Minn. R. Crim. P. 14.02 (2026)
Who May Plead
Subd. 1.Felony Charges.
A plea in cases involving felony charges must be made personally by an individual defendant on the record.
Subd. 2.Gross Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor Charges.
A plea in cases involving misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges may be made personally by an individual defendant either on the record, or by petition to plead guilty under Rule 15.03, subd. 2. The plea may be entered by counsel if the court is satisfied that the defendant has knowingly and voluntarily waived the right to be present.
Subd. 3.Corporate Defendant.
A plea by a corporate defendant must be made by counsel or an authorized corporate officer. The plea may be made on the record or in writing.
Subd. 4.Defendant's Refusal to Plead.
If the defendant refuses to plead, or if the court refuses to accept a plea of guilty, the court must proceed as if the defendant had entered a plea of not guilty.
Subd. 5.Defendant Corporation's Failure to Appear.
If a defendant corporation fails to appear, the court may enter judgment of conviction and impose sentence as may be appropriate on proof of commission of the charged offense.
(Amended effective August 1, 2012; amended effective July 1, 2026.)