Christopher Wesley Keyser

PRO

Christopher Wesley Keyser

5.0
113 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Minneapolis, MN
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Expungement ... +2 more

Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Suite 310M, 400 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Christopher

Biography

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with proven record of not guilty verdicts and dismissed cases.

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with proven record of not guilty verdicts and dismissed cases.

DWI charges can happen to anyone. Don't let it ruin your life by hiring an inexperienced attorney.

The vast majority of my domestic violence clients get their case dismissed or are found not guilty.

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with proven record of not guilty verdicts and dismissed cases.

My thorough and creative approach to expungements is why I have a near-perfect record.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

I am an award-winning defense lawyer who consistently gets cases dismissed or charges reduced. I always strive to keep my clients out of jail and their records clean. I bring experience from the federal government and the U.S. Army JAG Corps.

17 years | 2,000 cases

35%
DUI and DWI 25%

Getting charged with a DWI doesn't have to ruin your life or career. Not all DWI cases are the same, and not all DWI lawyers are the same. I am an award-winning defense lawyer who consistently gets cases dismissed or charges reduced. I always strive to keep my clients out of jail and their records clean. I bring experience from the federal government and the U.S. Army JAG Corps.

17 years | 2,000 cases

25%
Expungement 20%

I have a 96% win rate with expungement cases since 2008. My approach to sealing my clients' records is unique and the primary reason for my success. With a 6-8 month average processing time, you cannot afford to mishandle your expungement.

17 years | 300 cases

20%
Domestic Violence 15%

I am an award-winning defense lawyer who consistently gets cases dismissed or charges reduced. I always strive to keep my clients out of jail and their records clean. I bring experience from the federal government and the U.S. Army JAG Corps.

17 years | 1,000 cases

15%
Federal Crime 5%

Fighting the government requires someone with prior federal government experience. I bring Homeland Security and Justice Department experience to your side. I am an award-winning defense lawyer who consistently gets cases dismissed or charges reduced.

17 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Minnesota for 17 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 2008

Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Keyser Law, P.A.

Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Suite 310M, 400 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55415

keyserdefense.com

Keyser Law, P.A.

118 Chestnut Street East, Stillwater, MN, 55082

keyserdefense.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Christopher online.

Christopher Wesley Keyser's Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 41 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by Jane | December 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

5 Star Attorney

It took some time getting the courage up to proceed with trying to get an expungement. Choosing an attorney was no small feat. When I interviewed Mr. Keyser, he was upfront about expectations and thorough on relaying the process should I go forward. I chose to retain him clearly knowing the risks an...d limitations of what I was trying to accomplish. He could not have done a better job of assisting me, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. If you are in need of an attorney, I highly recommend Mr. Keyser. He will go above and beyond in assisting you.

Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Tom D

Excellent. Professional. Chris kept me well informed and helped me through a stressful situation. Highly recommend.

Posted by anonymous | August 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney

LL

Chris Keyser was very professional, punctual, and did an outstanding job advocating for and representing me. I would highly recommend him!!

Posted by Rob | August 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Unusual Domestic Case w/ added Disorderly Conduct - Chris was a perfect fit

When I was charged with two counts of domestic assault and one disorderly contact, not immediately charged after being held in Hennepin County jail for several nights, my husband and I reconciled. It was a night we wanted to put behind us and admittedly, due to an emotional statement my partner gave ...the police, and under the influence, a statement I gave implicating myself, this was not a case that was easily winnable for me, but Chris remained optimistic from the start and while I was ready for worst case scenario, Chris achieved the remarkable. In addition, I was charged in a town with a prosecutor (all of whom Chris was immediately familiar with) known for being a bit of a "hard-line" type. When I first contacted Chris, it was because he was one of the few lawyers I could find with actual specific domestic assault charge experience and I do NOT regret it. Chris listened to my situation before charges were even filed (those came 30 days after my being held and released with no bail or conditions and my partner and I were back living together moving on with our lives - Chris was able to get them to hold off on a no-contact order which from everything I read is standard in these cases, and that was our first big win) and laid out in a 45 minute phone call all the possibilities ahead: he explained charges could never come, charges could come within the month, etc. He even went as far as to explain what those charges would likely be if they were to come and explained that when and if those charges did come, then it would be time to get an attorney. Other attorneys started bullying me into paying retainers just in case the charges came. When the charges did come, I considered a few lawyers but Chris clearly had the most experience when it came to domestic violence charges, whether you are in a situation where you had reconciled or far from it, Chris knows what steps to take to get the most favorable outcome and bottom line is, we did. We were able to drop the domestics, which were pretty damning based on the recorded statement from my partner, and get a stay of imposition simply on the disorderly. In this case, considering the prosecutor, circumstances, time frame, etc., this was a blessing. Chris not only knew the law and was there for my MANY questions and concerns, responding quickly and thoroughly, but knew the system: he was familiar with prosecutors, judges, and who was likely to go for what (e.g., I wanted to be taken off random UA's at one point and while we made our best argument, he knew based on our judge, she was less likely to go for this than if we had drawn another judge from the pool.) Chris's extensive knowledge of the law and the people you'll be dealing with in the area make him a prime candidate for any case, I can only presume, but most certainly a domestic charge REGARDLESS of how unique your situation. He comes with a 5-star rating from me and I'm a pretty harsh critic. Thanks so much for all your assistance, Chris!

Posted by Jeff | July 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Client

Chris Keyser did excellent job on my case it was fast and painless he got everything dropped I would use him over and over

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Wesley Keyser's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Trevor Jon Lushanko headshot
Trevor Lushanko

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is an excellent attorney. He is completely dedicated to serving his clients."

Evan R. Berman headshot
Evan Berman

Unknown lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kurt Byron James Glaser headshot
Kurt Glaser

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Chris is thoughtful, energetic and smart. He works hard for his clients and gets them great results."

Thomas Mark Beito headshot
Thomas Beito

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a smart guy and works hard to take care of his clients."

Robert August Lengeling headshot
Robert Lengeling

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a bright lawyer and a strong advocate for his clients. I endorse Chris and recommend him."

Elliott John Nickell headshot
Elliott Nickell

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a lawyer who zealously defends his clients, and is not afraid to go to trial. He tries cases, negotiates hard, and gets the best possible results for his clients."

Douglas Deane Rudolph headshot
Douglas Rudolph

Unknown lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael John Millios headshot
Michael Millios

Criminal defense lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is an exceptional defense lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients. Chris is a colleague who I frequently turn to for help. I highly recommend Chris to anyone who may be in trouble."

Amber Sue Johnson headshot
Amber Johnson

Unknown lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a passionate and aggressive advocate for his clients. Each and every case gets his individual attention. I would recommend Chris to anyone looking for a great criminal defense attorney."

Matthew Eugene Ludt headshot
Matthew Ludt

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse the work and service of Chris and his firm; He is a great attorney in our community and I am glad to be able to refer friends and clients. Thank you."

William W Housley headshot
William Housley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough litigator."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Alex De Marco headshot
Alex Marco

Unknown lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Keyser is selective, thoughtful, and knows just when to strike the right blow to the State's case. Clients aren't just cases to him, they're people."

Joseph Michael Woods headshot
Joseph Woods

Unknown lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian Ryan Peterson headshot
Christian Peterson

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I fully endorse Mr. Keyser. Mr. Keyser is a very skilled and knowledgeable attorney who has an excellent grasp on the law and works hard to serve his clients. I consult with him on many legal issues and trust his advice."

Landon J Ascheman headshot
Landon Ascheman

Unknown lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Keyser is a fantastic attorney. He is ready, willing, and fully capable of providing his clients with high quality & thorough representation."

Andrew Tiegs Poole headshot
Andrew Poole

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Mr. Keyser for any criminal matter. He has a strong presence and a clever mind. These characteristics, coupled with his firm grasp on criminal law, consistently result in effective representation and excellent outcomes."

Steven Murray Coodin headshot
Steven Coodin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is an excellent lawyer and fights hard for his clients. I have seen him get results and stand up to prosecutors when necessary. I would endorse this lawyer."

Irena Valerie Polshakova-Purves headshot
Irena Polshakova-Purves

Criminal defense lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse Chris for both criminal and immigration law. He is a skillful and relentless advocate on behalf of his clients, and he provides first-rate legal services. I would not hesitate to send my family or friends to Chris if they needed legal representation."

Obi E Chukwu headshot
Obi Chukwu

Criminal defense lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer. Christopher is a fantastic lawyer and his clients will attest to it. He is passionate, driven, very intelligent and selflessly committed to his clients. I fully recommend him and endorse his skills. He is a great asset to our bar."

View All Endorsements
Trevor Jon Lushanko headshot
Trevor Lushanko

Criminal defense lawyer

Derek Timothy Archambault headshot
Derek Archambault

Criminal defense lawyer

Sarah Marie Kimball headshot
Sarah Kimball

Criminal defense lawyer

Kurt Byron James Glaser headshot
Kurt Glaser

Criminal defense lawyer

Nelson Donovan headshot
Nelson Donovan

Estate planning lawyer

Robert August Lengeling headshot
Robert Lengeling

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Mark Beito headshot
Thomas Beito

Criminal defense lawyer

Elliott John Nickell headshot
Elliott Nickell

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas Deane Rudolph headshot
Douglas Rudolph

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael John Millios headshot
Michael Millios

Military law lawyer

Amber Sue Johnson headshot
Amber Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Eugene Ludt headshot
Matthew Ludt

Family lawyer

Justin Michael Schiks headshot
Justin Schiks

Criminal defense lawyer

Alex De Marco headshot
Alex Marco

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Michael Woods headshot
Joseph Woods

Military law lawyer

Murad M. Mohammad headshot
Murad Mohammad

Criminal defense lawyer

Christian Ryan Peterson headshot
Christian Peterson

Criminal defense lawyer

Landon J Ascheman headshot
Landon Ascheman

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Tiegs Poole headshot
Andrew Poole

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven Murray Coodin headshot
Steven Coodin

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Criminal Law Specialist Certification, Minnesota State Bar Association

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2010

Spirit of Service Award, Association of American Law Schools

2008

Public Service Award, William Mitchell College of Law

2007

Outstanding Service Award, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Judge Advocate, U.S. Army Reserve

2008 - Present

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Keyser Law, P.A.

2008 - 2008

Clerk, U.S. Department of Justice

2007 - 2008

Clerk, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement

2007 - 2008

Clerk, U.S. Department Of Homeland Security

Associations

2018 - Present

Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota

Member

2014 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

2012 - Present

Washington County Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2008 - Present

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Hennepin County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Fifth Degree Assault & Disorderly Conduct

Not Guilty

Felony Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Not Guilty

Obstruction of Legal Process & Disorderly Conduct

Not Guilty

Fifth Degree Assault & Disorderly Conduct

Not Guilty

Fourth Degree DWI

Not Guilty

Fifth Degree Assault & Disorderly Conduct

Not Guilty

Fifth Degree Assault, Criminal Damage to Property, & Disorderly Conduct

Not Guilty

Felony First Degree Assault

Case Dismissed

Felony Failure to Register as a Predatory Offender

Case Dismissed

Felony Second Degree Burglary

Case Dismissed

Felony Third Degree Assault

Case Dismissed

Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Not Guilty

Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

William Mitchell College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

University of Minnesota

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

2023 New Lawyer Experience

How To Handle Your First Criminal Case: 10 Things You Must Know

2022

2022 New Lawyer Experience

How To Handle Your First Criminal Case: 10 Things You Must Know

2014

Minnesota CLE Live Webcast Minnesota's New Expungement Law

2012

Life After Mitchell Legal Career Development

2012

Law Student Networking Mixer From Classes To Clients

2012

2012

English Undergraduate Career Panel English Undergraduate Career Panel

2012

2012 New Lawyer Experience Candid Advice for New Lawyers

Publications

2023

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Domestic Violence Chapter

2022

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Domestic Violence Chapter

2021

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Domestic Violence Chapter

2020

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Domestic Violence Chapter

2019

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Domestic Violence Chapter

2018

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Domestic Violence Chapter

2017

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Juvenile Delinquency Chapter

2016

Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook Juvenile Delinquency

2010

Minnesota Lawyer How To Get Paid

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution