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

KEYSER LAW BLOG

Custody Disputes Can Lead to Kidnapping Charges in Minnesota

APR. 13 2017

After a divorce, agreements like child custody and alimony may still bring you face-to-face with your ex. If tension still exists as you are picking up and dropping off your child to stay with your ex, you may be tempted to keep your child away from them for longer than your parenting plan allows.

Even if you think this is the safest move for your child, be very careful. You have to follow the order. If not, you may

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Penalties for Sex Crimes In Minnesota May Get Even Tougher

APR. 5 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Sex Crimes

Sex offenders are one of the most stigmatized groups of offenders in the criminal justice system. The initial penalties for sex crimes include jail time and fines, but even after time is served, a sex offender is branded for life, and their conviction follows them everywhere.

Sex offender registries throughout the country prohibit offenders from basic activities and places such as being near facilities that are deemed as “catering to children” (something that can include churches) or posting on

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6 Reasons Everyone Eligible Should Seal or Expunge Their Record

MAR. 28 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Expungement / Criminal Record Sealing

A run-in with the law can have a huge negative impact on your life. Most people think that all of the consequences you face are tied to whether or not you are convicted, but unfortunately this is not the case.

Sure, you won’t be going to prison or paying off ridiculous fines if you beat your charges, but that doesn’t mean that everything just returns to normal. Why not? Because you will have a criminal record.

That’s right.

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When Is Retail Theft a Felony in Minnesota?

MAR. 22 2017

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Shoplifting/Retail Theft

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

Category: Domestic Assault | Domestic Violence | Murder

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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