Hundreds of Protesters Facing Assault Charges

The death of George Floyd led to thousands of nationwide protests where protesters were arrested and slapped with serious assault charges.

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Protesters Face Criminal Charges

George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minnesota police sparked protests against police brutality and racial violence across the country. Although most of the protests were peaceful demonstrations, some resulted in violence that led to arrests. Tens of thousands of Black Lives Matter supporters, activists, and protesters were arrested and charged with assault.

Some protesters were charged with assaulting police officers who responded with force, although there was no evidence and no report of police injuries. Other protesters faced threats of life sentences in prison and stacked charges for allegations of physical assault, rioting, looting, arson, and illegal possession of a firearm. Minnesota assault attorneys were flooded with calls from protesters seeking criminal defense to stay out of jail.

Research shows that the majority of protests related to the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement did not involve violence, injuries, or property damages. However, federal prosecutors doubled down on cases involving protesters. According to The Prosecution Project, a research group that tracks political violence, federal prosecutors filed over 300 cases related to violent protests between May and October. A former FBI agent stated that federal prosecutors targeted leftist protesters and encouraged prosecuting attorneys to pursue specific charges related to violent protests in the U.S.

Many protesters who were arrested claim they were prevented by police from leaving demonstration areas until curfews took effect, and then were arrested for violation of curfew laws. As a result, attorneys providing legal defense stepped in to represent protesters who alleged they were innocent of charges but feared retaliation from police.

George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020 resulted in more than 10,000 arrests across the county. In less than two weeks, the FBI increased the number of arrest cases to more than 13,600. Thousands of alleged offenders are currently awaiting trial in felony cases that can land them in prison if convicted.

During protests, Minneapolis sustained substantial damages to businesses from rioting and looting, and the city’s third police precinct was set on fire. Saint Paul sustained damages totaling $82 million. By June 19, 2020, violence in the Twin Cities resulted in at least 2 deaths, 619 arrests, and over $500 million in property damages, accounting for the second most destructive period of local unrest in U.S. history.

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.