Category: Criminal Defense

Fines and Restitution: Minnesota Defense Lawyer Explains the Difference

Byron Smith was convicted of murder in Little Falls, Minnesota. He was in court recently on the issue of restitution. Smith was convicted for killing a 17 year old and her 18 year old cousin, both of whom had broken into his home. He shot them each several times. At trial he argued that it was his right to defend himself on his own property.

U.S. Supreme Court: Warrants needed to search cellphones

In 2009, a man was pulled over for a traffic violation. According to NBC San Diego, law enforcement proceeded to search his pockets and his cellphone, finding references to gang activity. Using the phone as evidence, law enforcement arrested him in connection with a shooting, and he was later convicted of attempted murder.

The Best Criminal Lawyer in Minnesota: How to Find

If you have been charged with a crime in Minnesota, you need the Best Criminal Lawyer in Minnesota or the Best Criminal Lawyer in St. Paul, or the Best Criminal Lawyer in Minneapolis, etc..  From misdemeanors, like a first-time DWI, to a serious felony like Minnesota Criminal Sexual conduct, if you are charged with a crime in Minnesota you would want to hire the Best Criminal Lawyer in Minnesota, right? 

What You Need to Know about Child Protective Services Allegations

Not only are cases involving child protective services (CPS) emotionally challenging, but they are legally rather complex as well. While there are certainly cases in which CPS is necessary in order to protect a child, in some cases, families face false allegations and an unnecessary CPS investigation.

Lakeville Man Waives Extradition in 1983 Texas Murder Case

Robert Otteson is being charged with intentional murder of, Frank Varvaez, a man that was killed 31 year ago in Texas. Otteson has been living in Lakeville, Minnesota. He appeared in court in Dakota County last week.  Narvaez was stabbed in a hotel room in Texas on September 30, 1983.

Criminal Charges for Immigration Violations

The dramatic growth in the prison population in this country is due, in part, to the rising number of offenders sentenced to federal prison for violations of immigration law. In fact, according to PEW Research, between 1992 and 2012, the number of immigration offenders sentenced in federal courts more than doubled, rising from 36,564 cases to 75,867.

What Are Federal Sentencing Guidelines?

Defendants who are convicted of federal crimes are subject to federal sentencing guidelines. Under the federal sentencing guidelines, judges are bound by certain parameters when sentencing a defendant. The federal sentencing guidelines take into account the seriousness of the offense and the defendant's criminal history.