VICTORIES

State v. Kenny Jackson

In March 2023, after a contested sentencing hearing in Hennepin County, Kassius Benson obtained a sentencing departure to probation for Mr. Jackson who was facing a 5 year mandatory sentence for illegal possession of a firearm.

State v. Thomas Johnson

In November 2022, Kassius Benson obtained a Stay of Imposition / Probationary Sentence for client originally facing a 1st Degree Controlled Substance Charge in St. Louis County – Hibbing, Minnesota Courthouse.

State v. Judana Williams

In October 2021 – Kassius Benson obtained Not Guilty jury verdicts on charges of Intentional Second Degree Murder and Unintentional Felony Murder. After a 2-week trial, the jury deliberated and agreed that our client acted in justifiable self-defense. The case was venued in Rice County (Faribault), Minnesota.

USA v. Matthew Hines

In August 2020 – Kassius Benson led a successful sentencing campaign ending in a less than guideline sentence for his client facing nearly 30 years in federal prison on a federal charge of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The sentence was a downward variance from the guideline sentence. The case was venued in the United States District Court for Minnesota.

State v. Michael Zelesnikar

On June 29, 2020, Kassius Benson Law obtained a probationary disposition for our client charged with First Degree Possession and Sale of a Controlled Substance. The charges were brought in St. Louis County, Minnesota – Virginia Courthouse.

State v. Jeremy Marshall

On February 21, 2020, Kassius Benson Law obtained the dismissal of Felony Assault charges against our client. The charges were brought in St. Louis County (Virginia), Minnesota.

State v. A.I.

On January 16, 2020, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained a Dismissal of a charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 3rd Degree in Ramsey County (St. Paul), Minnesota. Our client had engaged in consensual sex with the Complaining witness who fabricated a claim of sexual assault. After extensive pretrial motion work including seeking confidential records to benefit our potential cross-examination, the prosecution gave in and dismissed the entire case in the interests of justice.

State v. Mark Peterson

On December 30, 2019, Attorney Kassius Benson obtain a probationary disposition for client charged with First Degree Possession of Methamphetamine. Client had been facing a several years in prison.

State v. Kenny Jackson (II)

On September 16, 2019, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained another dismissal of a First Degree Controlled Substance Crime Charge for Mr. Jackson. The case was in Hennepin County. The dismissal came within days of the start of the jury trial and an interruption of the trial to litigate Mr. Benson’s challenge to the State’s main witness – a Minneapolis police officer. As a result of the pressure created by Mr. Benson, the State dismissed the case.

State v. Kenny Jackson

Kassius Benson Law, P.A. obtains suppression of statements obtained in violation of client’s Miranda rights in a First Degree Controlled Substance charge in Hennepin County.

State v. Kenny Jackson (I)

On July 5, 2018, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained the suppression of all evidence and dismissal of charges in a First Degree Controlled Substance Charge against our client. The Hennepin County Court agreed with Mr. Benson’s argument that an informant’s tip was insufficient to create probable cause to arrest a person where the police failed to establish the credibility of the informant. The suppression of the evidence results in a dismissal of all charges against our client.

Prusak vs. Ford Truck

On May 8, 2019, Attorney Kassius Benson engineered the return of Client’s Ford Pickup Truck that had been seized as part of a Minnesota State Civil Asset Forfeiture Action in Pine County District Court, Pine County, Minnesota. Mr. Benson used the Excessive Fines Clause of the United States Constitution to obtain release of the vehicle.

State v. Mathew Carter

In April 2019, the Firm obtained a probationary disposition for client on a charge of 1st Degree Possession of Controlled Substance in Ramsey County (St. Paul), Minnesota.

State v. Christopher Hammer

In February 2019, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained a dismissal of a felony firearm possession charge in St. Louis County – Virginia, MN. The dismissal made way for a successful defense of client’s probation violation. Client remains out of prison.

State v. Joel Paulson

On October 8, 2018, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained a probation disposition for our client “J.A.P.” who was facing a charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree. The probation resolution came just prior to the start of a two-week trial in Ramsey County (St. Paul), Minnesota. The probationary disposition followed 9 months of contested litigation. Client had been facing 48 months (4 years) in prison.

State v. Aaron Humphreys:

On July 26, 2018, Kassius Benson obtained a Not Guilty jury verdict on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree. After a 2-week trial, the jury deliberated for a little over 10 hours before acquitting our client of murder. The case was venued in St. Louis County (Duluth), Minnesota.

State v. Dunnorm:

Kassius Benson obtained dismissal of felony drug case involving 500 pounds of marijuana. Client arrested and charged with First Degree Controlled Substance -Possession with Intent to Sell over 500 Pounds of Marijuana in Otter Tail County (Fergus Falls), Minnesota. After an evidentiary hearing on Kassius Benson’s motion to suppress evidence, the Court agreed with Mr. Benson that the police officer overreached and illegally extended a traffic stop in order to illegally search the vehicle in which our client was a passenger. The Court suppressed the evidence and the case was dismissed.

State v. Hart:

Attorneys at Kassius Benson Law, P.A. obtained Dismissal of a First Degree Possession of Methamphetamine charge in Chisago County, Minnesota. The case involved over a pound of Methamphetamine. The Court suppressed the evidence after finding the search of Client’s vehicle was illegal.

State v. John Duffy:

Kassius Benson obtained a dismissal of a charge of First Degree Possession of Methamphetamine in Mille Lacs County District Court following suppression of all evidence. After fighting the case for 16 months, through 2 days of hearings and intensive briefing, the Court agreed with Mr. Benson that members of the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Department conducted an illegal warrantless search of client’s garage, home and property absent lawful consent. Regarding the victory, Senior Counsel Kassius Benson stated, “We were able to demonstrate that law enforcement intended to search J.D.’s house whether or not they had consent. The officers here bullied, pressured and coerced J.D.’s girlfriend to allow access to, and open doors on, the property. The Court made the right call, and suppression of evidence was required. Hopefully, this ruling will have some effect on the future behavior of these officers.” Because of the suppression of the evidence and dismissal of the case, J.D. avoided a prison sentence of over 12 years. Congratulations to Kassius and our client! Great work.

State v. Huttner:

Kassius Benson obtained dismissal of a felony weapons charge in Scott County, MN. Client was facing a mandatory 5 year prison commit if convicted. This result was particularly satisfying as the prosecutor’s dismissal of all counts came on the day of trial after 2 and a half years of pretrial motions, hearings, and litigation.

State v. Gilmer:

Client arrested and charged with Second Degree Attempted Murder, First Degree Assault against a Police Officer, and Second Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. After a contested motions hearing, the murder charge was dismissed. Mr. Benson convinced a jury to find his client Not Guilty of remaining assault charges.

State v. Thompson:

Client received a probation disposition on felony drug and firearm possession charge as well as a Burglary in the 1st Degree Charge in Hennepin County. Although facing a 3 year prison sentence , the Court stayed imposition of the sentence and sentence Mr. Thompson to probation.

State v. Young:

Client arrested and charged with two separate multiple count complaints of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First, Second, and Third Degrees. After 3 jury trials resulting in several Not Guilty verdicts and a successful appeal, all remaining charges were dismissed.

State v. Martinez:

Kassius Benson obtained a probation sentence for Client charged with First Degree Sale of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Possession of Firearm in St. Louis County, Minnesota – Virginia Courthouse.

State v. Perkovich:

Kassius Benson obtains rare dispositional departure to probation on a 1st Degree Methamphetamine Distribution Charge in St. Louis County – Duluth Courthouse. The probation result was particularly impressive because the allegations involved over 350 grams of Methamphetamine. Kassius Benson and the Firm fought for over a year in order to obtain this result.

U.S.A. vs. J.D.

Kassius Benson obtains dismissal of all charges for client charged with drug conspiracy in the United States District Court for District of North Dakota.

State v. Jones:

Client was wrongfully charged with felony Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft. After a contested hearing, Mr. Benson convinced the court to dismiss all charges against client.

State v. Abdulai

Client was facing a long prison sentence for his second felony DWI charge. Senior Counsel Kassius Benson convinced the Court to hand down a sentence of probation instead. This probation sentence was an exceptional one given the circumstances.

State v. Ward:

January 2018: Kassius Benson obtained dismissal of charge of First Degree Possession of Controlled Substance (Heroin) (Over 50 grams) in Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Client avoided a prison sentence of over 12 years.

State v. Newman-Traxler:

December 2017: Kassius Benson obtained a Probation Sentence for Client on a charge of First Degree Controlled Substance in Renville County, Minnesota. The allegations involved possession with intent to sell over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Client had a lengthy prior record. However, he followed the plan for rehabilitation and treatment developed by Mr. Benson which allowed Mr. Benson to convince the prosecution and Court to grant probation.

State v. Loyd:

Client charged with First Degree Possession and First Degree Sale of a Controlled Substance. At a pretrial hearing, Mr. Benson argued that Mr. Loyd’s constitutional rights were violated due to the illegal search and seizure of Mr. Lloyd. The court suppressed the evidence and dismissed the case.

State v. Washington:

Client found Not Guilty after Jury Trial in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Client was charged with felony Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree. After a one-week jury trial, Mr. Benson convinced the jury that his client was innocent and that the Complaining Witness had engaged in consensual sex.

State v. Campo:

Client arrested and charged with First Degree Controlled Substance (Cocaine). After a contested hearing, Mr. Benson convinced court to dismiss all charges due to failure of the prosecutor to disclose confidential informant.

In Re Q.A.:

Client charged in Hennepin County Juvenile Court with sex-related computer crime. Mr. Benson negotiated a Stay of Adjudication for the felony – level offense. This disposition is rare in Minnesota, and obtained through creative and aggressive pre-charging efforts by Mr. Benson.

State v. Stewart:

Client charged with multiple counts of Controlled Substance Crime in the First and Second Degree. Charges dismissed after a motions hearing in which Mr. Benson argued that the police violated the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

J.D. vs. $82,923.00 in U.S. Currency & 2 Gold Bars, Watches and Jewelry

Consistent with a decision suppressing evidence and dismissing the related criminal case in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, Kassius Benson was successful in obtaining the return of Client’s property valued well over $100,000 in a forfeiture action.

State v. Debrobander:

Client charged with Controlled Substance Crime in the Fifth Degree. The case was dismissed after a pretrial hearing where Mr. Benson convinced court that Clients constitutional rights were violated due to an unlawful Terry-stop by police.

State v. Pegues:

Not Guilty Verdict after jury trial where Client was charged in Sherburne County (Elk River), Minnesota with Felony Malicious Punishment of a Child. Client maintained his innocence from the outset of the case. Kassius Benson presented an aggressive criminal defense of the charges. After a tense, emotional, and dramatic jury trial, the jury found Client Not Guilty.

State v. Alley:

Client charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine and Oxycontin). After several motions, hearings and trial dates, all charges were dismissed.

United States v. Pacheco

April 2018 – Client sentenced in federal drug distribution conspiracy to a 90-month sentence. The sentence was a downward departure from a possible sentence of over 20 years. The case was venued in the United States District Court for Minnesota.

State v. Kinsella:

Client charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated in the First Degree. When he received this charge, Client was on probation for a Felony DWI case. Through creative representation and use of his relationships with chemical dependency and mental health experts, Mr. Benson was able to develop a defense strategy and treatment plan that ultimately convinced the Court to sentence Client to probation once again. Client avoided a substantial prison sentence and is succeeding while on probation.

State v. Warwas:

Client charged with First Degree Controlled Substance Crime, Second Degree Controlled Substance Crime and Fleeing a Police Officer in Motor Vehicle in Itasca County, Minnesota. Despite prior drug convictions and a potential prison sentence of over 10 years, Kassius Benson obtained a sentence of PROBATION for Mr. Warwas.

In the Matter of L.W.:

Client was a juvenile arrested and charged with Aggravated Robbery and facing Certification for the purpose of being tried as an adult. Mr. Benson mounted a successful defense of the certification effort and L.W. remained in juvenile court. Client has successfully completed juvenile programming and avoided adult consequences.

United States vs. Naovalath:

Client indicted in federal court as part of a conspiracy to distribute ecstasy. After an aggressive and determined defense of the charges, the prosecution agreed to dismiss conspiracy charge opening the door to a sentence of probation on a lesser charge.

State v. Jones

Client charge with being a felon in possession of a firearm and facing mandatory prison time. Forensic tests indicated that client’s DNA on the weapon at issue. Mr. Benson convinced the jury of the truth that Mr. Jones friend had tossed the gun into his lap and Mr. Jones was not responsible for his temporary possession of the firearm. The jury found Mr. Jones Not Guilty in less than 2 hours.

State v. Preston

Client was a young woman charged with being the getaway driver in an armed robbery of a jewelry store. The persons who committed the robbery were client’s half-brothers. Mr. Benson filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint for lack of probable cause. Shortly before the date of the court’s ruling, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Post-Conviction, State v. Lemire

Client retained Mr. Benson to seek the extraordinary post-conviction relief of early termination of his lifetime parole for first degree murder. Mr. Benson petitioned the Minnesota Department of Corrections for this relief. The petition was granted for only the 2nd time ever in Minnesota.

State v. Thompson

Client charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana. Kassius Benson obtained a dismissal and managed to get Mr. Thompson’s vehicle returned in a concurrent forfeiture matter.

State v. Ciaciura

Client was charged with Domestic Assault and Disorderly Conduct. He was also facing a parole revocation if he were convicted. Kassius Benson did an amazing cross-examination and closing argument at the jury trial. The jury took only 30 minutes to find Mr. Ciaciura “Not Guilty”.

USA V. Schumacher

Kassius Benson successfully obtained a non-prison probationary sentence for a client in the federal U.S. District Court for Minnesota on a Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana case. Our client put in a lot of work with 12-step programming and rehab to allow Mr. Benson to make a great argument on his behalf.

State v. Duffers

Client charged with Assault in the First Degree in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Kassius Benson convinced the jury that his innocent client did not commit the crime. The jury returned with a not guilty verdict in only 2 hours.

State v. Lubbers

Client charged in St. Louis County, Minnesota with Second Degree Sale of a Controlled Substance and facing a significant mandatory prison sentence if convicted. Kassius Benson obtained a dismissal of the charge on the eve of trial.

State v. Thompson

Client charged with mandatory prison charge of Assault with Deadly Weapon (Gun). Attorney Kassius Benson obtained a Not Guilty verdict after a jury trial.

State v. Ciaciura

2016 – Kassius Benson obtains dismissal of domestic assault charges against client.

State v. Moore

On September 3, 2015, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained a dismissal of Criminal Sexual Conduct charges in Blue Earth County, Minnesota on behalf of our Firm’s client. The dismissal was based in large part on pretrial motions and the Firm’s investigation.

State v. Huttner

On September 25, 2015, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained a Not Guilty Jury Verdict in Hennepin County, Minnesota for Client charged with a felony for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. In this case, client’s fingerprints and DNA were found on the firearm. Mr. Benson still persuaded the jury of client’s innocence. Our client was facing a mandatory 5-15 year prison sentence had he been convicted.

State v. Chukwu

January 21, 2016, Attorney Kassius Benson obtained a Diversion Disposition for his client charged with a controlled substance crime. Client needed Diversion to pursue his graduate school curriculum without the impact of a drug conviction.