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

KEYSER LAW BLOG

When Is Retail Theft a Felony in Minnesota?

MAR. 22 2017

Crimes are classified in two major categories: misdemeanors and felonies. In many states, these two categories are broken down further into first degree misdemeanor, second degree felony, and so on.

Minnesota classifies charges a little bit differently than many of our neighbors. There are no felony “degrees,” so sentencing will depend upon the specific charge.

Shoplifting may not seem like the most serious crime in the book, but in some situations it can be charged as a felony.

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4 Ways Getting Drunk on St. Patrick’s Day Could Land You in Jail

MAR. 14 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Public Intoxication

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and with the holiday on a Friday this year, the festivities could last all weekend for some.

What does that mean?

While this is a holiday that features parades, sweet treats, and far too much “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” attire, everyone knows that those things are only a sideshow. In modern day America, what St. Patrick’s Day is really about is drinking.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with that. You

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Domestic Violence Causes 80% of Minnesota Female Homicides

MAR. 6 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

It can’t be said enough: domestic assault is a huge problem in Minnesota.

In 2016 alone, 21 people in our state died due to domestic violence. Those numbers don’t tell the whole story, either. When people die from domestic violence, they often leave behind children, parents, or friends who are asking themselves what could have been done to prevent this person’s death.

According to reports, seven children watched their mother die this year. That’s seven too many.

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Some Plea Deals Have Allowed Sex Offenders to Hide Their Crimes

FEB. 27 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Sex Crimes | Sexual Assault

A sex crime conviction is unlike most other crimes. All criminal records are public, but individuals who are convicted of sex crimes also have to register as a sex offender. The sex offender registry is a separate, public list that not only comes with its own particular stigma, but also additional restrictions regarding things like where you can live and what jobs you can have in the future. Not surprisingly, most people would like to avoid them if they could.

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Eagan Man Wanted for Using Restaurants as Drug Trafficking Front

FEB. 21 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Drug Crimes | Drug Trafficking

The El Parian restaurants consistently serve authentic Mexican food and provide good service for relatively cheap prices. However, if you’ve been to the restaurants in Eagan or Lakeville since August (the location in Long Lake has closed down), you may have noticed a change in management.

Why? Because the owner of El Parian was caught using the restaurants as a front for drug trafficking.

El Parian Owner Charged with 46 Counts of Criminal Drug Trafficking

Here’s

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Is Justin Bieber An Appropriate Punishment for Drunk Drivers?

FEB. 14 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: DWI/DUI

The Super Bowl brings us some great commercials every year… and some that aren’t so great. One of the least popular commercials featured Justin Beiber dancing for T-Mobile, which gave Minnesota’s Wyoming Police Department a great idea.

Soon after the commercial was aired, the department posted a tweet that said “If you drive drunk tonight we’re going to subject you to that Justin Bieber @TMobile Super Bowl Commercial the entire way to jail. #SB51.” The tweet received over

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Don’t Worry If Your Child Breaks Curfew in Minnesota

FEB. 6 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Juvenile Law

In recent years, Minnesota upped the ante for any minor staying out past curfew – they would get a ticket, head to court, and have the infraction on their record so that it would follow them if they were caught breaking other rules.

If you think getting legal authorities involved for kids staying out late seems a little harsh, you’re not alone. Curfew in Hennepin County is currently 9 P.M. for children under the age of 12, 10 P.M.

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