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

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.