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

Man faces felony charges for Roseville theft, pleads guilty

On New Year’s Eve, a 25-year-old man apparently walked into a Quiznos sandwich shop and robbed the store of $310 dollars. For that, he was charged with federal crimes, including possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and interference with commerce by robbery. For the firearm charge alone he could be sentenced to life in prison; for the robbery charge he will face a minimum of ten years and a maximum of 20 years. What really is at question, however, is why the man was charged under federal law.

Federal prosecutors used a law from 1946 to charge the 25-year-old. The Hobbs Act allowed for federal criminal charges for individuals suspected of armed robbery in businesses with a connection to interstate commerce. Though this answers how federal prosecutors were able to charge him under federal law, but it doesn’t explain why a federal prosecution was chosen over state criminal charges.

It seems that federal convictions do not include parole, meaning that anyone who is convicted of a federal crime will have to spend nearly his or her entire sentence in prison, even if it is clear that he or she will be of no threat to society. Federal criminal charges also come with stricter penalties that leave people locked up longer.

It may make sense to select criminal charges that will leave a violent or extremely dangerous suspect in prison for the rest of his life, but this 25-year-old doesn’t quite fit the profile. Yes, he had a sawed-off shotgun when he entered the store, but he never injured anyone. At most, he stole $464, hardly a substantial sum of money. Finally, there wasn’t even a long manhunt that exhausted considerable resources to find the man. He was arrested later that evening.

Unfortunately, this man will be spending a disproportionate amount of time behind bars what actually happened.

Source: Roseville Patch, “Man Pleads Guilty to Roseville Quiznos Robbery,” Scott Carlson, July 26, 2012

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.