Category: Criminal Defense

Septuagenarian accused of Minneapolis bank robbery, making threats

It may seem odd to hear of a 78-year-old being arrested, much less being arrested for simple robbery and terroristic threats, but that is exactly what happened to a man late last month in Minneapolis. The man is accused of a felony theft crime after he allegedly tried to rob a bank on East Franklin Avenue.

Minneapolis officer facing tough criticism, assault charge

What would you do if you felt threatened, if you thought someone was going to hurt you? For many people, the answer is simple — act in self-defense. Under certain circumstances, when an individual is threatening or hurting you, you can respond with a certain degree of force. This is exactly what one Minneapolis police officer is claiming after he was charged with assault.

Child Pornography: Accidental Possession Defense Possible?

On Thursday, June 14, 2012, attorney Max Keller of Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys argued a possession and distribution child pornography appeal case at the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The case involves a number of issues specific to this client but not of statewide importance, such as sentencing issues and sufficiency of the evidence issues. Two issues argued are of statewide importance and involve the constitutionality of Minnesota’s pornography statutes. The judges focused on one particular issue, that of whether Minnesota’s possession of child pornography and dissemination of child pornography statutes are unconstitutional, because the statutes are “strict liability” statutes meaning that a person can be convicted for possessing illegal images even though he had no intent to do so.

Child Pornography: What to Do When the Search Warrant is Served

Facing a charge of possessing, distribution, receiving, or producing child pornographyis a scary proposition. Not only do child pornography charges carry the possibility of long prison sentences and registration as a predatory offender, but even being charged with anything related to child pornography results in a serious social stigma against you.

Wife of Attorney Hit with Federal Child Pornography Charge

This week, charges against a Texas woman resulted in national media coverage. The woman in Texas was charged in Federal Court with possession, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. Women have been charged with Federal child pornography offenses much less frequently than men, meaning this story was already likely to receive some media attention. What drove this story towards increased media coverage was the status of the woman’s husband.

Viking arrested for driving while intoxicated in Eden Prairie

New Vikings fullback Jerome Felton was recently arrested after police say he was drunk driving. He was arrested in Eden Prairie on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol while sitting outside of an Eden Prairie McDonald’s. Prosecutors plan on charging one of the Vikings’ newest additions with second-degree driving while impaired and third-degree driving while impaired because of a prior drunk driving conviction. He may also face charges for careless driving.

Criminal Vehicular Operation or Homicide: Texting While Driving

In a recent survey reported in the Star Tribune newspaper, at least half of all teens surveyed said that they text while driving. We all know that teenage drivers are not the safest, because, for among others reasons, they are reckless, inexperienced, and believe they are invincible and can live forever. To put an exclamation point on the problem, a Massachusetts teenager 18 years old was just sentenced to one year in prison for texting while driving causing the death of another driver. Under Minnesota law, that is a felony called Criminal Vehicular Operation (Homicide). And unfortunately, most of us are guilty of texting while driving, we just haven’t hurt or killed anyone (yet). If you OR someone you know has been charged with a crime for Minnesota distracted driving, like Criminal Vehicular Operation or Criminal Vehicular Homicide, or DWI, or texting while driving, then you need a Tough, Experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense and Distracted Driving Attorney to keep you out of Jail now.

Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct or Sex Crimes and Bail

The sex crimes trial of Jerry Sandusky , ex Penn-State Football coach, will be starting soon in Pennsylvania. But before trial, the first thing he had to do was make bail. How does bail work in Minnesota sex crimes cases? A Minnesota bail hearing is one of the most important hearings in your Minnesota criminal case. At your first court appearance, a Judge will determine what amount of bail and/or other Minnesota conditions of release (like alcohol or drug monitoring) to impose upon you. You must post the amount of bail (in cash or through a Bail Bondsman) ordered by the Judge in order to be released from custody.

Minnesota Bail: How Much is Too Much?

Even though it is the first appearance you will make in Court, a Minnesota bail hearing is one of the most important hearings in your Minnesota criminal case. At your first court appearance, a Judge will determine what amount of bail and/or other Minnesota conditions of release (like alcohol or drug monitoring) to impose upon you. You must post the amount of bail (in cash or through a Bail Bondsman) ordered by the Judge in order to be released from custody.

Should a jury note in Amy Senser’s trial lead to a new trial? Part II

Earlier in the week, we talked about a note that could possibly lead to a new criminal vehicular homicide trial for Amy Senser. Though the Hennepin County judge who tried her case for a supposed hit-and-run that happened last year has not yet decided whether he will grant a new trial or acquit Senser of her criminal charges, he has 15 days to determine what he will do.