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

KEYSER LAW BLOG

Understanding the Differences between Robbery and Burglary in MN

OCT. 4 2019

Within the Minnesota criminal justice system, burglary and robbery are separate offenses, each with their own defining characteristics and associated penalties. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably in conversation, our state has clear rules on what makes a burglary versus what makes a robbery.

Below, we will define both burglary and robbery, detail their differences, and outline the potential consequences of a conviction for each crime.

What Is Burglary According to Minnesota Law?

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Yes, There Are Mandatory Minimums for Minnesota Drug Crimes

SEP. 27 2019

Published By: Chris Keyser

There are many policies from “The War on Drugs” that continue to affect Americans today.

The “three strikes law,” civil forfeiture, and the denial of government benefits to people who commit drug crimes are a few of them.

They all have a significant negative impact on sentences and how selling some dope can affect a person’s life. One of the most prominent of these outdated policies is mandatory minimums.

Mandatory minimums affect drug crime sentencing today, both

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No, the Governor Isn’t Trying to Bribe You – Understanding MN Bribery

SEP. 22 2019

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Bribery Charges

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently began handing out promotional coins bearing his name, autograph, and symbols of Minnesota. These are known as challenge coins. They are also carried by members of Congress, governors, and presidents.

But wouldn’t handing out money to constituents be considered bribery? When it comes to the Governer’s coins, legally speaking, no.

Why not? Because the coins have no monetary value and cost less than $4/each to produce.

Under Minnesota bribery laws, politicians are

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Can Minnesota Domestic Violence Be a Federal Crime?

SEP. 12 2019

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Domestic Violence | Federal Crimes

Domestic violence is no longer just a simple family matter for the state of Minnesota to handle directly. Growing national awareness and a widening definition of what domestic violence means has resulted in courts taking matters of domestic violence more seriously, and handing down more severe sentences.

Although most Minnesota domestic violence cases are still handled inside state courtrooms, there are a number of scenarios in which domestic violence is more likely to become one of federal interest.

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Sex Crimes in Minnesota – The Most Frequently Asked Questions

SEP. 4 2019

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Sex Crimes | Sex Offender Registry

Because sex crimes are highly stigmatized, most people are afraid to ask any questions at all, leaving the subject shrouded in mystery to some degree. There are also many myths and common misunderstandings about Minnesota sex crime laws.

Today, we’re addressing some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this category of offense in our state.

How Does Minnesota Define Rape and Sexual Assault Crimes?

In Minnesota, rape and sexual assault are referred to as “

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Worried about a Minnesota DWI? These Apps Can Help

AUG. 29 2019

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: DWI/DUI

Worried about the possibility of a Minnesota DWI? It just means that you’ve got good sensibilities.

After all, a DWI conviction is expensive and can have life-changing consequences – even for a first offense. We understand, though, that avoiding drunk driving is often easier said than done.

Luckily, there are a variety of apps that can help you avoid driving drunk and get you home safely after a night out. Here’s a rundown of some of the

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The Different Ways You Can Potentially Shoplift in Minnesota

AUG. 27 2019

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Shoplifting/Retail Theft

We say shoplifting, you probably picture a young girl standing at a clothing rack, glancing side-to-side, then slipping something small into her bag.

The fact is shoplifting is an offense committed by people from all walks of life. A congressional candidate recently accused of shoplifting 279 items from a Target store, for instance. She was allegedly caught attempting to take the merchandise from a store without paying for it. She now faces felony-level charges.

Carrying away

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