MINNESOTA CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Strategy. Preparation. Judgment.

Your story deserves more than the state's version.

Criminal charges can make you feel like the system has already decided who you are. At Keil Defense, your side of the story matters. You get direct attorney access, careful preparation, and a strategic defense built around the facts that matter.

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Results That Matter

Proven defense outcomes.

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Homicide

Dismissed

County: St. Louis County
Charge: Second-degree intentional murder
Key Issue: Causation, intent, forensic evidence, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt

DWI / DUI

Dismissed

County: Blue Earth County
Charge: DWI
Key Issue: Challenge to the legal basis for the traffic stop

Assault

Acquittal

County: Washington County
Charge: Third-degree assault
Key Issue: Witness credibility, video evidence, and cross-examination

PRACTICE AREAS

Focused defense for Minnesota criminal cases.

Criminal charges are not all the same. A DWI, domestic assault, felony, or probation violation each carries different risks and consequences. We tailor your defense strategy to the facts that matter.

VIEW ALL PRACTICE AREAS

DWI / DUI Domestic Assault Felony Defense Criminal Sexual Conduct DANCO / No-Contact Orders OFP / HRO Probation Violations Expungement FASD / Mental Health

Warm neoclassical courthouse corridor representing Minnesota criminal defense practice areas

Charged With a Crime in Minnesota? Your Next Steps

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Minnesota, what you do in the first hours matters. Do not answer questions without a lawyer, do not consent to searches, and preserve anything that helps your account. Then talk to a defense attorney about your specific charge.

Stop talking to police. You have the right to remain silent, and using it cannot be held against you. Politely say you want a lawyer, and stop answering questions.
Do not consent to a search. You can decline to consent to a search of your car, phone, or home. Officers may still search if they have a warrant or another legal basis, but your consent removes a defense you might otherwise have.
Write down what happened while it is fresh. Names, times, what was said, who was present. Save texts, photos, receipts, and anything that supports your version of events.
Note every court date and condition of release. Missing a hearing or violating a release condition can create a new charge on its own. Keep every date and follow every condition exactly.
Talk to a defense lawyer before you make decisions. Before you talk to a prosecutor, take a plea, or assume a charge is minor, get advice on your specific situation.

What to expect when you contact a lawyer · Your rights during a police encounter

Call Keil Defense — (651) 315-3097

Minnesota Criminal Defense: Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer for my specific charge?

For almost any criminal charge, yes. Even a misdemeanor can carry jail exposure, a permanent record, and collateral consequences for employment, housing, or immigration. A lawyer can tell you what you are actually facing and whether there are defenses worth raising before you decide anything.

How can an attorney help with bail or release?

At your first appearance, the court decides whether to release you and on what conditions. Minn. R. Crim. P. 6 A defense lawyer can argue for release on your own recognizance or for conditions you can actually meet, and can ask the court to reconsider conditions that are too restrictive.

What are common criminal defense strategies?

It depends entirely on the charge and the facts. Common approaches include challenging how evidence was obtained, testing whether the state can prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, negotiating a resolution that limits the consequences, and, where appropriate, taking a case to trial. A lawyer reviews the discovery in your case before recommending an approach.

What happens at my first court appearance?

The court advises you of the charges and your rights, addresses release, and sets the next steps. Minn. R. Crim. P. 5 It is not the place to explain your side or resolve the case; it is the start of the process, and having counsel there helps you avoid early missteps.

About Travis Keil

Travis Keil is a criminal defense attorney based in Chanhassen, Minnesota, representing people charged with crimes across the state.

Travis Keil focuses on criminal defense, from DWI and drug charges to serious felonies and post-conviction matters.

How Travis Keil uses AI in defense work

Talk to Travis Keil — (651) 315-3097

Trusted by Clients, Respected by Professionals

Real clients. Real experiences.

★★★★★

When time is not on your side, and it feels like you have only one shot to turn things around, call Travis. He provides full expertise, transparency on fees, and comprehensive risk navigation for your case. He is a seasoned, strategic, and client-centric litigator/advisor. The highlights for me was his ability to cut through large volumes of data quickly, distinguishing relevant evidence from noise to form a 'coherent strategy'. On top of that he didn't just react when needed, but anticipated the opposing side's moves to plan several steps ahead in a live hearing while remaining calm.

- Kudakwashe D. Google Review

★★★★★

Travis is the best lawyer I've ever seen he will fight for you even when you have given up yourself he always has a plan and will tell you exactly what you need to do to succeed he is very honest and will not sugar coat anything he never does anything until he has gone over it with and gets your approval he never judges you for your actions. He will represent and present you in the best way possible. He got me the result I was looking for and honestly SUITS has nothing on Travis.

- Abdiaziz Google Review

★★★★★

Travis is a lawyer that treats his clients as family. He is very patient and understanding. He does not judge and will always work with you. His clients opinion matters to him. He advocates for his clients on the best way things should go. Best of all he listens and pays attention to client. He promptly returns phone calls. Charge wise he is very reasonable and will not charge you arm and leg. I personally have had a wonderful experience with him as a lawyer.

- Mavis A. Google Review

When the stakes are serious, the details matter.

Criminal charges can move quickly. Share what you can here, and Keil Defense will review the situation with care, urgency, and a focus on the next strategic step.

Fees & Payment Options

Use this form if:

You have been charged or expect to be charged
You have an upcoming court date
You are in custody or someone needs urgent help
There is a DANCO, OFP, HRO, or CPS issue
You need a criminal defense attorney to review your situation

Case Type County Court Date In Custody? DANCO / OFP / HRO / CPS? Name Phone Email Short Message I understand this form does not create an attorney-client relationship and should not include confidential or time-sensitive information until Keil Defense agrees to represent me in writing.