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ABOUT KEIL DEFENSE

Serious Defense Built on Preparation, Judgment, and Advocacy.

Travis Keil represents people facing criminal charges in Minnesota with focused preparation, strategic judgment, and a defense-first approach.

When the stakes are high, the defense has to be prepared before the courtroom moment arrives.

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Travis Keil, Keil Defense criminal defense attorney

Licensed in Minnesota since 2011

Member & Affiliations

  • FASD United / Proof Alliance
  • MACDL & NACDL
  • Hennepin & Ramsey County Bar Associations
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Attorney Biography

Travis Keil

Travis Keil is the founder of Keil Defense, a Minnesota criminal defense law firm representing clients in serious criminal matters across the state.

Travis earned his B.A. (Cum Laude) from Saint Cloud State University, an M.A. from the University of East Anglia in England, his J.D. from Hamline University School of Law, and studied International Business at Jönköping International Business School in Sweden. He was admitted to the Minnesota bar in October 2011 and founded Keil Defense in 2011, following clerkships at the Second, Seventh, and Tenth District Public Defender Offices and with a respected Minnesota criminal defense attorney.

With more than 15 years in Minnesota criminal defense, Travis represents clients in DWI, domestic, criminal sexual conduct, controlled substances, theft, and serious felony matters, with particular attention to cases involving FASD, mental health, and substance use. He is admitted in Minnesota and the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, and is connected with FASD United, Proof Alliance, MACDL, NACDL, and the Hennepin and Ramsey County Bar Associations. Travis presents at continuing legal education seminars on AI in criminal defense and is the founder of Second Chair Solutions, where he advises attorneys on the ethical and responsible use of AI in legal practice.

Recognition

Preparation. Experience. Results.

Media & Public Commentary

Interviewed by ABC 20/20, KSTP, KARE 11, WCCO, FOX 9, and the Star Tribune on criminal law matters and high-profile cases.

Co-Counsel in Serious Cases

Minnesota defense attorneys retain Travis as co-counsel for trials involving criminal sexual conduct, murder, and serious felonies.

Founder of Second Chair Solutions

Advises attorneys on ethical, responsible AI in legal practice - in service of attorney judgment, not as a substitute.

Who I Represent

Wherever you come from, I fight for you.

My clients come from every walk of life — C-suite executives with a career on the line, and people who are struggling just to hold things together. I don't judge where you come from or what you can bring to the table. If you're facing a serious charge, you deserve a real defense, and that's what I give every client I represent.

Co-Professionals & Endorsements

Respected by Clients. Recognized by Peers.

Some of the people who’ve hired Keil Defense first encountered Travis Keil on the opposing side of a case. The respect they developed watching him advocate against them led them to want that same advocacy for themselves in their own, unrelated matters.

Mr. Keil's tenacity in the courtroom is unparalleled in the legal community. I have witnessed him fight for his clients and obtain great results. We have worked together on several criminal matters, including Attempted 1st Degree Premeditated Murder. His legal acumen ha...

Kyle D. White, Criminal Defense Attorney Peer Endorsement, Avvo

I am a criminal defense attorney and I have known Travis Keil for many years. He and I have worked together defending clients facing very serious cases including murder and criminal sexual conduct cases. Together we have achieved some fantastic results. Travis is an exc...

Todd Kenyon, Criminal Defense Attorney Google Review

As an FASD Consultant, I work with many families who have children and young adults who have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and are involved with the justice system - research indicates that 60% of individuals with an FASD get into trouble with the law. I have referr...

Barb Clark, FASD Consultant Professional Endorsement

I have worked in the field of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) for over two decades, starting with my work as Hennepin County District Court (Juvenile Division) while also serving as Minnesota's First Lady (1991-1999). It was in Juvenile Court where I encountered many youth from families with long histories of substance abuse and also with similar learning, behavioral, neurological problems. Thus was born my interest and passion in helping those impacted by this disability.

I had the opportunity to work with Travis M. Keil on the defense of young adult woman with FASD. I personally knew her through my FASD work and knew she was a good person, but could be easily swayed by others. Unfortunately, she had ended up in a situation of bad judgment leading to very serious felony charges.

Through my work on FASD, I knew of Travis' reputation in representing clients with FASD. He greatly exceeded his reputation in this very complicated legal and factual case - understanding the disability, which was key in her defense. Fortunately, this young woman was acquitted on all charges. I would highly recommend Travis Keil in representing those with the disability of FASD. He truly understands the relationship of this brain disability and how it impacts criminal behavior.

Susan Shepard Carlson, Esq. Former Minnesota First Lady

I have had the opportunity to work with Attorney Travis Keil from the investigative side of criminal defense cases, and I have been consistently impressed with his preparation, attention to detail, and commitment to getting the facts right. Travis understands how to use investigation effectively - not just to gather information, but to identify the facts, inconsistencies, timelines, and details that actually matter to a defense strategy.

He is thorough, responsive, and focused on the client's best interests. He does not look for shortcuts or ask anyone to shape the facts. He wants accurate information, even when it is difficult, so he can give his clients honest advice and prepare the strongest defense possible.

One thing that especially stands out is Travis's forward-thinking approach. He has taught me how to use AI tools to further strengthen my investigative practice, organize information, identify issues, and make sure no stone is left unturned. That commitment to combining strong legal judgment with modern tools shows how seriously he takes preparation and advocacy.

From my perspective, Travis prepares cases with the level of care, strategy, and professionalism you would want from a criminal defense attorney when the stakes are high. I highly recommend him.

Jerry Negen, Private Investigator Professional Endorsement, Google Review Negen's Investigative Services, member of the Minnesota Association of Private Investigators Private investigator who has worked with Travis Keil on criminal defense cases

Professional endorsements are provided by individuals familiar with Travis Keil or Keil Defense. They are not a guarantee of results and should not be understood as a prediction of any outcome in a future case.

Featured Media & Insight

Public Insight on the Justice System

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Civic architecture and Minnesota justice system context

KSTP 5 Eyewitness News

Featured in The Lost Souls

Travis Keil was featured in KSTP's article and video on Minnesotans who fall into the criminal justice system gap when competency, mental health, and public safety issues collide.

Watch / Read at KSTP ->

“It is sad that [individuals with mental health issues] do not get the help and assistance that they need.”

Travis Keil, KSTP “The Lost Souls”

KSTP removed the original video; it is now hosted on YouTube.

Star Tribune

"In his passionate closing, Keil told the judge that Mosley's life was on the line. The prosecution wants to convict on the quantity, not quality of evidence."
Star Tribune

Modern Defense

AI, preparation, and attorney judgment.

Modern tools can help organize evidence and surface inconsistencies, but strategy, verification, and advocacy remain human.

Explore Modern Defense ->

Working With Keil Defense

What to Know Before You Hire

What to Expect

One Attorney

Will I work directly with my attorney?

At Keil Defense, one attorney sets the strategy and handles your case from the first call through resolution, rather than passing it to an associate.

How one lawyer handles your case ->

Fees

How criminal defense fees work.

Understand how Minnesota criminal defense fees are structured, including flat fees, payment plans, written agreements, and why hiring early matters.

Read about attorney fees ->

Modern Defense

Technology in a modern defense.

See how evidence review, organization, and issue spotting are built around attorney judgment, with technology supporting the work rather than replacing it.

Explore legal technology ->

How Keil Defense Works

The defense is built around preparation.

The Defense Team

Investigation that tests the State's version.

A strong defense is not built on the police report alone. When a case calls for it, Keil Defense works with Jerry Negen of Negen's Investigative Services, a licensed Minnesota private investigator and member of the Minnesota Association of Private Investigators, to independently investigate the facts. That can mean locating and interviewing witnesses the State never spoke to, revisiting the scene, developing timelines, and surfacing evidence that supports the defense.

The State has police and investigators building its case from day one. Having an experienced investigator on the defense side helps level that field - and often uncovers the facts that change how a case is understood.

The prosecution investigates. So should the defense.

Who Keil Defense Represents

A serious charge doesn't check your resume first.

A criminal charge can reach anyone - an executive, a nurse, a student, a tradesperson, a parent. Keil Defense represents people from every walk of life, because the stakes are the same: your freedom, your record, and your future.

Everyone gets the same prepared, direct defense, whether the case is quiet or high-profile.

Our Defense Philosophy

Strategic. Thorough. Client-Focused.

Every case is built on preparation, clear communication, and unwavering advocacy. Keil Defense anticipates the prosecution, pressure-tests the evidence, and protects your rights at every stage.

Keil Defense office and conference room setting

You don't have to face this alone.

Get a confidential consultation and a clear plan for your defense.

Call Now (651) 315-3097 Request a Consultation