Keyser Criminal Defense is a different breed of legal advocacy. We handle all criminal defense matters throughout Minnesota in state and federal courts.
As a client-centered defense firm, we make all cases a priority and guarantee each client's personal attention. We give straight answers to real issues so you can feel comfortable when making the legal decisions affecting your future.
Contact us at (612) 338-5007 for a complimentary, confidential and pressure-free consultation. Your important call will be answered by an attorney 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer
We understand how any criminal defense charge can be frightening. Being arrested, charged with a crime or convicted of a criminal offense has serious implications and consequences. We understand that you have questions and we are here to help you.
Attorney Christopher W. Keyser has years of experience in the United States legal system having worked with the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Department of Justice. He is committed, aggressive and experienced – three attributes that should always look for in a criminal defense attorney
How We Can Help
If you or someone you know has been accused of any criminal offense, it is important that you act fast. Keyser Criminal Defense will provide you with aggressive representation, a sound defense strategy and thorough research to ensure the best outcome possible. Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Christopher W. Keyser directly at (612) 338-5007 for a free, confidential and no-obligation case evaluation.
Legal Representation Across Minnesota Keyser Criminal Defense represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.
News
Brady Violations Conflict with "Minnesota Nice"
The Minnesota Court of Appeals recently reversed a first degree robbery conviction where the State failed to disclose prior perjury, dishonesty and marijuana possession convictions of the only eye witness. The State claims "justice" by getting convictions, but at what cost? Call us for more information because you shouldn't navigate the system alone!
Recent Results Case: Felony Third Degree Assault Max Penalty: 5 years imprisonment and a ten thousand dollar fine Result: CASE DISMISSED
Summary: Case dismissed before jury selection concluded
Case: Misdemeanor Domestic Assault Max Penalty: 90 days jail and one thousand dollar fine Result: CASE DISMISSED
Case: License Plate Impoundment from Third Degree DWI Max Penalty: License Plates Impounded for One Year Result: License Plates Returned to Client at State Expense
Case: Misdemeanor Order for Protection Violation Penalty Sought: 90 days jail and one thousand dollar fine Result: CASE DISMISSED Summary: Case dismissed after aggressively pushing an alibi defense
Case: Felony Second Degree Robbery Max Penalty: 3 years imprisonment and five thousand dollar fine Result: Community Service Summary: Client charged with armed robbery and received no jail, no monetary fine and probation only
Arson
Disorderly Conduct
Felony Offenses
Juvenile Crimes
Prostitution
Assault
Domestic Assault
Forfeiture
Murder & Homicide
Robbery
Burglary
Drug Crimes
Fraud
Obstruction of Justice
Sex Crimes
Criminal Sexual Conduct
DUI & DWI
Gross Misdemeanors
Order of Protection
Theft & Shoplifting
Detox & Jail Release
Expungement
Gun Rights
Probation Violations
Traffic Violations
What is Arson?
Generally, arson is the crime of deliberately and maliciously setting fire to structures or wild land areas. Acts commonly associated with an arson charge include setting a house, vehicle or church on fire, setting wooded areas on fire, failing to properly extinguish a fire that you started, burning items with the intent to claim insurance money, burning evidence of a crime, setting a false alarm causing bodily injury and prohibiting access to a fire hydrant.
What is Disorderly Conduct?
Generally, Disorderly Conduct is an act which tends to alarm, anger or disturb others, or tends to provoke an assault or breach of peace. Disorderly Conduct is also an offense in which a person recklessly, knowingly or intentionally...
Engages in brawling or fighting
Commits indecent conduct and exposure
Disturbs an assembly or meeting, not unlawful in its character
Engages in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct or in an offensive, obscene, or abusive language tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others
In Minnesota, Disorderly Conduct is a common and frequent charge because the definition is so broad, making it an easy charge for prosecutors to initiate.
Generally, a felony is a crime punishable by a minimum of over 1 year imprisonment. If convicted of a felony charge, a defendant can face serious prison time, large fines, and collateral consequences such as loss of firearm rights. Common felony offenses include:
What are Juvenile Offenses?
Generally, a juvenile offense is any offense committed by a person under the age of 18. Juvenile offenses often include theft, robbery, assault, shoplifting, underage drinking, vandalism and possession of marijuana.
What is Prostitution, Solicitation and Pandering? What is the difference between prostitution, solicitation and pandering? Prostitution is the exchanging of money for sexual acts of any kind. Solicitation is the act of asking someone to exchange money for sexual acts. Pandering involves solicitation of customers for prostitution.
What is Assault?
Generally, an assault is a crime of violence against another person. In Minnesota, assault refers to an act of physical contact with another person causing bodily harm but it can also include an act causing “fear” in another person, with no actual physical contact.
What is Domestic Assault?
Generally, domestic assault occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate or attack another.
What is Forfeiture?
Generally, forfeiture is the State’s seizure of assets through a civil proceeding. Minnesota law allows that State to acquire a defendant’s assets if the State believes those assets were used in, or acquired by, the alleged criminal act. A forfeiture action is a separate proceeding from a criminal charge. Forfeitures can result in a temporary or permanent loss of assets, such as a vehicle or home. It is important to consult an attorney regarding your property or asset forfeiture right away. Because the State can hold your assets, financial problems may quickly arise due to a sudden, unanticipated freeze of funds.
What is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter? In Minnesota, murder is the intentional killing of another person while manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another. Murder and homicide are the most serious offenses a person can be accused of committing.
What is Robbery?
Although theft and robbery charges in Minnesota involve the stealing of objects, monies, or other valuables, robbery charges usually entail an act or threat of violence at the time of the crime, whereas theft charges do not. Robbery penalties can therefore be more severe than theft charges.
What is Burglary?
Generally, burglary is the unlawful entry into a building or home for the purpose of committing an offense. Burglary is often referred to as “breaking and entering” and sometimes as “housebreaking.”
Generally, drug crimes include the possession, manufacturing or selling of drugs. Common illegal drugs include Marijuana, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, LSD, Ecstasy and prescription drugs such as Vicodin, Valium, Celexa, Ritalin, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Common Drug Crimes include:
Possession, distribution, manufacturing or sale of narcotics
What is Fraud?
Generally, fraud is an offense of deliberately deceiving another in order to obtain property or services unjustly. Some common examples of fraud are:
Obstruction of Justice is the interference of the police work, investigations or official government work. Common Obstruction of Justice charges include:
DWI is an abbreviation for “Driving While Intoxicated.” DWI is sometimes referred to as “DUI” or “Driving Under the Influence,” however the term “DUI” does not exist in Minnesota.
DWI involves the act of operating and/or driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to the degree that mental and motor skills are impaired. DWI laws also apply to recreational vehicles, such as an ATV, boat or snowmobile, and piloting an airplane.
What is an Order for Protection?
Orders for Protection (OFP), also known as restraining orders, are typically issued to prevent further abuse, stalking, or domestic violence. Orders for Protection require the alleged offender to stay a designated number of feet away from the person filing the order.
What is Detox? "Detox" is the process of removing alcohol or drugs from a person's system. The police often hold people at a hospital or detox facility to allow time to “sober up” before release. Persons generally are not released while still under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is usually an unpleasant experience for people, especially when being held for no apparent reason. A problem arises when people sober up but are still in detention, causing a violation of rights.
What is an Expungment?
Generally, an expungement is the sealing of a criminal record. Once sealed, the criminal record cannot be disclosed except under court order or as permitted by statute.
What are my Gun Rights?
In Minnesota, a person has the right to carry a pistol in public places with a “permit to carry” license. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, you can lose some of your constitutional right to vote and carry a concealed weapon. According to federal gun laws, persons convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for over 1 year or more (felony offenses) may not possess, receive, ship or transport firearms or ammunition. Under some conditions, relief may be given to gain back gun rights through an expungement, restoration of rights or setting aside a conviction.
What is a Probation Violation?
Probation sentences include suspended jail sentences, which allow a defendant to return to life as normal as long as he or she follows the terms of probation. If probation terms are not followed and probation is violated, the defendant may be ordered to complete his or her jail sentence and/or pay fines.
