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

KEYSER LAW BLOG

Burn Private Property in MN, Spend 5 Years Max in Prison

NOV. 6 2020

The term arson can conjure a lot of thoughts in people’s minds. You think of someone setting their home or business ablaze for the insurance money or deliberately causing a forest on fire.

In Massachusetts recently, a man was accused of burning hay bales with Biden/Harris campaign signage on them. As a result, he is being held without bail for purposefully setting fire to the display and charged with burning personal property.

Where he’s from in Massachusetts, this

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Minnesota Militia Activity: Lawful or Unlawful?

NOV. 9 2020

Published By: Chris Keyser

Militia groups have been making headlines lately – and not in positive ways. First, the FBI uncovered a plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan and now Minnesota militias like the Boogaloo Bois are arming themselves for a revolution.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death and throughout a summer of protests, these groups have been more active than we’ve seen as their movements have gathered steam. Still, one question remains among some participants: Isn’t militia activity a

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MN Residential Burglary Laws: You Are the Company You Keep

OCT. 22 2020

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Burglary | Theft Crimes

Burglary crimes happen, perhaps far more frequently than most people realize. The circumstances surrounding many of them prove that to be guilty, an offender never even has to break into a home – they simply need to help someone do it.

In Moorhead recently, three people were arrested for residential burglary. They were caught by police as they were committing the crime and now face felony first-degree burglary charges.

If you’re not familiar with the laws surrounding residential

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Halloween’s Different This Year — MN DUI Laws Are the Same

OCT. 23 2020

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: DWI/DUI

Halloween is right around the corner and while many people are ready for some sense of normalcy for their families, COVID is still out there making people sick. Still — people haven’t given up entirely on trying to make Halloween great.

The self-proclaimed capital of Halloween world, Anoka, plans on still commemorating its 100^th festival with a drive-by parade and smaller crowds but want people to remain safe.

While a few things are looking different

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Minnesota’s Five Types of Homicide

OCT. 7 2020

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Homicide | Manslaughter | Murder

In Minnesota, someone who is charged with homicide can be charged in varying degrees. In fact, Minnesota has five different types of homicide that someone can be charged with.

Learn how Minnesota defines each type, what crimes fall under each degree, and the penalties associated with convictions.

First-Degree Murder

In Minnesota, first-degree murder is the most serious form of murder. It is charged as first-degree in cases that have aggravating factors such as:

Premeditation —

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Solicitation in MN Is an Inchoate Crime — So What Does That Mean?

OCT. 2 2020

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Prostitution | Solicitation

Being arrested for solicitation can be an embarrassing situation, even if the charges are ultimately unfounded. However, to be convicted of this “inchoate crime” requires a few elements to be proven.

If you are ultimately found guilty, then the penalties can have a huge impact on your life and your reputation. For this reason, seeking experienced legal counsel in Minnesota is a great step in ensuring your future.

In the meantime, if you’re unfamiliar with inchoate crimes,

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Drug Offenses: Your Guide to Minnesota Presumptive Sentencing

SEP. 30 2020

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Drug Crimes

In Minnesota, as well as the rest of the United States, sentencing guidelines for those convicted of crimes are based on a belief that more serious crimes should be punished more harshly. Also, repeat offenders should face more serious consequences.

Presumptive sentences are based on the severity of the crime perpetrated and the offender’s record. Of course, this is a simplified explanation — especially in Minnesota.

Minnesota has enacted new drug sentencing laws. They changed the game