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

KEYSER LAW BLOG

Why You Don’t Have to Worry about DUI Checkpoints in Minnesota

JUNE 7 2016

As the summer approaches, the risk of being on the road with a drunk driver drastically increases. So many states attempt to reduce the rate of drunk driving by setting up sobriety checkpoints.

These checkpoints are a roadblock. Based on a system agreed-upon beforehand, certain passing drivers will have to stop, speak to a police officer, and be subjected to field sobriety testing. These roadblocks, or sobriety checkpoints, are placed at random locations in hopes of catching drivers who

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Who Is affected by Prostitution Laws in Minnesota?

MAY 31 2016

Published By: Chris Keyser

Sex trafficking is a serious crime, with the possibility of several different parties being involved.

In many prostitution cases, the legal line between “victim” and “criminal” is blurry. Some prostitutes claim the job is a choice, some have been forced into the world of sex trafficking, and some are too young to know the difference.

So who is criminalized in Minnesota? Who will be affected when a sex trafficking ring is busted?

Prostitutes. It’s estimated that between

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What Are the Penalties for Residential Burglary?

MAY 23 2016

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Burglary | Residential Burglary

Not all burglaries are committed by masked robbers wearing black-and-white striped shirts.

There are a few different scenarios that can find you or a loved one facing a burglary charge. Maybe you were breaking and entering, but you had no intention of committing any theft. Maybe you were mistaken about which house was your friend’s. Maybe you were trying to play a prank.

But even if you did not take anything, unlawful entry into an unauthorized building

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What Changes to Drug Crimes Sentencing Mean for You

MAY 16 2016

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Drug Crimes

Earlier this year, President Obama made history by granting clemency to over 240 individuals who faced harsh penalties for drug crimes.

In his efforts, he commuted 92 life sentences and has pardoned more people than the past 6 presidents combined. All individuals were nonviolent offenders, and many were able to go home to their families after decades in prison.

His efforts reflect the recent shift in national attitudes toward drug crimes and sentencing. The past few years

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Understanding the Federal Criminal Process

MAY 9 2016

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Criminal Defense | Federal Crimes

In the United States, there are both state and federal laws. State laws are passed by the state government and prosecuted in state court. Federal laws are passed by the United States Congress and prosecuted in Federal District Court.

Federal crimes are taken very seriously and often carry severe penalties. The most commonly prosecuted federal crimes are white collar crimes such as fraud and embezzlement, drug crimes such as trafficking and smuggling, and sex crimes such as child pornography

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The Different Degrees of Arson in Minnesota

MAY 3 2016

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Arson

Fires can happen for a number of reasons. They can be caused accidentally by candles, heaters, electric blankets, cigarettes, clothes dryers, stoves, and faulty wiring, for example.

Or they can be caused intentionally.

Recently, Matthew Gust, a 25-year-old man from East Grand Forks, set fire to a Somali restaurant. Investigators claim he threw a 40-ounce beer bottle filled with gasoline through the window of the Juba Coffee House and Restaurant. The restaurant suffered $90,000 worth of damage.

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What Is Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants?

APR. 25 2016

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Post-Conviction Relief

If you have been convicted of a crime, there are steps you can take to appeal your conviction (have the decision reversed) or to obtain post-conviction relief.

Post-conviction relief isn’t a substitute for a direct appeal. But in the event that a direct appeal is unavailable, post-conviction relief could potentially take the form of release, a new trial, modification of your sentence, and any other relief that is deemed proper and just. Additionally, the court can also make

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