How Do I Find A Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me?

When an individual is charged with a criminal offense in Minnesota, a conviction can be life altering. It is imperative that he or she obtain the representation of a qualified Minneapolis criminal lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that every avenue is pursued and that his or her rights are protected. Finding the right criminal defense attorney to handle a particular case can be a challenging task, however. Here are a few tips for finding the right attorney for a criminal case.

  • Finding the Right Type of Attorney: All attorneys are not the same. To ensure that clients receive the best legal representation possible, many lawyers concentrate on specific areas of the law. While some attorneys may have extensive experience in family law matters, for instance, they might not be quite as well versed in criminal defense. And even defense lawyers might choose a specific area of criminal law to focus their efforts on- like DUI for example. Those attorneys might not be as capable of handling other types of criminal cases. Individuals who are facing criminal charges should search for a qualified attorney who is experienced in dealing with their particular type of case.
  • Experience: Although newer attorneys might be a bit more affordable in some cases, it’s important for individuals to remember that their livelihood, finances and reputation could very well be on the line and a conviction could result in significant consequences. Especially when the case is complex, finding a criminal defense attorney who has an abundance of experience is essential.
  • Communication: It is vital for individuals who are facing criminal charges to be able to effectively communicate with their attorneys. Even the best Minneapolis criminal lawyer cannot effectively protect an individual’s rights if he or she does not know every detail that pertains to the case. Additionally, it is important that clients receive a full and accurate explanation of their legal position including all of the options available based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding their case. Therefore, having a defense attorney who is committed to keeping his or her clients informed is crucial.

Depending on the criminal charges one is facing, a conviction could mean jail or prison time, significant fines and penalties, the loss of a professional license, and damage to his or her reputation. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on his or her side can make all the difference.

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

The Surprising Cost of a Guilty Criminal Plea in Minnesota

Defendants in Minnesota may plead guilty or accept deals without understanding the hidden cost of a guilty criminal plea. A guilty criminal plea, regardless of how appealing it appears, can leave you dealing with substantial lifelong consequences. You may skip lengthy trial proceedings and likely get a lenient sentence, but end up with a criminal record. The record can lead to various financial and collateral consequences, including difficulty in securing employment, loss of housing rights, license revocation, and immigration issues.

What You Can Expect at a Pre-Trial Motions Hearing in Minnesota

The pre-trial motions hearing is a court session you attend after your first arraignment. At the hearing, the prosecution and defense appear before a judge to clear several details about the case before trial. These details include pre-trial motions, evidentiary queries, and constitutional matters.

Refusing Arrest vs. Resisting Arrest in Minnesota: What’s the Difference?

Highly publicized incidents of police using excessive force over the past few years have led to people wondering, “What’s the difference between refusing arrest vs. resisting arrest?” Resisting arrest in Minnesota occurs when you use force to prevent a police officer from making a lawful arrest. Refusing an arrest, on the other hand, involves statements or actions that show reluctance to cooperate with an officer’s instructions without using force.