Meet Shauna Kieffer
Taking on the most challenging criminal cases—and winning
Tenacious. Innovative. Justice-driven. Shauna Kieffer has earned a reputation as a fierce litigator who treats each client with the utmost respect and fairness.
A criminal defense trailblazer
For more than 15 years, Shauna Kieffer has represented thousands of clients facing criminal charges with tenacity and integrity—all while creating meaningful change within the criminal justice system.
In part as a result of Shauna’s litigation, the Hennepin County Attorney must now disclose exculpatory Brady materials in their cases. She was also the first person in Minnesota to litigate and uncover secret warrants filed under seal in another county—warrants that weren't given to the State.
In short, Shauna is the warrior you want in your corner.
Rooted in the intricacies and nuances of the law, she brings both a rare talent for legal research and writing and out-of-the-box thinking to the pursuit of justice.
Unanimously voted into the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, a highly-selective society for criminal defense lawyers capped at only 50 attorneys in 2023
Litigated numerous jury trials and contested hearings, including five not-guilty verdicts in a row; successful in getting a murder charge dismissed in 2021 and three rape charges dismissed in 2022
Selected to speak to the recovery community alongside a City of Minneapolis prosecutor, a Hennepin County attorney, and a judge regarding 4th and 5th Amendment rights in 2023
Amicus Chair for the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2023; in this capacity, authored an amicus brief for Torgerson—a case involving expansion of a stop based on the smell of marijuana alone
Speaker at many continuing education events, including sessions on No Knock Warrants for the Minnesota State Bar Association in 2022, U.S. Supreme Court case law updates in 2022, and electronic surveillance to judges and lawyers for the Criminal Justice Institute in 2022
Minnesota Public Defender Trial School educator in 2022 and delivered statewide training in 2021
A Minnesota defense lawyer with the experience to realize your best outcome
First attorney in the State of Minnesota to discover a live-time tracking warrant filed in secret, under seal in a county where the case did not arise—and where the warrant was not provided to the prosecutor through litigation
Twice published in Bench and Bar magazine
Chosen as a liaison between the Department of Justice and public defenders regarding issuing a decree on Minneapolis Police in 2020
Delivered arguments at the district court level in State v. Leonard regarding hotel registry privacy, which prevailed before the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2019
Clerked for Hon. Judge Holahan from 2008-2010, and in that capacity wrote, researched, and drafted hundreds of judicial orders in Minnesota's largest trial court—the Fourth Judicial District of Hennepin County
Licensed in U.S. Federal Court in 2010
Licensed in Minnesota State Court in 2008
Graduate of University of St. Thomas School of Law, 2008
Dean's Academic Scholarship, University of St. Thomas School of Law, 2005-2008
Developing your winning legal argument
While the details of each case are unique, Shauna’s approach to developing the best criminal defense strategy possible involves:
Listening to the client (and their loved ones, as requested)
Obtaining all of the evidence in the case, including evidence the State of Minnesota may be trying to withhold
Litigating any issues involving probable cause, evidence suppression, witness impeachment, junk science, discovery not yet provided, illegal stops, illegal arrests, illegal warrants, informants without credibility, mental health issues, and more
Working with investigators and dispositional advisors (or social workers), where applicable
Working with the client to achieve the best possible resolution in their criminal case, whether that is a dismissal, plea deal, or jury trial
This information does not constitute an attorney-client relationship and is not meant as legal advice. Please set up a consultation with Shauna or another reputable lawyer if you want legal advice.
In the media
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![Cover of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers magazine]()
Torgerson Amicus Brief: Warrantless search of a motor vehicle based on the smell of cannabis
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![Star Tribune article that addresses Shauna Kieffer's advocacy for a man falsely accused of a shootout with Minneapolis police]()
Citing evidence issues, attorney for man injured in shootout with Minneapolis police asks that Hennepin County be removed from case
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![Cover of Minnesota Bench & Bar magazine]()
This Moment and This Breath: A public defender writes about loss, survival, and extreme sports
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![Cover of Minnesota Bench & Bar magazine]()
Colleague Corner: What are the biggest misconceptions other attorneys have about your practice area?
Request a consultation
Looking for sound legal advice and an experienced Minnesota criminal defense lawyer? Connect with Kieffer Law for a free consultation.
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