Minn. R. Crim. P. 8.02
Subd. 1. Entry of Plea. The arraignment must be conducted in open court. Except as provided in subdivision 2, the court must ask the defendant to enter a plea. The only plea a defendant may enter at the Rule 8 hearing is a guilty plea.
If the defendant pleads guilty, the pre-sentencing and sentencing procedures in these rules must be followed.
If the defendant does not wish to plead guilty, the arraignment must be continued until the Omnibus Hearing.
Subd. 2. Homicide or Offenses Punishable by Life Imprisonment. If the complaint charges a homicide, and the prosecuting attorney notifies the court that the case will be presented to the grand jury, or if the offense is punishable by life imprisonment, the defendant cannot enter a plea at the Rule 8 hearing.
Presentation of the case to the grand jury must commence within 14 days from the date of defendant's appearance in the court under this rule, and an indictment or report of no indictment must be returned within a reasonable time. If an indictment is returned, the Omnibus Hearing under Rule 11 must be held as provided by Rule 19.04, subd. 5.
Minn. R. Crim. P. 8.02