Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 703
In any criminal case, a lawyer representing a client, other than a public defender, shall file with the court administrator on the first appearance a "certificate of representation," in such form and substance as a majority of judges in the district specifies.
Once a lawyer has filed a certificate of representation, that lawyer cannot withdraw from the case until all proceedings have been completed, except upon written order of the court pursuant to a written motion, or upon written substitution of counsel approved by the court ex parte.
A lawyer who wishes to withdraw from a criminal case must file a written motion and serve it by mail or personal service upon the client and upon the prosecutor; and the lawyer shall have the matter heard by the court. No motion of withdrawal will be heard within 14 days of a date certain for hearing or trial.
If the court approves the withdrawal, it shall be effective when the order has been served on the client and the prosecutor by mail or personal service and due proof of such service has been filed with the court administrator.
Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 703
Task Force Comment-1991 Adoption
This rule is derived from 4thDist. R. 8.05.
The Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Criminal Procedure recommended that this local rule be incorporated in the General Rules of Practice for the District Courts for uniform statewide application and the Task Force concurs in that recommendation.
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