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
