26-year-old Minnesota man facing 20 years for drug crimes

Being charged with a serious crime is incredibly difficult, but facing 19 indictments is likely overwhelming, especially for a young person. What is even more difficult is trying to keep a cool head and rationally doing everything one can to clear one’s name. This is why it is so important to work with a strong criminal defense attorney who will help explain what options are available. Failing to do so could lead to a wrong move.

It is unclear how much a 26-year-old considered his options before he recently pled guilty to organizing a drug ring. The East Grand Forks man said that he was responsible for drug distribution in Minnesota and outside of the state, moving ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana and heroin. While there are many reasons to plead guilty to a crime, even when an individual is innocent, this young man has pled guilty to a crime that could have left him in prison for the rest of his life.

The man has accepted a plea bargain, however, that limits his penalty to 20 years in prison. He ultimately pled guilty to money laundering and continuing a criminal enterprise. It is unknown what would have happened had he gone to trial, which may be why he eventually chose to plead guilty.

Drug crimes often come with extremely harsh penalties and since many of the people who are being charged with these crimes are quite young, it is essential that they get the help they need to clear their names or mitigate their sentences. Without the help of a criminal defense attorney, they could be spending the rest of their lives wondering where they’d be if they had called an attorney.

Source: Williston Herald, “Drug ring included Williston: Man pleads guilty to trafficking across ND, Minnesota,” Jackson Bolstad, July 12, 2012

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

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

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.