Experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyers
Proven in Courts. Chosen by Professionals. Grounded in Experience.
When people are charged with crimes in Minnesota, they often face more than the potential for jail or fines. Their careers, reputations, and personal relationships may all be at risk. At Brandt Kettwick Defense, our team offers clients the clarity, strategy, and professional judgment they need to make informed decisions, whether they are navigating the early stages of an investigation or preparing for trial.
Our team of attorneys brings decades of combined criminal law experience, including over 200 trials handled across a wide range of charges. With experience all over the State, we serve clients throughout the Twin Cities metro and across Minnesota.
Michael Brandt
Minnesota Supreme Court rules that Google users have a privacy interest in Google’s location data about Google’s users.
The Minnesota Supreme Court, in a landmark case, handed down a decision ruling that under the Minnesota Constitution individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their location data collected by third parties such as Google. In the case of Contreras-Sanchez v. State of Minnesota, law enforcement utilized location data from Google to identify individuals involved in a murder case. They obtained this information through a geofence warrant, which is a warrant that allows law enforcement to obtain information from tech companies regarding their user’s location within certain geographic locations during a specific time-period. Through this process, law enforcement identified Contreras-Sanchez as a suspect and charged him with second degree murder. Prior to trial, Contreras-Sanchez moved to suppress the location data, arguing that geofence warrants were unconstitutional. Ultimately, the case landed before the Minnesota Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of geofence warrants. The Minnesota Supreme Court ultimately ruled that geofence warrants are constitutional and that under the Minnesota Constitution,
Nicole Kettwick
Felony Assault Charges Dismissed
Date: March 26, 2026 Case: Third Degree Assault Attorney: Nicole A. Kettwick Results: Nicole was retained to represent a client charged with felony-level assault after a complaining witness sustained substantial bodily harm. Nicole filed a motion to dismiss for lack of probable cause, and
Paul Young
Paul Secures a Stay of Adjudication on Reduced Charge
Date: April 15, 2026 Case: Misdemeanor Domestic Assault Attorney: Paul L. Young Results: Paul represented a client facing a Misdemeanor Domestic Assault charge and a child protection investigation. Through skilled and calculated negotiations, Paul secured a stay of adjudication on a lesser charge of disorderly conduct. Meaning, if the client successfully completes the conditions of their
Autumn Stokes
Autumn Negotiates a Suspension of Prosecution for Underage Liquor Possession
Date: April 13, 2026 Case: Underage Liquor Possession Attorney: Autumn R. Stokes Results: Autumn was retained to represent a juvenile facing an Underage Liquor Possession charge. After the client completed recommended steps early in the case, Autumn successfully negotiated a continuance for dismissal for six months. Upon successful completion of the period, the charge will be dismissed.
Michael Brandt- Nicole Kettwick
- Paul Young
- Autumn Stokes
- Michael Brandt
- Nicole Kettwick
- Paul Young
- Autumn Stokes
- Peter Rakke
Michael Brandt
Minnesota Supreme Court rules that Google users have a privacy interest in Google’s location data about Google’s users.
The Minnesota Supreme Court, in a landmark case, handed down a decision ruling that under the Minnesota Constitution individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their location data collected by third parties such as Google. In the case of Contreras-Sanchez v. State of Minnesota, law enforcement utilized location data from Google to identify individuals involved in a murder case. They obtained this information through a geofence warrant, which is a warrant that allows law enforcement to obtain information from tech companies regarding their user’s location within certain geographic locations during a specific time-period. Through this process, law enforcement identified Contreras-Sanchez as a suspect and charged him with second degree murder. Prior to trial, Contreras-Sanchez moved to suppress the location data, arguing that geofence warrants were unconstitutional. Ultimately, the case landed before the Minnesota Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of geofence warrants. The Minnesota Supreme Court ultimately ruled that geofence warrants are constitutional and that under the Minnesota Constitution,
Nicole Kettwick
Felony Assault Charges Dismissed
Date: March 26, 2026 Case: Third Degree Assault Attorney: Nicole A. Kettwick Results: Nicole was retained to represent a client charged with felony-level assault after a complaining witness sustained substantial bodily harm. Nicole filed a motion to dismiss for lack of probable cause, and
Paul Young
Paul Secures a Stay of Adjudication on Reduced Charge
Date: April 15, 2026 Case: Misdemeanor Domestic Assault Attorney: Paul L. Young Results: Paul represented a client facing a Misdemeanor Domestic Assault charge and a child protection investigation. Through skilled and calculated negotiations, Paul secured a stay of adjudication on a lesser charge of disorderly conduct. Meaning, if the client successfully completes the conditions of their
Autumn Stokes
Autumn Negotiates a Suspension of Prosecution for Underage Liquor Possession
Date: April 13, 2026 Case: Underage Liquor Possession Attorney: Autumn R. Stokes Results: Autumn was retained to represent a juvenile facing an Underage Liquor Possession charge. After the client completed recommended steps early in the case, Autumn successfully negotiated a continuance for dismissal for six months. Upon successful completion of the period, the charge will be dismissed.
Peter Rakke
Peter Successfully Negotiates a 4th Degree DWI to a Careless Driving
Date: September 2025 Case: 4th Degree DWI Attorney: Peter M. Rakke Result: Peter’s client was facing charges of a Fourth Degree DWI in Hennepin County. Through his effective negotiations with the prosecution, Peter was able to get his client’s charges reduced to a Careless
Experienced Guidance for Complex Charges
We represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every case is evaluated individually, with attention to what’s at risk and what matters most to the client.
Assault
Assault charges in Minnesota cover conduct ranging from threats to serious bodily harm. Prosecutors also add aggravating factors such as the use of a firearm or an alleged domestic relationship. Our team scrutinizes every element: intent, identity, credibility of witnesses, self-defense, and constitutional search issues.
Drug Crimes
Drug cases raise important questions about search and seizure, law enforcement conduct, and legal alternatives to conviction. When appropriate, we’ll pursue diversion or stay-of-adjudication options to minimize penalties and keep your record clean.
DUI & DWI
Minnesota treats impaired driving seriously. Even before conviction, you could be subject to immediate license revocation and vehicle forfeiture. We handle both the criminal and administrative sides of these cases and work quickly to protect our clients’ ability to drive and maintain stability.
Sex Crimes
We are experienced in guiding clients through every step of this process, which is often emotionally charged. Our firm engages experienced investigators to analyze digital communications, DNA results, and timing. Throughout your case, we will safeguard your privacy, coordinate media strategy, and provide compassionate guidance.
White Collar Crimes
Fraud and financial allegations often involve complex records, legal interpretation and litigation. We work with forensic experts when needed and pursue resolutions that protect both our clients’ freedom and their reputations. Our proactive approach protects your rights and helps guide you through the difficult process.
Traffic Violations
Even minor traffic citations can raise your insurance premiums, jeopardize commercial driver’s licenses, and trigger license suspension. Quick intervention can help save you time, uncertainty, and unnecessary court appearances while keeping your driving records clean.
Why Choose Us?
We take the time to get to know our clients and their personal circumstances so we are fully prepared to help. We take the time to understand how charges may affect a person’s family, career, and future. That context shapes our legal approach and helps us pursue outcomes that align with the client’s priorities. When you work with us, you can expect the following:
Trial-Tested Lawyers
Our team includes former prosecutors and experienced defense attorneys who have collectively tried hundreds of cases. While not every case goes to trial, our preparation leads to better offers and results if our client does not want a trial..
A Full Defense Team
Clients benefit from a team-based approach, with support from 3 to 5 times the staff of most criminal defense firms. When someone hires Brandt Kettwick Defense, they aren’t hiring a single lawyer—they’re hiring a coordinated group of legal professionals.
Clear, Candid Communication
We explain the options, the likely outcomes, and the risks involved—without sugarcoating or overselling. Our clients are always informed and empowered to make their own decisions.
Professionalism with Compassion
We represent people with care and dignity. Many of our clients are professionals, parents, or public figures who need discretion, emotional support, and clear-headed legal strategy.
Serving Clients Across Minnesota
Make the First Move to Protect Your Future
If you’re facing criminal charges—or suspect you’re under investigation—the sooner you speak with an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of limiting potential consequences. At Brandt Kettwick Defense, we encourage you to reach out as early as possible. Early legal advice helps preserve evidence, avoid missteps, and build a stronger defense—before charges are filed or decisions are made that could affect your future.
Call us directly or submit a confidential contact form for a case evaluation. Our attorneys will listen to your concerns, explain your legal options in plain language, and offer a realistic view of potential outcomes. Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand yours. Don’t wait for the legal system to act. Take control of your situation now to get experienced representation on your side.
Arrested in a Minnesota Internet Sting Operation? What You Need to Know
Internet sting operations often generate attention because law enforcement announces multiple arrests at once. The
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer if I’ve Been Charged With Possession of Child Pornography?
Being charged with child pornography possession is one of the more serious accusations a person
A Closer Look at HF 3404 and Minnesota’s Approach to Police Impersonation
The House Ways & Means Committee just passed HF 3404 proposing an amendment to Minnesota
What Are the Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota?
Minnesota has five levels (degrees) of criminal sexual conduct (CSC). based on various factors. As