How does plea bargaining work in Minnesota?

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1. Constitutional Framework   The Sixth Amendment guarantees effective counsel at plea bargaining (Lafler v. Cooper; Missouri v. Frye). A plea must be accurate, voluntary, and intelligent (State v. Trott; Boykin v. Alabama).    2. Types of Pleas   Minnesota recognizes guilty and Alford pleas (State v. Goulette). Nolo contendere is not used in Minnesota criminal practice.    3. Charge vs Sentence Bargaining   Both occur. Charge bargaining frequently involves reducing felony assault degrees; sentence bargaining is closely tied to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines (presumptive sentences, dispositional and durational departures).    4. Judicial Role   Minn. R. Crim. P. 15.05 forbids the trial judge from participating in plea discussions. However, Minnesota allows 'Norgaard' pleas (when the defendant cannot recall but evidence supports guilt) and 'straight' pleas to judge sentence.    5. Plea Colloquy   Rule 15.01 (felony) requires the court to question the defendant on the record about the contents of the Rule 15 Petition, ensuring understanding of the nature of the charge, statutory and Guidelines sentence, rights waived (jury, confrontation, self-incrimination), and immigration consequences (Padilla v. Kentucky; State v. Sanchez).    6. Withdrawal of Plea   Rule 15.05 subd. 1: post-sentence withdrawal is allowed only to correct a manifest injustice. Subd. 2: pre-sentence withdrawal is allowed when 'fair and just' considering the defendant's reasons and any prejudice to the State (State v. Raleigh).    7. Conditional Pleas   Minnesota recognizes 'Lothenbach' pleas (now stipulated-facts trials under Rule 26.01 subd. 4) as a vehicle to preserve dispositive pretrial issues for appeal after a guilty result on stipulated evidence.    8. Sentence Recommendation vs Bargain   If the court rejects a sentencing agreement (Rule 15.04 subd. 3), the defendant must be afforded the opportunity to withdraw the plea.    9. Plea Statistics   About 95% of Minnesota felony convictions are by plea or stipulated-facts trial.  This is legal information, not legal advice.