Minnesota Criminal Defense Blog

KEYSER LAW BLOG

When Can a Minnesota Burglary Charge Be Reduced to Trespassing?

SEP. 23 2026

A Minnesota burglary charge may sometimes be reduced to trespassing when the evidence does not support the additional elements required for burglary. The most important difference is usually criminal intent: burglary requires proof that a person entered a building without consent and intended to commit a crime inside, or actually committed a crime after entering. Ordinary trespass does not require proof of that same criminal purpose.

That does not mean every weak burglary case automatically becomes trespassing. The facts

Can a Convicted Felon Possess a Firearm in Minnesota?

SEP. 14 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Gun Crimes | Weapons Charges

Not always, and not always permanently. A felony conviction can make firearm or ammunition possession unlawful in Minnesota, but the duration and severity of the prohibition depend heavily on the conviction. Minnesota treats felony “crimes of violence” especially strictly: those convictions can create a lifetime state-law ban on possessing firearms or ammunition unless firearm rights are later restored by a court.

Other felony convictions can involve a different analysis, including whether the sentence has been discharged, civil rights have

How Minnesota’s Felony Theft Thresholds Determine Charge Severity

AUG. 25 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Theft Crimes

In Minnesota, the value of the property or services involved in a theft allegation can determine whether the case is charged as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony. For many ordinary theft offenses, the general felony threshold is more than $1,000. But value is not the only factor. Certain types of property, prior qualifying convictions, aggregation of multiple thefts, and circumstances that create a risk of bodily harm can increase the charge even when the amount is lower.

That

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

AUG. 18 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Drug Possession

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,

How Entrapment Defenses Work in Minnesota Drug Cases

JUL. 30 2026

Published By: Chris Keyser

Category: Drug Crimes | Drug Possession | Drug Trafficking | Entrapment

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

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

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

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KEYSER LAW BLOG

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