Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Alternative community program lowers juvenile detention numbers

The number of young offenders who face prosecution and need criminal defense in Hennepin County is on the decline because of the county’s alternative community program. The Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative is responsible for decreasing the number of juvenile offenders in the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center (Juvenile Detention Center) by half in comparison to 2006. Officials that work at the Juvenile Detention Center are proud of the new statistic but say there are still goals to work towards regarding the disproportionate number of juvenile detainees who are minorities.

Despite the success in reducing the number of juvenile detainees, 90 percent of the juveniles at the Juvenile Detention Center are minorities. Minorities compose only 30 percent of the population of minors in Hennepin County. The co-chair of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative attributes the success of the program to the logical choice of separating low level juvenile offenders from juveniles who have committed serious offenses. Low-level juvenile offenses include curfew violations, missed court dates and truancy. Another factor in the successful reduction in the number of juvenile offenders has been an overall reduction in juvenile crime.

The juvenile caseload for Minneapolis police decreased by 22 percent over the last two years and the number of felonies committed by juvenile offenders has decreased by 45 percent over the last five years. Ramsey County reports similar trends in its juvenile crime rate and juvenile detainee population. Also, Hennepin County has seen budgetary savings of $1.5 million from the new program.

Those working in the juvenile system in Hennepin County plan to reduce racial disparities in the system. Officials will review the procedural process from arrest to detainment, and officials will also start to ask parents to attend mandatory court dates with their children.

Source: Star Tribune, “Far fewer juveniles in lockup, but still a minority gap,” Abby Simons, 1/26/11

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

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.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
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

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.