Violent crime and theft down in Minneapolis

Violent crime across the city of Minneapolis has dropped significantly over the last year. The trend over the past year is a continuation of declining violent crime rates that began two decades ago.

In addition, the most popular crime on the University of Minnesota’s campus, theft, is also on the decline. Despite the reduction in crime levels, experts are not entirely sure what is causing the reduction in crime.

Violent crime in Minneapolis has dropped substantially over the past year. Since last year, violent crime has declined nearly 15 percent according to the Minneapolis Police Department. Crimes considered to be violent crime are homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Violent crime across the city of Minneapolis has dropped consistently over the last five years, and the city saw the lowest amount of violent crime in 27 years in 2010. Minneapolis police believe the lower numbers of violent crime are explained by proactive police work and partnerships with neighborhood watches.

Crime on the University of Minnesota campus in the Twin Cities has also declined. Crime has dropped by six percent at the University. The campus’s most popular crime, theft, has dropped as well. Since 1995, theft has dropped consistently on the campus. In 1995 the number of recorded theft occurrences on campus was 1,263 and in 2010 the number of recorded theft occurrences dropped to 568.

The declining rates of crime at the University and in Minneapolis mirror declining national crime rates. Though crime normally rises during tough economic times, current criminal activity remains on the decline. Experts are not entirely sure what explains the continuing decrease of crime; especially during the jobless recovery.

An assistant sociology professor at the University of Minnesota believes the conflux of changing police practices, economics and demographics has contributed to the lower numbers. A Minneapolis police Sergeant believes the improved relationship between police and communities has helped bring about lower crime.

Source: mndaily.com, “Mpls violent crime down 15 percent,” Kaitlin Walker, 7/27/11

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.