Strategic defense for criminal charges in Washington County. Keil Defense serves clients in the East Metro / 7-county core metro, with preparation focused on the local court process, hearing logistics, release conditions, and the consequences that matter most.
Where We Practice
A practice concentrated in Washington County and the surrounding region.
Keil Defense takes cases across Minnesota, but the majority of the firm's work is concentrated in a group of counties — Washington County among them — where the firm appears regularly and knows how the local courts actually operate. That day-to-day familiarity is the point: knowing how this court schedules hearings, handles release conditions, and moves cases. If your case is elsewhere in Minnesota, that doesn't put it out of reach — it's worth a call to talk through.
Local Service Area
Cities and communities served in Washington County.
Keil Defense represents clients throughout Washington County, including matters connected to these communities and surrounding areas.
Court Process
Washington County courthouse and local process.
Washington County criminal cases are handled in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District, with district court proceedings centered in Stillwater. Criminal matters in Washington County are heard at the Washington County Courthouse, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Keil Defense prepares for the Washington County process - hearing logistics, release conditions, custody status, and the consequences that matter most - with attention to how this court actually operates.
For legal explanations, use the related practice pages. This page stays focused on Washington County, local court logistics, and the first steps toward representation.
East Metro / 7-county core metro
Local Practice
How Washington County handles criminal cases.
Where cases are heard
- Where cases are scheduled
- Criminal and traffic cases are scheduled for court at the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Washington court divisions
Diversion programs
- County attorney drug diversion
- The Washington County Attorney's Office runs a drug diversion program for eligible people struggling with drug use, not those selling drugs, that offers treatment and programming in place of a felony conviction. Source: Washington County Attorney's Office
- Adult Diversion Program
- Washington County Community Corrections' Adult Diversion Program provides eligible individuals an alternative to traditional prosecution, participants follow a structured plan designed for their needs, and successful completion of the program can lead to reduced or dismissed charges. Source: Washington County Community Corrections - Adult Services
Local court practice
- Court-appointed counsel
- Defendants who cannot afford a lawyer can ask the court to appoint one; the application form is available when checking in for court. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Washington court divisions
- Criminal Division scope
- The Criminal Division is responsible for processing higher level and court-required criminal and traffic charges which occur within Washington County. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Washington court divisions
- Hearing notice
- A hearing date notice is mailed to the defendant at the address noted on the citation or formal complaint. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Washington court divisions
- First appearance
- A first appearance is where you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, a pretrial or court trial is scheduled. If you enter a plea of guilty, you will be sentenced at that time. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Washington court divisions
- Length of the hearing
- The court describes the first appearance as a large volume court hearing where you can expect to be at the court for several hours. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Washington court divisions
Local procedures change. Confirm current practice with the court or with counsel.
Common Cases
Common criminal defense matters in Washington County.
DWI / DUI
Defense planning for the criminal charge, license consequences, court dates, and evidence review.
Full Practice PageDomestic Assault
Careful handling of no-contact conditions, witness statements, and the practical consequences around the case.
Full Practice PageFelony Defense
Serious felony allegations require early release strategy, evidence review, and trial-level preparation.
Full Practice PageDANCO / No-Contact Orders
Guidance for court-ordered contact restrictions, alleged violations, and modification issues.
Full Practice PageOFP / HRO Matters
Preparation for restraining order hearings and overlap with related criminal allegations.
Full Practice PageProbation Violations
Fast review of alleged violations, warrants, custody status, and contested hearing options.
Full Practice PageDrug Charges
Review of search, seizure, possession, treatment, diversion, and probation issues.
Full Practice PageAssault
A defense approach built around the incident, witness accounts, digital evidence, and available defenses.
Full Practice PageTheft
Representation for theft allegations, restitution issues, diversion possibilities, and record concerns.
Full Practice PageVehicle / Property Forfeiture
Fast review when the State moves to take a vehicle or property connected to a DWI or drug case.
Full Practice PageExpungements
Record-sealing strategy for eligible Minnesota cases after review of the court history.
Full Practice PageCHIPS / Child Protection
Focused guidance when criminal allegations, protective orders, or CPS concerns overlap.
Full Practice PageWhat to Expect
Preparing for Washington County criminal court.
Clients should track the next court date, whether appearance is in person or remote, release conditions, no-contact restrictions, custody status, and any paperwork received from the court, prosecutor, probation, or law enforcement.
Keil Defense reviews the case posture, the county process, and the practical steps needed before the next hearing.
Nearby Counties
Related service areas.
Hennepin County Criminal Defense
Nearby county page for Hennepin County.
County PageScott County Criminal Defense
Nearby county page for Scott County.
County PageCarver County Criminal Defense
Nearby county page for Carver County.
County PageAnoka County Criminal Defense
Nearby county page for Anoka County.
County PageFAQ
Common questions
Do you only practice in Washington County?
No. Keil Defense takes cases across Minnesota. The majority of the firm's work is concentrated in a group of counties, Washington County among them, where the firm appears regularly and knows the local court process. Cases elsewhere in the state are worth a call to discuss.
Can Keil Defense represent me in Washington County court?
Keil Defense represents clients in Washington County criminal cases after the firm has agreed to representation in writing.
What should I bring to a Washington County court date?
Bring court notices, complaint or citation paperwork, release conditions, no-contact order paperwork, probation documents, and any materials your attorney asks you to bring.
What if my next court date in Washington County is coming up soon?
Call the firm or request a consultation as soon as possible so timing, custody status, court conditions, and deadlines can be reviewed.
Does Washington County have a drug diversion program?
The County Attorney's Office describes a drug diversion program for eligible people struggling with drug use, not those selling drugs, that offers treatment and programming in place of a felony conviction.
What happens at a first appearance in Washington County?
A first appearance is where you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, a pretrial or court trial is scheduled. If you enter a plea of guilty, you will be sentenced at that time.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances.