Minnesota Criminal Defense Blog

KEYSER LAW BLOG

Can You Be Arrested for Drug Possession If the Drugs Belong to Someone Else in Minnesota

AUG. 18 2026

Yes. You can be arrested for drug possession in Minnesota even if the drugs allegedly belonged to someone else. Prosecutors do not always have to prove that you bought the drugs, owned them, or personally brought them into the car, apartment, hotel room, or shared space where officers found them. The more important question is whether the state can prove you knowingly possessed or controlled the substance.

That distinction matters in shared-space drug cases. Drugs found in a vehicle,

Buffer

How Entrapment Defenses Work in Minnesota Drug Cases

JUL. 30 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Entrapment can be a defense in a Minnesota drug case when the government does more than investigate suspected criminal activity and instead pressures someone into committing a crime they were not already willing to commit. This issue often comes up when an undercover officer, confidential informant, or cooperating witness initiates contact, pushes for a drug sale or purchase, or uses repeated requests to overcome hesitation.

Not every sting operation is entrapment. Police may use undercover tactics, controlled buys, and

Buffer

How Minnesota’s Three Strikes Law Impacts Repeat Offenders in Minneapolis

JUL. 21 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Three-Strikes Law

People often ask whether Minnesota has a “three strikes” law. The short answer is that Minnesota does not use a California-style three-strikes system where a third conviction automatically triggers a mandatory life sentence. However, repeat convictions can still dramatically increase sentencing exposure in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota.

Instead of a single three-strikes rule, Minnesota uses a mix of sentencing guidelines, offense-specific enhancement statutes, and repeat-offender or dangerous-offender provisions. Prior convictions can affect how a new charge is filed, whether

Buffer

What Is the Difference Between Probation and Parole in Minnesota?

JUN. 30 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Parole | Probation

Probation and parole are often discussed together, but they do not mean the same thing in Minnesota. The main difference is when supervision happens. Probation is usually ordered by a judge instead of sending someone to prison, while parole or supervised release generally happens after someone has served part of a prison sentence.

That difference matters. The rules, supervising authority, violation process, and possible consequences are not always the same. A person on probation may be sent back to

Buffer

Can You Be Charged with Theft for Not Returning a Borrowed Item in Minnesota

JUN. 18 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Property Crimes | Theft Crimes

In Minnesota, borrowing something and failing to return it does not always remain a simple misunderstanding between two people. Depending on the facts, it can raise questions that sit somewhere between civil disagreement and criminal liability, especially when the item has value or the original owner believes it was intentionally kept.

Minnesota theft laws are not limited to breaking into property or taking items by force. In certain situations, you can be charged with theft for continued possession of

Buffer

Can a Domestic Violence Charge Be Expunged in Minnesota?

JUN. 1 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Domestic Violence

A domestic assault conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting their record sealed in Minnesota. What it does mean is that the automatic Clean Slate process is not available; you have to petition. At Keyser Law P.A., our Minneapolis criminal defense attorney has helped clients seal domestic assault records throughout Hennepin County and across the state.

Why the Clean Slate Act Does Not Cover Domestic Assault

When Minnesota expanded its automatic expungement law in 2023, many people

Buffer

How Minneapolis Courts Handle Domestic Violence Cases Without Victim Cooperation

MAY. 26 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Domestic Abuse | Domestic Assault | Domestic Violence

In Minneapolis, a domestic violence case does not end because the alleged victim stops cooperating or recants. Prosecutors in Hennepin County are trained to pursue charges without victim testimony, and the state has legal tools to make that possible. Keyser Law, P.A. defends people charged with domestic assault throughout the Minneapolis area, including cases where the alleged victim has changed their account or refused to participate.

The Prosecutor Decides Whether Your Case Proceeds, Not the Victim

This surprises

Buffer

CASE EVALUATION FORM

KEYSER LAW BLOG

Why the Clean Slate Act Does Not Cover Domestic Assault

The Prosecutor Decides Whether Your Case Proceeds, Not the Victim

MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL CRIMINAL DEFENSE & DWI LAW FIRM SERVING

With offices in Minneapolis and Stillwater, Minnesota, Keyser Law, P.A. handles cases throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area including:

HENNEPIN COUNTY

WASHINGTON COUNTY

RAMSEY COUNTY

ANOKA COUNTY

DAKOTA COUNTY