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 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

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

How Prosecutors Use Text Messages in Minnesota Drug Cases

Prosecutors use text messages in Minnesota drug cases to prove circumstantial evidence. Text messages can prove intent or motive to distribute drugs. Knowing how your text messages may be used against you in a drug crime case can help you plan an effective defense strategy. That’s why you should involve a Minnesota drug crime attorney immediately after you get arrested, charged, or discover the police are investigating you for a drug crime. Your lawyer can carefully examine your text messages and determine the best way to counter the prosecution’s case.