QUESTION: It is a well-known legal axiom that an out-of-court statement made by a party-opponent is admissible against that party as non-hearsay in any subsequent legal proceeding. Mn Rule Evid 801D(2). During a contested OFP hearing, if the respondent chooses to testify despite the fact he has a pending domestic assault charge, should the judge, and/or respondent’s attorney, advise respondent that his testimony could be used against him in his subsequent criminal trial?
ANSWER: NO – Despite the above noted legal axiom, a respondent’s OFP testimony CANNOT be used against him in his subsequent criminal trial. Minnesota law clearly states: “Any testimony offered by a respondent in a hearing pursuant to this section (Domestic Abuse Act) is inadmissible in a criminal proceeding.” MS 518B.01, subd 15.
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