Minnesota Criminal Defense Blog | Keyser Law, P.A.

KEYSER LAW BLOG

What Happens If Your MN DUI Ends in a Mistrial?

JULY 21 2022

Every year in the Minnesota criminal courts, thousands of cases that involve driving while intoxicated are heard. Of these thousands of cases, not everyone can be tied up neatly with either a conviction or an acquittal. In some circumstances, criminal cases for DWIs in Minnesota can end in what is called a mistrial.

What is a mistrial, and how can it impact the charges against you? Does it mean you get off scot-free? Read on to learn more

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MN Sexual Assault of an At-Risk Person

JULY 15 2022

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Sex Crimes | Sexual Assault

The idea of consent is one of the key points in sexual assault cases. Who is able to give consent, and who isn’t able to give it?

In the state of Minnesota, there are groups of people under the law who are unable to give their consent to sexual acts. Engaging in penetrative sexual acts with any of these people is considered to be sexual assault.

It’s vital for everyone to understand who can legally give consent and

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What is a MN Qualified Prior Domestic Violence Offense?

JULY 9 2022

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Domestic Assault | Domestic Violence

Offenses in Minnesota that include domestic violence are unique. Why? Because they are subject to criminal penalties, one would expect to find associated with crimes – as well as elevated penalties for prior convictions related to domestic violence.

The prior convictions are called “qualified domestic violence-related offenses.” They can be used to enhance a charge related to domestic violence years after they were placed on your criminal record. This is one of the reasons why it’s vital to

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Can You Challenge a MN Drug Search Warrant?

JULY 1 2022

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Criminal Defense | Drug Crimes | Search Warrants

The Constitution of the United States guarantees rights to citizens. The Fourth Amendment, specifically, protects citizens from illegal or unreasonable search and seizure.

In order for law enforcement officers to do a search of your property for drugs, they often have to get a search warrant in advance. The question many people have: Once that search warrant is obtained, does that mean that you cannot fight it? After all, police make mistakes all the time when executing

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Can You Refuse a Chemical Test for a MN DUI?

JUNE 20 2022

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: DWI/DUI

Most people recognize that, when they are accused of a crime, they have rights. It’s the specific rights that may not be so clear.

For example, if you are pulled over and suspected of driving while intoxicated in Minnesota, do you have the right to refuse a chemical test to confirm whether or not you are intoxicated?

While one of the most enduring rights Americans have is the right to not incriminate themselves, that does not carry

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What Is Consent to Sexual Conduct in MN?

JUNE 20 2022

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Sex Crimes

Consent is an issue you may hear a lot about, but it’s an important concept and one central to the law in the state of Minnesota.

Consent has to be given before sexual conduct occurs, or it could be a criminal offense. There are issues with consent surrounding age, mental capacity, and even authority, but the central question of all of it is: Did a person consent to the act? Or were they legally capable of giving their

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The 5 Degrees of Assault in MN Domestic Violence

JUNE 7 2022

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Assault | Domestic Violence

In Minnesota, domestic violence charges are usually charged as assault. This may be confusing to some people, but the law is set up in such a way as to make sure the punishment fits the crime.

That’s why there are five separate charges of assault in Minnesota. The law understands that not all domestic violence cases are physically violent – they can be verbal as well. Putting anyone in your family in danger through certain behaviors can end