MINNEAPOLIS, MN, May 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Archambault Criminal Defense, a Minnesota criminal defense firm, is advising residents that impersonating a police officer is about to carry far steeper consequences across the state.
This week, a bill increasing the criminal penalties for impersonating law enforcement is headed to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk. The Senate passed it unanimously, the House approved it last month, and a spokesperson for the governor confirmed he plans to sign it. Under current law, found in Minnesota Statutes section 609.4751, impersonating a peace officer is often only a misdemeanor, but can be a gross misdemeanor in some situations.
The new pending law will make basic impersonation a felony punishable by up to two years in prison, and more serious conduct—such as using police lights or sirens or driving a vehicle marked to look like a squad car—a five-year felony. It also adds an enhanced penalty for any crime committed while impersonating an officer.
The change takes effect August 1, 2026.
This legislation grew out of tragedy. Last summer, a man disguised as a police officer attacked lawmakers at their homes, killing former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband, and the family dog, and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Hoffman, who carried the bill in the Senate, said he opened his door that night because he trusted the badge.
“A law like this reflects how seriously the state now treats this conduct, and people need to understand that,” said attorney Derek Archambault, founder of Archambault Criminal Defense. “What used to be handled as a lesser offense can follow someone for years.”
Archambault notes the higher stakes cut both ways. The same law written to punish a dangerous impersonator also might also reach people whose conduct was never meant to be criminal, like a college student wearing a costume or a security guard mistaken for an officer. Once the penalty increases, prosecutors have more reason to charge aggressively, and the individuals caught up in those cases are not always the offenders lawmakers had in mind.
“Prosecutors will have more leverage under this statute, so anyone accused needs to take it seriously from day one,” Archambault added. “Also, remember that an accusation isn’t the same as a conviction. The state prosecution will still have to prove intent, and that’s where reputable and dedicated defense representation matters.”
Any Minnesotans who are facing these charges, or have questions about the new law applies, can contact Archambault Criminal Defense directly.
About the Firm:
Archambault Criminal Defense is a Minnesota law firm focused exclusively on criminal defense. Founded by attorney Derek Archambault—a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law—the firm represents clients facing a wide range of charges across the state, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Archambault began his career as a prosecutor, an experience that shaped how he approaches defense work today. He built his firm around the belief that criminal cases are about people, not names on paper, and every person facing charges deserves an advocate who treats them that way.
—
For the original version of this press release, please visit 24-7PressRelease.com here
Legal Disclaimer: The content on this page is syndicated from independent third-party providers. Kyrion Media makes no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information, including text, images, videos, or licenses. If you are affiliated with this content or have any complaints, copyright concerns, or requests for removal, please contact us at retract@kyrionmedia.com with the specific URL of the content in question. We will review and address valid requests promptly.
