Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Viking’s Adrian Peterson Pleads Guilty to Assault of Son

Minnesota Vikings NFL star running back Adrian Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault. Peterson will avoid jail time and pay a $4,000 fine and court costs. He will also have to do 80 hours of community service. Peterson will also be on probation. If he successfully completes probation, he will avoid having this on his record. He was originally charged with felony reckless or negligent injury to a child for hitting his son with a wooden tree branch. His son had visible injuries.  Peterson took responsibility and stated,   “[i] stand here and take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than any one of you could even imagine. I am looking forward to and I am anxious to continue my relationship with my child.” He will also have to take parenting classes. The NFL will now be looking into the case to determine whether he can continue with the football season.

In Minnesota, Peterson’s deal is called a “stay of adjudication.” A stay of adjudication is when a defendant pleads guilty to an offense but the judge does not accept the guilty plea. The conviction does not go on the defendant’s record if probation is successfully completed. If probation is completed successfully, the charges will then be dismissed.  A stay of adjudication is a VERY good outcome in a criminal case.

If you are charged with domestic assault like Adrian Peterson, or other crimes, you will need a criminal attorney in Minnesota to help you obtain a stay of adjudication in your case. A criminal attorney in Minnesota will be able to review the evidence and negotiate a deal with the prosecutor.  Max Keller is a criminal attorney in Minnesota and has obtained many stays of adjudications for his Minnesota domestic assault clients and other clients in the past. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys offers a free consultation. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has two criminal attorneys licensed in Minnesota. Contact us at 952-913-1421 today.

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

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.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
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

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.