attorneys will be available to discuss issues relating to evictions, landlord/tenant disputes, debt collection, garnishment, social security disability, unemployment benefits and other non-criminal matters. Volunteer attorneys will be available until 3 p.m. to answer questions and provide assistance in filling out the appropriate court forms.
For more information about Anoka County Law Day, go to www.mncourts.gov/anokalawday2018.
