What to Do If You Are Arrested in Minnesota

If you were arrested in Minnesota – or in any state for that matter – you are probably scared and confused. It is important to stay calm, avoid reactionary or antagonistic behavior, contact a skilled Minnesota criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, and not answer any questions without a lawyer present communication.

The Minneapolis criminal defense law firm of Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys is dedicated to protecting clients’ legal rights and vigorously defending them against criminal charges.  If you have been arrested in Minnesota, contact the Minneapolis criminal defense law firm of Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 today to schedule a free consultation.

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested?

If you are arrested, it is important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Do not make any statements or answer any questions from the police or prosecution without an attorney present. The Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to advise clients following an arrest. You can contact us at 952-913-1421 any time, day or night.

The Constitution affords criminal defendants a number of rights, including the following

  • Protection from illegal searches and seizures
  • Right to remain silent, receive Miranda warnings at the time of arrest, and protection against double jeopardy
  • Right to assistance of counsel
  • Right to be informed of the charges and potential punishments
  • Right to a speedy trial
  • Right to an impartial jury
  • Right to cross-examine witnesses at trial
  • Right to compel witnesses to appear in court
  • Prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment
  • Various due process rights

A criminal defense attorney like those at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys can ensure that your legal rights are protected. If your Constitutional rights are violated, we will advocate for a dismissal of charges and/or other forms of justice.

What Happens After an Arrest?

If you are arrested, you may be ticketed and released, or taken into custody and transported to the police station where you will be fingerprinted and booked. If you are taken into custody and remain in jail, you will be brought before a judge for a Bail Hearing to determine the conditions of your release. At this point, you will also make your initial appearance at the Arraignment, during which the judge will review the charges and possible penalties with you.

It is incredibly important to have an attorney present with you not just at the time of the arrest, but also at the Bail Hearing and Arraignment. The Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys will help you understand the criminal process, advise you of your rights, and advocate on your behalf for reduced charges and favorable terms of release.

If you have been arrested in Minnesota, it is important that you act quickly. Contact the Minneapolis criminal defense law firm of Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 today to schedule a free consultation.

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

You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.
People arrested or charged with a crime may wonder, “How long do I have to get a criminal lawyer?” There is no strict deadline to hire a criminal lawyer in Minnesota. However, it’s advisable to hire one immediately if you get arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a crime. Getting legal representation on time protects you from making mistakes that can compromise your case. It also allows your lawyer to build a solid defense strategy that can increase your likelihood of getting a positive outcome from your case.
Continuance is what a court grants to delay proceedings. The parties in a criminal case (the prosecution and defense teams) may agree to a continuance to get more time to prepare for the proceedings. There are many reasons that push your defense lawyer in Minnesota to seek a continuance. A good example is when the other party presents surprise witnesses or evidence, requiring more time to work on a new defense. You can also request a continuance if you want to replace your lawyer, especially if you feel you are not getting sufficient representation.