Category: Criminal Law
Minnesota Court of Appeals Clarifies Stop-Arm Law: What State v. Waln Means for Your Case
February 10, 2026 | admin
In September 2025, the Minnesota Court of Appeals issued a major decision interpreting the state’s school‑bus stop‑arm statute. The case, State v. Waln, reshapes how courts must evaluate whether a stop‑arm violation occurred under Minn. Stat. § 169.444. Below, we break down what happened, how the court reached its decision, and what this means if you or someone you know has been charged with a stop‑arm violation. What Happened in State v. Waln? The case arose from an incident in Baxter, Minnesota, in which a driver was accused of failing to stop for a school bus. At trial, the State argued that the driver violated Minn. Stat. § 169.444, subd. 2(a), by driving past a stopped bus while its stop‑signal arm and flashing red lights were activated. A jury convicted her. But on appeal, the evidence told a more precise story. Critical Video Evidence Uncontested video footage showed Waln’s truck was already within 20 feet of the bus before the stop‑arm fully extended. The appellate court noted that the stop-arm took about two seconds to fully deploy, and the driver passed the bus “just as the arm reached its full outward position.” The Statutory Question Minnesota law requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet away when a school bus is stopped and “displaying an…
Read MoreUnderstanding Vanessa’s Law for Teen Drivers in Minnesota
January 21, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Minnesota teen drivers who are convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation are subject to a penalty that would bar them from driving until they are at least 18 years old. This penalty is due to Vanessa’s Law. If you or your child are at risk of losing driving privileges because of Vanessa’s Law, an attorney can help you secure the best possible outcome. What Is Vanessa’s Law in Minnesota? Vanessa’s Law is a Minnesota statute that restricts driving privileges for teens convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation. Teens penalized under Vanessa’s Law cannot obtain a driver’s license until they are at least 18. There are slight differences in how the law applies to unlicensed teens versus teens with provisional licenses, which we’ll explain below. Vanessa’s Law was passed in May of 2004, one year after Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before turning 16. Vanessa was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed 15-year-old. Vanessa’s Law was named in her memory and aims to protect people from injuries and fatal accidents caused by teen drivers. How Vanessa’s Law Applies to Unlicensed Teens Unlicensed teens convicted of a crash-related moving violation or alcohol/controlled substance violation cannot receive a license, provisional license, or instruction permit…
Read MoreBGS announces the addition of a new associate to the firm
May 13, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Mikael J. Ingvaldson has joined the firm’s Personal Injury and Criminal Law department. He will be working closely with attorneys practicing in those areas serving existing clients and enhancing the firm’s ability to serve our community. Mikael began his career with BGS as a law clerk in the PI and Criminal Law department in 2019. Finding it a perfect fit for his desire to pursue a career helping people navigate the legal system when they are in need, Mikael was thrilled to accept a permanent position in the department upon earning his JD from University of St. Thomas School of Law and passing the bar exam. Prior to joining BGS, Mikael clerked for a small PI firm in Roseville, where his interest in pursuing a career in PI originated. Mikael also has experience working with the Chaska Public Defenders office where he appeared in court for first appearances, arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and probation violations. He has experience with negotiating plea bargains, conducting interviews with clients, and assisting them with evaluating their options. Barna, Guzy and Steffen, LTD. has a long-standing tradition of helping clients with their legal needs, serving generations of clients in the north metro. Mikael is excited to be working with Attorneys Adriel Villarreal and John Buchman on our PI and…
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