Murder Charge for Bemidji Man Who Shot Neighbor Girl

Man Charged After Shooting His Neighbor Three Times
Chad Pickering was charged with attempted first-degree murder in Beltrami County. Pickering shot at a 17 year old girl over a lawn mower. He allegedly shot her three times after she told him to stop riding his lawn mover through her yard. She went outside to see why her dog was barking and he shot her on her deck. She was able to get back inside and call the police and is expected to live. She had previously had conversations with Pickering and asked him to not drive her lawn mower on her lawn while carrying his gun. Three shells were found nearby her home.
Police found a gun that matched the shells found near her home and a holster that was hidden in his air vent. Pickering changed his story a few times after conversing with police. He first told the police that he did not have a .45 caliber gun and that his wife sold it. He then denied leaving his house all day. Later, he said that he took his children for a ride on his lawn mower and that the girl was waiting and threatening him about crossing onto her lawn. He then incriminated himself and admitted that he waited for her to come out of her house and shot her.
What is TYPE OF Felony Sentence is Pickering facing?
Pickering could get up to 20 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder. Bail is currently set at $300.000.00. If you have been charged with murder, contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation. Murder convictions may carry a lifelong prison sentence. It is important to hire an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense attorney from the beginning to ensure you do not incriminate yourself. Individuals charged with a crime have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. A skilled Minnesota Defense Attorney will look at the circumstances under which a  statement to police was made. An experienced criminal defense attorney will also examine whether a suspect’s statement was coerced given lawfully. Call (952) 913-1421 today.

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

Students with juvenile convictions in their records and intending to apply for college may wonder, “Do juvenile crimes impact college admissions?” A juvenile crime in Minnesota can lower the odds of your child’s college application getting approved. A conviction of a serious juvenile crime may result in an automatic rejection of college applications. A minor with a criminal record may be disqualified from accessing student loans or grants.
Defendants convicted of a crime may ask, “What is the post-conviction process, and how long does it take?” A petition for post-conviction relief allows you to contest the legality of a criminal conviction or sentence following an unsuccessful direct appeal process or passing the appeal deadline. This petition involves legal issues not addressed at trial or direct appeal. These issues include a constitutional rights violation, newly discovered evidence, and inadequate or ineffective lawyer representation.
Knowing how long the sentencing phase takes in Minneapolis, MN, can help you ease worries and work towards receiving a fair sentence. The sentencing phase of the criminal justice process usually takes only minutes, especially when the judge approves the sentence negotiated in a plea bargain. Sentencing can sometimes be lengthy, particularly when you get convicted at trial, and the judge schedules a hearing to a later date to decide on appropriate legal penalties. The nature and seriousness of the criminal conviction, whether your sentence is negotiated or determined by a judge, and continuance motions are some factors that may affect the length of the sentencing phase.