Handyman
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Don't know Minnesota specifically, but generally they will "merge" into a higher crime so long as the higher crime encompasses all of the elements of the lesser crime. But say they had convicted of 2nd degree and acquitted on 3rd degree, the defense could raise an issue of inconsistent verdicts and argue for a mistrial. So they still need to go thru the motions on the lesser charges. And obviously, had they acquitted on 2nd degree the lesser charges would matter.
That is really interesting thanks for the info!