Criminal Law

Domestic violence charges can carry some serious ramifications for defendants. Not only is there possible jail time, but a conviction could also impact: The ability to get a job The right to own firearms A custody case Some defendants feel the pressure to plead guilty because they want the case […]

The lawyers at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys understand how stressful it can be when your child is arrested and charged with a crime. Our Fargo criminal defense attorneys have experience representing college students and juveniles facing criminal charges, and you want to hire an experienced attorney who can help you […]

The decision to accept or reject a plea bargain belongs to you, the defendant, alone. You may be thinking about pleading guilty to the criminal charges you are facing, especially if you assume that a conviction is inevitable. However, you should never plead guilty to any charges – even minor […]

This is often a question that defendants will ask, thinking that DUI charges under North Dakota law are a routine matter, and they can save themselves some money. The question you must ask yourself is not whether you can handle your own case (after all, there is no legal requirement […]

The holiday season is a festive time during which many people attend office parties, family reunions, concerts, and other festivities with friends. Some individuals overindulge, make the decision to drive home, and end up being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol under North Dakota law.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, and […]

If a police officer searches your car at a traffic stop, then it is possible that the search was lawful!  However, it is also possible that the search was unlawful and in violation of your constitutional rights. Law enforcement officers conduct warrantless searches quite frequently during the course of their […]

It is always stressful to see flashing blue or red lights in your rearview mirror, even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. However, being the driver in a car stopped by police for a traffic violation is the most common reason most Americans come into contact with the police […]

Shoplifting happens pretty much anyplace that has retail shops, which is pretty much everywhere you find people living. From the corner convenience store or gas station to the Neiman-Marcus store in the highest of high-end shopping districts, shoplifting happens. Some places list shoplifting as a specific crime in their statutes […]

The right to reasonable bail when you are facing criminal charges is enshrined in the United States Constitution and in North Dakota’s state constitution. The requirement for reasonable bail is found in the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits “excessive bail,” as does Section 11 of the state […]