Subdivision 1. Notice to appear in court. (a) A person must be given notice to appear in court for a misdemeanor violation of the game and fish laws; chapter 84, 84D, 103E, or 103G; sections 103F.201 to 103F.221; or section 103F.601 or 609.68 if:

(1) the person is arrested and is released from custody prior to appearing before a court; or

(2) the person is subject to a lawful arrest and is not arrested because it reasonably appears to the enforcement officer that arrest is unnecessary to prevent further criminal conduct and that there is a substantial likelihood that the person will respond to a notice.

(b) The enforcement officer shall prepare a written or electronic notice to appear in court as provided by Rules of Criminal Procedure and section 169.99. The notice must be in the form and has the effect of a summons and complaint. The notice must contain the name and address of the person charged and the offense. The notice must contain the time and the place to appear in court or must direct the defendant to contact the court or violations bureau to schedule an appearance.

Subd. 2. Release after arrest. A person arrested for a misdemeanor violation of the game and fish laws; chapter 84, 84D, 103E, or 103G; sections 103F.201 to 103F.221; or section 103F.601 or 609.68 may obtain release by promising to appear in court. The officer shall deliver a notice to the person arrested. The officer must then release the person from custody.

Subd. 3. Court appearance. On or before the court appearance date, the enforcement officer must deliver the summons and complaint to the court. If the person summoned fails to appear in court on the day specified, the court shall issue a warrant for the person's arrest.

History: 1986 c 386 art 1 s 35; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 17,18; 1990 c 391 art 8 s 24,25; 1996 c 385 art 2 s 4,5; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 12,13