St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer
Are you facing criminal charges in St. Paul, Minnesota?
An arrest, criminal charge, or police investigation can put your freedom, reputation, career, and family at risk. The steps you take now matter. Before answering questions, consenting to a search, or trying to explain what happened, speak with an experienced St. Paul criminal defense lawyer.
For more than 25 years, Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has defended people facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout St. Paul, Ramsey County, and Minnesota. Our practice is focused on criminal law, and our attorneys draw on experience in prosecution, appellate courts, negotiations, and trial preparation to identify weaknesses in the State’s case and build a defense around the facts.
When you contact our firm, we can begin assessing the charges, reviewing how evidence was obtained, and determining what must be done to protect you. Call (952) 913-1421 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day.
“The State begins building its case immediately. The defense should, too. Our first job is to protect the client from avoidable mistakes, preserve evidence, and determine where the prosecution’s case can be challenged.”
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Let Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Protect Your Constitutional Rights
When you hire Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, you won’t get run-of-the-mill legal defense. You’ll have a former Assistant Attorney General and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist in your corner. We draw on decades of experience to identify constitutional rights violations, procedural errors, and weaknesses in the State’s case.
Our attorneys examine how the investigation was conducted, how evidence was obtained, and whether law enforcement followed the rules governing searches, seizures, questioning, and arrests. Depending on the case, we may review police reports, body-camera and squad-camera footage, witness statements, search warrants, forensic evidence, testing records, photographs, digital evidence, and other materials related to the allegations.
We look for unlawful searches, improper questioning, unreliable testimony, missing evidence, inconsistencies, and investigative mistakes that may undermine the prosecution’s case. Careful analysis can reveal grounds to suppress evidence, challenge the charges, or strengthen your position during negotiations or at trial.
Your defense strategy should reflect the facts of your case, your priorities, and the consequences you face. That may involve seeking the suppression of evidence, challenging whether the State can prove every element of the charge, negotiating for a more favorable resolution, or preparing to defend you at trial.
Our experience and attention to detail allow us to identify the legal and factual issues that can shape the outcome of your case and build a defense strategy around them.
Don't Risk Your Future
Criminal charges can threaten your freedom, finances, career, professional license, housing, reputation, and family. What you say and do after an arrest can also affect the evidence used against you. Before speaking with investigators, consenting to a search, or attempting to explain the allegations on your own, get advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys work to hold the State to that burden by investigating the allegations, challenging unlawfully obtained or unreliable evidence, preserving favorable evidence, and preparing each case for the possibility of trial.
Early action matters. Surveillance footage can be erased, witnesses can become harder to locate, and statements made without legal advice may be difficult to undo. The sooner our team becomes involved, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your defense.
Steps to Take After an Arrest in St. Paul
What you say and do after an arrest can affect the evidence against you and the direction of your case. Whether you are accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, remain careful about your statements, your conduct, and the people with whom you discuss the allegations.
Taking the following steps can help protect your rights while your attorney begins evaluating the case.
Stay Calm and Do Not Resist
Do not argue with officers, physically resist, or interfere with the arrest, even if you believe it is unlawful or unfair. Resisting or obstructing law enforcement may lead to additional charges. Comply with physical instructions and allow your attorney to challenge the legality of the arrest later.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
Clearly state that you are exercising your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions about where you were, what happened, or who else was involved. You generally should provide basic identifying information when lawfully required, but you should not discuss the allegations without legal advice. Statements made before, during, or after an arrest may be documented and used as evidence.
Request an Attorney Immediately
Tell officers, clearly and directly, that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Do not try to explain the situation, clear up a misunderstanding, or persuade investigators that you did nothing wrong. Once you request counsel, remain silent about the allegations until you have spoken privately with your lawyer.
Do Not Discuss Your Case with Anyone Else
Avoid talking about your arrest with friends, family members, cellmates, or on social media. Phone calls from jail and many conversations while in custody may be recorded or monitored, and the people you speak with could later be questioned or called as witnesses. Do not post about the arrest on social media, send messages about what happened, or ask someone else to communicate on your behalf.
Preserve Any Evidence
Save text messages, emails, photographs, videos, receipts, location records, and other materials that may relate to the allegations. Write down the names and contact information of witnesses and make a record of important details while they are still fresh in your memory.
Do not delete, edit, conceal, or destroy anything. Do not contact witnesses, retrieve evidence from restricted locations, or conduct your own investigation without first speaking with your attorney.
If you have been arrested in St. Paul or elsewhere in Ramsey County, don’t wait to get legal advice. Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421 for immediate help. Our criminal defense team is available 24/7.
The Criminal Court Process in Ramsey County
Criminal cases arising in St. Paul are generally handled in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District in Ramsey County. The Ramsey County Courthouse is located at 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102. Your citation, summons, release paperwork, or hearing notice should identify the courthouse and location assigned to your case.
Typical stages of a Minnesota criminal case include:
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges, plea entered.
- Pre-trial hearings: Motions filed, evidence challenged.
- Plea negotiations: Many cases resolve before trial through reduced charges or penalties.
- Trial: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on state guidelines.
- Appeals: If errors occurred, your lawyer may appeal to a higher court.
With more than 25 years of experience, Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys understands the Ramsey County system and uses that knowledge to protect your rights.
Don’t assume your case is headed to trial simply because you’ve been charged with a crime. Early hearings often involve important legal issues, including challenges to evidence, motions to suppress, and negotiations with prosecutors. The outcome of these proceedings can significantly affect how your case resolves.
Why Hire a St. Paul Criminal Defense Attorney?
After an arrest, you may wonder whether you need a lawyer or whether you can handle the case on your own. Criminal proceedings involve strict deadlines, court rules, evidentiary issues, and decisions that may affect your freedom, finances, career, professional license, housing, and reputation.
An experienced St. Paul criminal defense attorney can help you understand what you are facing, avoid costly mistakes, and begin building your defense before important evidence is lost or difficult to obtain.
We Identify Weaknesses in the State's Case
The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We evaluate whether the admissible evidence supports each element and identify legal or factual issues that may provide grounds to challenge the charges, seek suppression of evidence, or strengthen your position in negotiations or at trial.
We Guide You Through the Minnesota Criminal Process
Criminal cases involve more than appearing in court and entering a plea. You may need to respond to release conditions, discovery, evidentiary motions, negotiations, hearings, and sentencing issues.
Our attorneys explain what is happening, what options are available, and what each decision may mean for your case. We communicate with prosecutors on your behalf, prepare you for court, and help you avoid statements or actions that could damage your defense.
We Prepare Every Case for Trial
Many criminal cases are resolved without a jury trial, but meaningful preparation still matters. Thorough investigation and careful analysis can strengthen your position during plea negotiations and ensure that your case is ready for court when a fair resolution cannot be reached.
We prepare each case based on its facts, the available evidence, your priorities, and the consequences you face. When trial is necessary, we are prepared to challenge the State’s evidence and present your defense in court.
Facing Misdemeanor or Felony Charges? You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer On Your Side. Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 913-1421.
Criminal Cases We Handle in St. Paul
Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys focuses 100% on criminal law and defending the accused. We represent people facing charges ranging from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to serious felonies, as well as clients pursuing appeals, expungement, and professional-license defense.
Our practice areas include, but are not limited to:
DWI
If convicted of drugged or drunk driving in Minnesota, you face fines, jail time, or both. Additionally, you may face administrative penalties, such as the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license or a requirement to install and use an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. The consequences you face depend on various factors, such as your blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) at the time of your arrest, whether a child was in the vehicle, whether an accident or injury occurred, and whether you have priors.
Our attorneys examine the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing, officer observations, body-camera footage, and compliance with required procedures. We look for unlawful stops, testing problems, inaccurate results, and other issues that may provide grounds to challenge the criminal charge or license revocation and aid in your DWI defense.
Drug Crimes
Whether your criminal case involves a lesser drug-related offense, such as possession, or a more serious offense, like drug trafficking in St. Paul, you face serious penalties if convicted. These include hefty fines, treatment program requirements, imprisonment, or a combination of these.
Our drug crime defense attorneys review the search and seizure, substance testing, chain of custody, arrest procedures, and the evidence allegedly connecting you to the drugs. Depending on the circumstances, we may seek to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, challenge possession or intent, negotiate for a more favorable resolution, or defend the case at trial.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crime investigations may involve allegations of fraud, embezzlement, tax offenses, securities violations, cybercrime, or other financial misconduct. Even before charges are filed, an investigation can threaten your career, professional license, business relationships, finances, and reputation.
These cases often depend on extensive financial, business, and digital records. Our attorneys analyze contracts, communications, transaction histories, accounting materials, and other evidence to understand the government’s theory and identify legal or factual weaknesses. Early representation may also allow counsel to communicate with investigators, respond to subpoenas, and help you avoid damaging statements or decisions.
Criminal Appeals
If you were convicted of a crime in Minnesota, you may have the right to appeal the court’s decision. If there were legal errors or evidentiary issues, there was juror misconduct, or you had inadequate legal representation, you can appeal to try to get your conviction reversed, your sentence reduced, or your case heard again with a new trial. Most Minnesota criminal appeals are filed with the Minnesota Court of Appeals, although first-degree murder convictions are appealed directly to the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Before entering private practice, Max Keller worked with three Court of Appeals judges, giving us valuable insight that we use to inform our review of the trial record, identification of appealable issues, and preparation of written and oral appellate arguments.
Expungement
A criminal record may continue to affect employment, housing, education, professional licensing, and other opportunities long after a case has ended. Depending on the disposition and other factors, Minnesota law may allow some records to be sealed through expungement.
Our expungement attorneys believe everyone deserves a second chance. We will review your record, explain the relief that may be available, prepare the required filings, and guide you through the process.
Penalties for Common Criminal Charges in Minnesota
The consequences of a criminal conviction depend on the type of offense. Even a first-time offense can impact your freedom, career, and reputation.
- Misdemeanors: Up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Gross Misdemeanors: Up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $3,000. Common examples include second-time DWIs.
- Felonies: Prison sentences of more than 1 year, thousands in fines, and consequences involving employment, professional licensing, firearm rights, immigration status, and other areas of life. The penalties vary significantly by offense.
These are general classifications, not predictions about the sentence in a particular case.
FAQs About St. Paul Criminal Defense Cases
How will a conviction affect your life?
A conviction can cost you thousands of dollars, land you in jail or prison, or both. After serving out your court-imposed penalties, you may continue to face repercussions from a conviction. You may struggle to find housing, a job, or to secure educational scholarships or financial aid, as well as have limitations placed on certain of your civil rights, including the ability to own or possess a firearm.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped in Minnesota?
Yes, in some cases, criminal charges may be reduced or dismissed before trial. Every case is different, but prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is insufficient, law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, or procedural errors occurred during the investigation or arrest, those issues may weaken the State’s case. A criminal defense attorney can review the evidence, identify potential defenses, and determine whether there are legal grounds to seek a dismissal or reduction of the charges.
Should I Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer?
In most situations, it is in your best interest to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions from law enforcement. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, statements made during an investigation or after an arrest may later be used as evidence. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. Politely tell officers that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering questions, then wait until your lawyer is present before discussing your case.
Can a criminal defense law firm defend you if you believe you’re guilty?
Everyone accused of a crime has the right to legal representation, regardless of what occurred. The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt using lawfully obtained, admissible evidence. A defense attorney protects your constitutional rights, evaluates the strength of the evidence, explains your options, advises you about negotiations or trial, and works to limit the consequences you face. You should discuss the facts openly and confidentially with your lawyer.
Max is an outstanding lawyer and took me through the difficult legal system with compassion and genuine care.
Resources for People Facing Criminal Charges in St. Paul
A criminal case can create challenges that extend beyond the courtroom. The following resources may help people seeking court information, substance-use support, employment assistance, or access to Minnesota law.
Saint Paul Employment and Workforce Resources
An arrest or criminal record can affect employment opportunities. The City of Saint Paul provides links to career counseling, job listings, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, library employment assistance, veterans’ resources, and other workforce programs.
Substance-Use Treatment Resources
Alcohol or substance use may be a concern for some people facing criminal charges. Seeking an assessment or treatment may support your health and recovery and, depending on the circumstances, could become relevant when your attorney presents mitigating information to the court.
Entering treatment does not guarantee that charges will be reduced or that you will receive a particular sentence. Speak with your criminal defense attorney about how an assessment or treatment program may affect your case.
Hazelden Betty Ford’s St. Paul location provides outpatient addiction treatment, mental health therapy, medication management, and services for people experiencing both substance use and mental health concerns. In-person and virtual treatment options may be available.
680 Stewart Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(866) 881-1875
Ramsey County Health and Human Services can provide information about substance-use assessments, treatment providers, and possible financial assistance. People who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not fully cover treatment may be eligible for assistance.
121 East Seventh Place
Skyway Level, Suite 2500
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 266-8500
Conceptual Counseling is a Minnesota-licensed outpatient substance-use treatment provider in downtown St. Paul. Its services include chemical health assessments, individual counseling, group treatment, continuing care, and sober-support programming.
287 East Sixth Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 221-0334
Minnesota Criminal Statutes
The Minnesota Revisor of Statutes publishes the official text of Minnesota laws, including Chapter 609, the state’s primary criminal code chapter. Because statutes can be difficult to interpret and may not answer how the law applies to a particular case, they should not replace advice from a criminal defense attorney.
These third-party resources are provided for general information. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys does not control their services or guarantee that a particular program is appropriate for your situation.
Contact a St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
An arrest does not have to define your future. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner your defense can begin, important evidence can be reviewed, and your legal options can be evaluated. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has spent more than 25 years defending people facing criminal charges throughout St. Paul and across Minnesota.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation, call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys today at (952) 913-1421 for a free consultation with a St. Paul criminal defense lawyer.