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Key Takeaways ✅ Your employer generally cannot contact your doctor without your written permission. ✅ Your employer can verify a doctor’s note—but only limited information (like authenticity and dates) can be requested, not medical diagnoses. ✅ HIPAA protects your health details, and exceptions usually apply only in specific legal or insurance contexts. Suffering from any sort of injury can...

Being arrested for cocaine possession can be a confusing and frightening experience. Minnesota, like many states, has strict laws regarding controlled substances, and cocaine falls under this category. If you’ve been arrested for cocaine possession, you may be wondering, Is possession of cocaine a felony? The short answer is yes. Possession of any amount of cocaine constitutes a felony....

Minnesota is one of several states that passed laws to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, as well as marijuana possession for medical use. However, Minnesota still has strict drug statutes on the books, despite easing some restrictions. These varying laws can be confusing and lead many people to wonder, When is possession of marijuana a felony?...

Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Drug Testing Policy Injuries in the workplace happen all the time. When they do, employees normally receive workers’ compensation to cover the cost of their injuries and treatment.  In Minnesota, employers can require that employees injured on the job take a drug test. However, Minnesota designed its workers’ compensation laws to protect injured workers. Even if...

In Minnesota, theft charges are taken seriously, and the penalties for a conviction can be harsh. If the State charges you with theft, you may wonder, what is the punishment for theft in Minnesota? Theft offenses in Minnesota can result in charges as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies. The specific incident, dollar amount or loss of value, and any...

If you have been injured at work, you are likely quickly becoming familiar with workers’ compensation insurance and its associated terms. Temporary partial disability (TPD) is a wage-loss benefit available to injured employees able to work but at less earning capacity than pre-injury. If you are back at work in a light-duty role and earning less than your standard...

If you’ve suffered a burn injury at work, you’re likely asking yourself whether you can claim workers’ compensation. Typically, in Minnesota, employees injured on the job have the right to file a claim. But when it comes to a specific injury like a burn, what does the law say? This post will explore Minnesota workers’ compensation laws, whether they...

In St. Paul, dealing with a solicitation of prostitution charge can be terrifying and confusing, and you might wonder whether hiring a lawyer is necessary. Yes, hiring a St. Paul criminal defense attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Below, the team at the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka will...

What is a 3rd-Degree DWI in Minnesota (MN)? A 3rd degree DWI, also known as Third Degree Driving While Impaired, is a legal classification for driving under the influence with specific aggravating factors present. In this classification, one of the following aggravating factors must be present: This classification indicates a more severe level of impairment and may result in...

Discovering your child is involved in legal trouble is undoubtedly a harrowing experience, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and confused. The juvenile legal process can be complex and intimidating, and the stakes are high. Hiring a juvenile lawyer in Minnesota is vital in ensuring your child receives the best possible defense. Below, we’ll walk you through the essentials...