The criminal proceedings commenced on December 8, 2021, inside the Freeborn County courthouse. Presiding District Judge Joseph Bueltel established strict limits on defense arguments, ruling that the trial would evaluate factual compliance with the law rather than serve as a referendum on state political philosophy.
Hanson opted to represent herself, assisted by standby legal counsel. Her defense strategy leaned heavily on common-law arguments, sovereignty claims, and challenges to the statutory definition of an emergency under Chapter 12 of the Minnesota Statutes. Prosecutors countered with straightforward testimony from municipal inspectors and police officers who presented date-stamped photographic evidence, business receipts, and eyewitness records.
Deliberations were exceptionally brief. The six-member jury evaluated the exhibits and returned within an hour. They delivered a unanimous verdict: guilty on all six misdemeanor counts. The findings established that Hanson had intentionally and repeatedly violated the state order without legal authorization.
