Minneapolis teen charged with murder in drive-by shooting

A Minneapolis teenager was accused of shooting another teen in a drive-by shooting in August 2011. The 17-year-old is currently being held in a workhouse while he awaits his trial for homicide. The teen was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of a 13-year-old boy. The teen was also accused of shooting at two other boys who were with the 13-year-old that was killed.

Police say that the 13-year-old and his friends were riding their bikes in an alley when the 17-year-old allegedly drove by and shot at them. It is unclear, however, if the suspected shooter was actually aiming at the boys or if they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The other boy who was hit survived. According to media sources, the grand jury returned the indictments in early April but they remained sealed for a week after they were returned.

The indictment has touched many, including the Hennepin County Attorney. He issued a written statement in which he said, “While all murders are tragic, it seems even more heart-breaking when boys are shooting other youths.” If even the prosecuting attorney believes that charging a 17-year-old with murder is heart-breaking, it calls into question just how appropriate it is to charge youths with an adult crime.

In addition to the 17-year-old, a 16-year-old is also being held in custody because of his suspected involvement in the shooting. The court records are sealed, however, because the 16-year-old was only 15 at the time of the alleged shooting. His name is also not being released because of a state law that mandates that information on minors be kept private.

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.