On Friday January 14, 2011, criminal defense trial attorney Max A. Keller of Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys won a jury trial victory in Hennepin County. The jury returned a not guilty verdict on the sole count of the complaint in a Violation of an Order for Protection (Violating an OFP) case. The Hennepin County Jury Trial involved forensic computer evidence, cell phone records, alibi witnesses, and impeachment of the key witness for both sides by transcripts of prior testimony under oath. After 3 days of testimony, and one day of pre-trial arguments, and only 1.5 hours of deliberations, the jury returned a not guilty verdict. Needless to say, Max A. Keller’s client was very pleased. (File # 27-CR-09-56269)
One question people charged with a sex crime in Minneapolis, MN, ask is: Can past allegations of sex crimes be used against me? Under Minnesota Rules of Evidence, past sex crime allegations aren't admissible as evidence in court to prove a suspect's character and argue that it contributed to the commission of the current crime. However, there are circumstances in which the court may allow prior allegations or bad conduct as evidence. These circumstances include when the prosecution can demonstrate that prior allegations or acts are key to establishing intent, identity, or pattern of bad conduct related to the current crime.
