What to Expect When You Go to Ridgedale Court
If you found yourself in a bit of trouble with the law on the west side of Hennepin County, you may be paying a visit to Ridgedale Court in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It is one of the two “dales” Hennepin County uses for suburban court appearances. There used to be three (Rest in Peace, sweet Southdale).
Unbeknownst to the average passerby. Ridgedale Court is nestled on the third floor of an unsuspecting building that also houses a library and license center on the second floor. In case you run into your neighbor, Ned Flanders, in the parking lot, just tell them you are headed to the library to peruse the latest research on STDs. A mouth-agape-reaction will surely ensue. But, I am willing to bet there will be no further questions asked. After you get by Ned, take the stairs (which also help you learn your ABCs) or you can take an elevator up to the third floor.
Once on the third floor, there is a security screening area. If there is metal in your shoes, be prepared to take them off and be subjected to the security guard’s comments about the quality and aesthetics of your shoes. If you wore Crocs to court, then the security guard may just talk about talk about the weather. After you get the Minnesotan “you betcha” as you walk away in bewilderment, you will find yourself in a lobby area that is akin to a greenhouse. The south facing wall is covered with windows that flow into glass overhead. When the sun is shining, you will find yourself in a sweat no matter the time of year.
If you are represented by an attorney, they will check in with the court for you. Just find yourself some shade and wait for your lawyer to guide you the rest of the way. If you are represented by a public defender, you will want to check in with the court clerks sitting under the greenhouse near the bathrooms. If you need to apply for the public defender, check in with the greenhouse clerks and then find the computer kiosk to apply for a public defender. Then, wait patiently (and I mean patiently) for your name to be called. If you are representing yourself, check in with the clerks and then wait for the prosecutor to call your name – either in the lobby or in the courtroom – depending on what instruction the clerks give you.
Once it is your time to enter the courtroom, you will see a wide variety of faded yellow pine that looks like it was colored with a yellow highlighter. Recent renovations also include some off-white paneling that makes you think a three-year old designed the room with a free app found on HGTV.
Atmospheric descriptions aside, you are probably wondering what to expect at Ridgedale Courthouse for your actual criminal court case. Ridgedale courthouse only deals with suburban cases from the west side of Hennepin County, such as offenses occurring in Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Wayzata, South Lake Minnetonka, Plymouth, etc. They also only deal with gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors. They do not handle felony cases. Those are downtown Minneapolis at the Hennepin County Government Center or Public Safety Facility. They also do not hold jury trials at Ridgedale. Which means you will be there either for a First Appearance (Arraignment), Pretrial Hearing, Settlement Conference, Evidentiary Hearing, or Court Trial on your petty misdemeanor matter. Primarily, Ridgedale Court is there for preliminary hearings where settlement negotiations will take place. If you are represented by an attorney (private or public defender), then they will speak with the prosecutor and then have a conversation with you about your options. If you are representing yourself, then you should get an opportunity to talk with the prosecutor directly (who may or may not be drinking La Croix and eating Altoids).
Will I Have to Speak in Court?
A common question from people is whether they will have to speak in court to the judge. Short answer: it depends. If you are just there selecting another court date, then often that is done all off the record and you often do not have to speak to the judge. If you are resolving your case, then you will likely have to speak with the judge if it is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor case. If you have an attorney, they should prepare you for what you will have to say. Sometimes, it is merely answering yes or no questions. Sometimes, it is more involved.
What Should I Wear to Court?
Often, we get the question about what you should wear to court. When you are in the preliminary hearing stages, like Ridgedale Court often is, then no need to be fancy. No need for a suit and tie or formal black tie event wear. Business casual is perfectly acceptable. You will certainly see people dressed extremely casual.
How Long Will I Be at Court?
Ridgedale Court is getting better at getting people in and out of the courthouse. In the pre-pandemic era, you could find yourself there for hours on end contemplating the greenhouse effect and architectural design. Now, you are often in and out within thirty to sixty minutes. It is often longer if you do not have an attorney, have a public defender, or are trying to solve a Rubik’s cube.
For a consultation at no charge about your case at Ridgedale Court or any other court in Minnesota or Wisconsin, please call or text us at 612-547-3199 or email: ambroselegal@icloud.com. We would be happy to discuss with you the ambiance at Ridgedale or more serious matters like your case.
Robert H. Ambrose is a criminal defense lawyer and DWI attorney in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Super Lawyers named him a Super Lawyer for the past four years and a Rising Star in the preceding six years. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School. Criminal Defense Lawyer Woodbury, Criminal Defense Attorney Wisconsin, DWI Lawyer Minnesota.