Minneapolis cocaine trial comes to an end with a guilty plea

Whenever a public servant is accused of a crime, people are quick to criticize and demonize him or her, even before any evidence that supports a criminal charge is discovered. Because of this intense pressure on public servants to remain perfect in the eyes of public, some people may find it easier to just plead guilty than to face an overly harsh jury.

It may have been this pressure that forced a former Minneapolis firefighter to plead guilty to cocaine distribution. The firefighter did have an attorney before he appeared in front of the U.S. District Court judge in Minneapolis and it is important that anyone charged with or considering pleading guilty to drug conspiracy charges confer with a criminal defense attorney. An attorney can provide invaluable insight into how a jury may perceive a suspect, the charges or the facts. He or she may also be able to craft a variety of different options other than going through a trial.

The 34-year-old former firefighter was accused of participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine between 2009 and 2011. According to KSTP 5 News, the man had dealt with between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine, which resulted in a single charge of conspiracy to distribute 5 or more kilograms of cocaine.

Another firefighter who remains on administrative leave from the Minneapolis Fire Department has also been charged with methamphetamine possession and distribution. He has yet to go to trial, but is expected to appear before a judge within two weeks.

Being charged with a drug crime is extremely difficult, but it is even worse for a public servant. The amount of media coverage and public scrutiny can sometimes be overwhelming.

Source: KSTP 5 News, “Minneapolis Firefighter Pleads Guilty in Drug Case,” Mark Albert, April 2, 2012

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 timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.
Knowing the tips for interacting with law enforcement as a suspect in Minnesota can keep you from saying or doing something that incriminates you. These tips include understanding your rights while interacting with law enforcement, knowing how to handle search and seizure, and seeking the early intervention of a criminal defense lawyer. You should apply these tips when you are stopped for questioning, a suspect in a criminal investigation, pulled over in a car, and during arrest, arrest processing, and custody.
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.