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Most Dangerous Places in Minneapolis/St. Paul [infographic]

Downtown West, Lowry Hill East, Marcy Holmes, North Side, and Whittier have some of the highest crime rates within the Twin Cities, with a variety of offenses including both violent and non-violent crimes.

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Infographic of most dangerous places in Minneapolis/St. Paul

Crime Rates in the Twin Cities

In 2015, the FBI released crime statistics that named the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul as one of the most dangerous places in the United States. The FBI crime report stated that violent crimes in those areas rose nearly four percent. The FBI divides violent crimes into four categories including murder and manslaughter, aggravated assault, rape, and robbery. National crime statistics show that 372 such crimes are committed for every 100,000 people. Minneapolis was ranked 25th on the report list with a violent crime rate of 1,063 incidents per 100,000 people. Crime data revealed that Minneapolis/St. Paul areas have the 10th highest robbery rate in the country, with 459 reported robberies per 100,000 people.

Although homicide rates dropped in 2016, other violent and non-violent crimes in Minnesota neighborhoods increased by an average of 4.3 percent over 2015. Sexual assaults and rapes increased by 6.0 percent. According to law enforcement statistics, court filings, and cases seen by a Minneapolis criminal attorney, the increase in violent crimes like robberies and assaults were caused by a rise in violent gang activity in certain Minneapolis/St. Paul areas. Police statistics for 2016 show that of 340 people shot in Minneapolis, 215 shooting occurred on the city’s North Side.

Law enforcement officials state that a small group of criminals are responsible for the majority of violent assaults, robberies, and shootings in the Twin Cities. Police believe that at least 50 percent of homicides are gang-related. Heavy violence has taken a significant toll on certain neighborhoods, especially in North Minneapolis communities. According to 2016 police data, neighborhoods with the highest violent crime rates included: Downtown West, East Phillips, Hawthorne, Jordan, Lowry Hill East, Marcy Holmes, North Side, and Whittier. Data also shows that violent crimes rose in East Isles, Morris Park, and Regina; neighborhoods rarely impacted by crime.

To prevent a further increase in violent Minneapolis/St. Paul crimes, local authorities have established an anti-gang plan, the Group Violence Intervention Program, that will focus on community involvement to give gang members a chance at a better life. Recently, an approved $1.3 billion budget will also law enforcement to hire more police officers to crack down on gang violence in Twin City neighborhoods.

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

Getting falsely accused of domestic violence in Minnesota may put you at risk of losing your job, custody of your children, or even your home. You may face criminal charges and the accusation may damage your reputation in the community, as people will now view you as an abuser. False domestic violence accusations often happen when couples are in a contentious relationship with a risk of divorce.
The top reasons for license suspension in Minnesota include driving under the influence of alcohol, repeated traffic violations, and failure to appear in court or pay fines. Failure to pay child support, criminal convictions and felonies, medical conditions/disabilities, and drag racing can also lead to license suspension. The suspension takes away your driving privileges, preventing you from driving legally.
Motorists arrested for allegedly driving while impaired might wonder, “Can you refuse a breathalyzer?” In Minnesota, the implied consent law requires a person licensed to drive, control, or operate a vehicle to agree to a chemical test to check for alcohol or other intoxicants in that person’s body. Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or another chemical test is a crime, often charged as a gross misdemeanor.