Before trial, the prosecutor may certify a misdemeanor offense as a petty misdemeanor if the prosecutor does not seek incarceration and seeks a fine at or below the statutory maximum for a petty misdemeanor. Subject to the following exception, certification takes effect only on approval of the court and consent of the defendant. Certification does not require the defendant's consent if the offense is included on the Statewide Payables List on the date of the alleged offense.
Minn. R. Crim. P. 23.04