Minnesota Supreme Court Oral Argument

State of Minnesota, Respondent vs. Berry Alan Willis, Appellant – Case No. A16-0275

Following a jury trial, appellant Berry Willis was convicted of aggravated forgery. At a subsequent restitution hearing, Willis objected to evidence offered by the State. In response to Willis’ objection, the prosecutor argued that the Minnesota Rules of Evidence do not apply to restitution hearings. Based on the prosecutor’s argument, the district court overruled Willis’ objection. After hearing all of the evidence, the district court issued an order requiring Willis to pay restitution. The court of appeals affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.

On appeal to the supreme court, the issue presented is whether the Minnesota Rules of Evidence apply to a restitution hearing. (Hennepin County)

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