Family Law

• Child Abuse

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  A skilled criminal defense lawyer like Mark D. Kelly in St. Paul can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Having a lawyer on your side will give you peace of mind that every aspect of your case is being handled properly, from gathering evidence to negotiating with prosecutors for a favorable plea deal.
• DUI/DWI
  DUI is one of the most common crimes that Minnesotans are arrested for. It can happen in the blink of an eye, you go from driving home after dinner to being asked about “how much” from a police officer with a flashlight in your face. Almost as suddenly you’re being asked to submit to a portable breath test and placed under arrest. Many people are so shocked and embarrassed after a DUI charge that they want to plead guilty just to “make it go away”.
• Traffic Violations
  Appellant JMD challenges his first-degree controlled substance conviction in violation of Minn. Stat. § 152.021, subd. 2(1) (2004). At a pretrial hearing, 2 the district court refused to suppress evidence obtained by a state trooper during a search of appellant‟s vehicle following a traffic stop in Beltrami County; the court also refused to suppress evidence later obtained from appellant‟s home during execution of a search warrant. Appellant claims that the court erred by refusing to suppress this evidence, conceding that the initial stop of his vehicle was lawful, but arguing that the vehicle search exceeded the scope and duration of a lawful traffic stop because the trooper confined him in his squad car during the stop and prolonged the stop after issuing him a warning citation for speeding. We reverse because we conclude that although the trooper could require appellant to sit in the front seat of his squad car during the stop, the trooper had no reason to prolong the traffic stop after issuing appellant a warning citation for speeding; therefore, the searches of appellant‟s vehicle and home were improper, and evidence obtained during those searches should have been suppressed.
• Sex Crimes
  If you have been accused of a sex crime, having a defense lawyer on your side can have a dramatic impact on how your case turns out. Even the accusation of a sex crime can cause your entire life to feel like it is in jeopardy. Some of the potential consequences for being convicted include being removed from your job, losing your driver's license, and losing your children's custody. The consequences of simply being accused can also be devastating and cause social isolation, shame and stigmatization.
• Fraud
  Millions of credit card and debit card transactions happen every day, most taking only a second or two. As credit and debit transactions continue to replace cash, it makes sense that we are seeing more and more fraud and theft cases related to credit cards. There are multiple ways you can be charged with credit card fraud, a few example scenarios follow...
• Robbery
  Simple Robbery - Property is taken where force or the threat of force is involved. This can result in up to 10 years in prison and up to a $35,000 fine.
• Burglary
  The act of taking something that does not belong to you can take several forms in terms of legal charges. Whether you are facing theft, burglary or robbery charges, you need an effective and experienced defense lawyer to protect your rights. Mark D. Kelly has worked with people accused of all types of theft-related crimes in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. He is a top-rated defense lawyer because of his willingness to aggressively advocate for the rights of his clients.
• White Collar Crimes
  White collar crimes are usually related to activities involving dishonestly obtaining money, property, services, or preferential treatment. While some people accused of white collar crime have made calculated decisions to deceive, many others do not know that their actions are, indeed, illegal. Either way, the seriousness of white collar crimes is significant, and ignorance of the law is not a defense.
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  Several states have particular requirements in order for enhanced penalties to apply. The enhanced stalking crimes are usually distinguished by their designations as either first and second degree, or felony and misdemeanor stalking. Most often, enhancements are if the victim is below a certain age, or if the defendant has violated a court order or protective order, or if a deadly weapon was used. Certain notorious cases have given rise in some states to specific legislation aimed at protecting particular persons. This may be the case in Illinois and New Jersey, each of which have provisions that state that incarcerated persons in penal institutions who transmit threats are not barred from prosecution under their stalking legislation.
• Embezzlement
  White collar crime refers to non-violent activity that is usually business related. Typically, the activity centers on dishonesty; for example, embezzlement, fraud, and conspiracy are common white collar crimes. People charged with white collar crimes usually act as agents of a business or organization, though sometimes they are acting independently. White collar offenses typically relate to a breach of trust.
• Drug Crimes
  In recent years, the market for illegal drugs has been as dangerous and lethal as any time in history. Fentanyl overdoses have shocked communities across Minnesota as there have been cases where multiple deaths are linked back to one distributor. Law enforcement and the courts have responded with swift and brutal punishments to those accused of drug manufacturing or distribution.
• Assault
  You can be charged with assault even if you do not touch anyone, and you can lose your right to own a gun if you are convicted of domestic assault.
• Murder
  Murder charges have some of the highest potential penalties of any criminal charge. There is no room for error in a murder trial; rely on the experienced and tenacious defense of Mark D. Kelly and his staff. We will exhaust every possibility in your defense and work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome. Don't waste a single second, contact us today.
• Probation Violation
  Probation violation is an offense that occurs when you break the terms or conditions of your probation. The consequences associated with probation violation usually depend on a variety of factors, such as the nature and seriousness of the violation, whether you have any prior violations, and whether there are other circumstances that may lessen (or worsen) the severity of the situation. A probation violation may result in significant penalties, such as heavy fines, extended probation, jail time, or more.
• Identity Theft
  Computer related fraud and identity theft are as old as the internet itself. Crimes committed online cost banks, retailers and the government billions of dollars every year. As a response, some very aggressive laws have been written around crimes that originate or are furthered by using the internet. Because the internet is not contained to one state almost all online crimes have the potential to be charged federally. If you are charged with a federal crime the stakes are incredibly high and the prosecution is very aggressive.
• Homicide
  Homicide is the killing of one person by another. Not all homicides constitute crimes, however. Certain exceptions, such as some killings in self-defense, are not crimes.
• Restraining Order
• Forgery
  If the alleged offender has a previous conviction of any property related crime (theft, robbery, receiving stolen goods, forgery, burglary) they can face up to 5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Manslaughter
  Involuntary Manslaughter - A killing that is not on purpose, but results from criminally reckless or negligent behavior, or from low level criminal activities
• Prostitution
  All of these types of sex crimes can be charged as felonies and lead to severe penalties if the perpetrator is convicted. Additional charges that are frequently added on to sex crime convictions include child enticement, promoting prostitution, and traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  Sawyer worked for a corporate law firm in Chicago, Illinois, gaining valuable experience in tax, real estate and business law. Sawyer plans to attend law school in the Fall of 2023 and looks forward to pursuing a career in criminal defense. In his free time, Sawyer enjoys hockey, traveling, and spending time with his two dogs.
• Business Disputes

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy