Precedential Opinions
Under Minn. Rule of Civil Appellate Procedure 136.01, the Court of Appeals issues a precedential opinion (formerly called "published opinions") only to clarify or develop the law. In deciding whether to issue a precedential opinion, the court considers multiple factors listed in Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 136.01, subd. (1)(b), including whether the case establishes a new principle or rule of law, clarifies existing case law, decides a novel issue involving a constitutional provision, statute, administrative rule or rule of court, or resolves a significant or recurring legal issue. Precedential opinions will be considered and used by courts faced with similar issues in the future, and they are published in books of caselaw found in most law libraries. Under Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 128.02, subd. 1(f), parties may advise the court whether a precedential opinion would be helpful.
DECISIONS OF THE COURT OF APPEALS
FILED MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
A25-0872 Mathew Paul Crow, petitioner, Respondent, vs. State of Minnesota, Appellant.
Redwood County District Court, Hon. Patrick R. Rohland.
When a defendant challenges an impermissible consecutive sentence imposed as part of an agreed-upon sentence in a plea agreement, and a guidelines sentence would alter the benefit of the bargain, the district court may consider a motion to withdraw from the plea agreement and is not required to impose a guidelines sentence.
Reversed and remanded. Judge JaPaul J. Harris.