Keil Defense

I've been saying this for a while: AI is coming to the courtroom whether the bar is ready or not. California courts are already piloting it for case summaries, legal research, and ruling assistance.

And it's not just the bench. The tools exist right now to transcribe hearings in real time, surface case law on the fly at counsel table, summarize thousands of pages of discovery in minutes, and put meaningful legal help in the hands of people who could never afford a lawyer. That's not science fiction. That's this year.

The old way of practicing law is dying. The attorneys (and judges) who refuse to understand the new way are going to die with it.

Love it or hate it, AI is here. MRPC 1.1, Comment 8 — mirroring the ABA Model Rules — requires lawyers to keep abreast of "the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology." ABA Formal Opinion 512 (July 2024) made it explicit: generative AI IS relevant technology. Keeping up is not optional.

I'd argue refusing to become fluent in AI is no longer just a competitive disadvantage. It's edging into malpractice territory.

That's exactly why I'm presenting a CLE this August in Hennepin and Ramsey counties — The First Pitch Hasn't Been Thrown: A Lawyer's Field Guide to AI. We'll cover what's already in the courtroom, what's coming next, the ethics rules you need to know, and the practical workflows changing how cases get built. Details coming soon.

Can AI Be Trusted Inside the Courtroom? A new CalMatters report says courts in Los Angeles and Riverside County are testing artificial intelligence tools to help summarize cases, draft legal research, and potentially assist in rulings. Supporters say the technology could help reduce major court backlogs, while critics warn it may introduc...

Successful result after a contested restitution hearing.

The State was seeking restitution from my client, but after challenging the request, the Court reduced the amount by approximately $3,000.

Restitution can have a real financial impact on a person’s life, and these hearings matter. Even after the criminal case itself appears resolved, it is important to carefully review what is being requested, whether the amount is supported, and whether the law allows it.

I also have to give credit to my Second Chair — AI — which took my ideas, helped execute the strategy, and assisted in identifying holes, inconsistencies, and weaknesses in the restitution request.

Technology does not replace advocacy, preparation, or courtroom judgment. But when used correctly, it can help sharpen the defense and make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Proud to have helped protect my client from an unsupported financial obligation.

Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

🚨 URGENT MN CONSUMER ALERT: NEW TARGETED BAIL SCAM 🚨

​A devastating and highly sophisticated version of the "bail scam" is currently targeting families across Minnesota. Unlike the typical random "relative-in-distress" call, this scheme is targeted and leverages real events.

​How it works:

​Scammers utilize publicly available arrest data (like public jail rosters) to identify families. They already know a real loved one has been arrested.

​The caller poses as a legitimate figure—a court clerk, a public defender, or a specific representative from a known bail bonds company.

​They contact the family with precise, real-life details of the arrest to create false legitimacy and belief.

​They immediately demand payment (often via specific methods like the stack of gift cards shown in the graphic) to secure the loved one's release, using extreme urgency and high pressure.

​RED FLAGS — Never trust a call that demands:

​Immediate Pressure: Money is needed right now to "secure release" or to "prevent more charges."

​Requests for Specific, Untraceable Payment: They ask you to pay via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or to meet in a non-official location with cash. NO legitimate court, jail, or official agency will ever ask for payment this way.

​Isolation and Secrecy: They will explicitly tell you not to speak with other family members or contact the jail/police directly to "keep things moving" or to "avoid extra trouble." This is a tactic to isolate you.

​PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY:

👉 HANG UP.

👉 FIND OFFICIAL CONTACT INFO YOURSELF. Do not use any numbers provided by the caller. Use a number from an official government website (.gov) to find the jail or court.

👉 CALL THE JAIL OR COURT DIRECTLY using the official number to verify any arrest, bail status, and the identity of any individual claiming to represent them.

👉 VERIFY THE INDIVIDUAL. If they claim to be a public defender or specific official, call their known office number (found via an official search) to confirm their identity.

​Share this post to save a loved one from being a victim of this cruel and targeted scheme. Awareness of this specific tactic is critical for defense.

🚨 Breaking News Update: The Minnesota Supreme Court has issued their ruling in the landmark case regarding the constitutionality of "geofence warrants." Here are the key takeaways: 📍

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that geofence warrants are NOT unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment.
The warrants can continue to be used by law enforcement in Minnesota for digital investigations.
However, the court placed NEW LIMITATIONS on their use — requiring "particularity" linking the targeted location data directly to probable cause the crime occurred there.
What does this mean going forward?

Police can still employ geofence tools in MN but now need to show more direct links between a phone's location and a specific crime before a judge will sign off.
The "good faith exception" also means some evidence gathered unconstitutionally might still be allowed at trial if the police thought they were following legal precedent at the time.
What are your thoughts on this ruling? Do you feel it strikes the right privacy balance — or do you have lingering concerns about digital surveillance in our state? Weigh in with your perspective below! 🗣️