Sean Paul Kehren

Sean Paul Kehren brings a straightforward, personal approach to criminal defense. He is himself with his clients and makes sure they know one thing from the beginning: Sean is on their side. 

For Sean, those principles aren’t abstract. He understands firsthand what it feels like to be arrested, face a potentially life-changing criminal charge, and depend on a defense attorney for help. 

At 19, Sean was arrested for growing cannabis and faced the possibility of a felony conviction. A stay of adjudication allowed him to move forward without a felony on his record. The experience became a turning point in his life and ultimately helped set him on the path to becoming a criminal defense attorney himself. 

Sean’s perspective on the justice system was also shaped long before his own case. His mother spent much of her career working in corrections, while other people close to him experienced incarceration. From an early age, Sean saw the justice system from multiple sides and understood the profound effect a criminal case can have not only on the person accused, but also on their family and future. 

Today, those experiences shape the way Sean represents his own clients. He knows that people facing criminal charges are often encountering an unfamiliar and intimidating system at one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Clients will not get judgment from Sean, nor will they get an attorney who talks down to them. They get an advocate who takes the time to know them, speaks to them directly, and believes that an accusation or past mistake should not strip someone of their right to be treated with dignity. 

A Criminal Defense Attorney Focused on the Tough Cases 

Sean represents clients at virtually every stage of the criminal justice process, from pre-charge investigations and criminal trials through appeals and post-conviction matters. He is particularly interested in defending serious felony cases, including assault, criminal sexual conduct, and other cases where the potential consequences can dramatically alter a person’s life. 

For Sean, the seriousness of an accusation makes the right to a strong defense more important, not less. He approaches difficult cases with the belief that the government must be held to its burden and that an allegation alone should never determine a person’s future. 

Sean also has significant experience helping people address the consequences that can continue long after a criminal case ends. His practice includes Minnesota gun rights restoration, pardons, expungements, and other post-conviction matters. He understands that a conviction can affect employment, housing, firearm rights, and many other parts of a person’s life, making these matters an important extension of his criminal defense work. 

An Accessible, Straightforward Approach to Clients 

Sean doesn’t believe clients should need a legal education to understand what is happening in their own case. He prioritizes straightforward communication, clear expectations, and accessibility throughout the attorney-client relationship. 

That means explaining the process in understandable terms, going through an issue as many times as necessary, and being available when clients need him. Sean takes the time to get to know the people he represents and the circumstances surrounding their cases. His goal is not to maintain distance for the sake of formality, but to build the kind of attorney-client relationship that allows people to speak openly and know that their lawyer is firmly on their side. 

Authenticity is one of the values Sean emphasizes most in his practice. He doesn’t try to fit the mold of what people may picture when they think of a criminal defense lawyer. Instead, he focuses on being himself, connecting with clients as people, and giving them candid advice while fighting for their interests. 

Litigation and Trial Experience 

Sean’s personal approach to criminal defense is backed by extensive litigation training and experience. 

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Gustavus Adolphus College before attending Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude and ranked seventh in his class. During law school, Sean received three CALI Awards for earning the highest grade in his classes, including Advanced Advocacy Civil and Legislative Process. In 2023, he was named Best Overall Advocate at the National Trial Competition’s Division 12 tournament. 

Before joining Sieben Edmunds Miller, Sean practiced at a St. Paul law firm, where his work included both criminal and civil litigation. He managed complex caseloads, took and defended depositions, represented clients in contested hearings, and tried cases. That broad litigation experience now informs his approach to criminal defense and his willingness to take on complicated, high-stakes matters. 

Professional and Community Involvement 

Sean serves on the Minnesota State Bar Association Criminal Law Section Council and has held leadership roles within the section. He has also been active in civic and community engagement outside his legal practice. 

Outside the Office 

Sean lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Miranda, their dog, Lulu, and their cat, Clarence Darrow. Outside the office, he enjoys exercising, gardening, staying involved in civic issues, and spending time with his family and pets.