State to ask court to raise sentencing level in Kim Potter case

Minnesota state prosecutors will ask a judge to raise the sentencing level in the Kim Potter case.

The filing was submitted on Friday.

The state notified Judge Regina M. Chu that it will seek an upward sentencing departure, which would allow a possible sentence to be greater than the state guidelines would typically call for. Potter faces first- and second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop earlier this year.

Prosecutors say Potter’s conduct "caused a greater-than-normal danger to the safety of other people" and she "abused her position of authority," which should allow for an aggravated sentence.

The maximum sentence for first-degree manslaughter is 15 years and a $30,000 fine, and for second-degree manslaughter, it’s 10 years and a $20,000 fine.

The trial is set to begin on Nov. 30.