21-year-old Hibbing man pleads guilty to theft, gets probation

The role of a Minnesota criminal defense attorney is not always to clear his or her client’s name. Sometimes it is very clear that the defendant did what he or she was accused of and so a lawyer’s responsibilities shift. A criminal defense lawyer is also tasked with protecting his or her client’s rights at trial and during sentencing, working toward a fair charge, a fair trial and a fair punishment. Even when a defendant pleads guilty, a criminal defense lawyer is an important asset in negotiating a plea deal.

If a 21-year-old Hibbing man had a criminal defense attorney with him when he chose to plead guilty to felony theft and robbery, his lawyer likely played an important role in getting his client probation instead of having to serve time in prison. Though many people will agree that probation conditions can be harsh, they are better than spending time in prison.

The young man will be on probation for the next three years and also serve 20 days of community service. He is forbidden from going to the liquor store that he and two others robbed, nor is he allowed to communicate with the owners of the liquor store.

Not only does the young man stay out of prison, but if he completes all the terms of probation, his charges will be dropped down to misdemeanors.

Though the robbery was reported to police by an employee of the liquor store, they quickly determined that the 32-year-old employee was also a part of the robbery scheme and was charged, too.

Source: Hibbing Daily Tribune, “Staged robbery suspect gets probation,” Kelly Grinsteinner, Sept. 3, 2013

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Understanding Solicitation and Enticement Laws in Minnesota

Recently, a sex sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, led to the arrest of at least 14 men, including former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn. The operation involved undercover officers posing as minors online, engaging with individuals who sought to solicit sexual conduct. 

Accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct at a Minnesota College? What You Need to Know

You will go through a disciplinary hearing if you have been accused of criminal sexual conduct at a Minnesota college. The college disciplinary board will conduct the hearing under Title IX law. This federal law requires learning institutions to investigate and resolve student sexual misconduct separately from concurrent or related criminal proceedings. The college administration will punish you appropriately if the hearing determines that you contravened the sexual consent policies under the college’s Code of Conduct. The punishment can range from suspension and college-imposed probationary period to expulsion and compulsory sexual education classes.

Busted at a Music Festival? What Happens If You’re Caught With Club Drugs in Minnesota

One question you may ask when planning to attend an upcoming music festival is: What happens if I’m caught with club drugs in Minnesota? The legal consequences of getting busted with drugs at a music festival include an arrest, criminal charges, a fine, and imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, a drug crime charge or conviction can lower your chances of securing employment, housing, and student loans. It may also strain your relationships with family, friends, and society.