(WNN) Becker County – The judge in the burglary case against State Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL – Woodbury) made a number or rulings regarding what lawyers will be able to say and do in the trial.
Judge Michael D. Fritz will allow the defense to refer to Mitchell as “Senator”. The judge wrote, “The State argues addressing the Defendant by her title could lead to improper sympathy for the Defendant. The State has provided no applicable legal authority in support of their motion.”
Judge Fritz also made a few other rulings including barring the defense from asking jurors if they have ever been blamed in life for something they did not do. Judge Fritz wrote, “Questions designed to have jurors place themselves in the shoes of a defendant are improper. Questions designed to indoctrinate jurors are just as improper.”
He also wrote the defense cannot discuss possible punishments when deciding guilt, “Any mention of possible punishment to a jury is improper.”
The judge ruled the defense cannot request that trespass be submitted to the jury as a lesser-included offense.
Mitchell faces one count of first-degree burglary in connection with an alleged break-in at her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home in April.
