Criminal Law

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 […]

Following an initial sentence, probation is an interim period that allows offenders to stay out of incarceration under court-ordered conditions and restrictions. It is an opportunity that might be available in cases involving less severe criminal charges, first-time offenders, and other mitigating circumstances. Probation sometimes require a mandated rehab or […]

Domestic violence is a serious criminal allegation that can impact your life in many ways. Even if you’re only convicted of a misdemeanor offense, it can still carry life-altering ramifications that derail the entire course of your future. These ramifications include where you live, where you can travel, career opportunities, […]

Your child has been charged with a felony. We know this is a scary, uncertain time. There are many emotions flying around, and it may be unclear what you should do. Even as a juvenile, this event will affect the rest of their life. If your child was recently charged […]

Sex offender registry began in North Dakota in 1991, and legislators have routinely updated the related statutes since then. Generally speaking, if you are convicted of or plead guilty to certain sex-related crimes, the law will require you to register as a sex offender with the state. You will need […]

Getting arrested for drunk driving is a stressful experience. Especially if you had been drinking prior to your arrest, it can feel like there is no way you can fight the charges against you. After all, how can you argue with the results of a breathalyzer or a police report […]

Criminal charges in North Dakota are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors, but are all felony allegations serious matters? Is it important to have a criminal defense attorney, even if your felony charges seem relatively minor? The answer to both of these […]

Many people assume that the time to call a criminal defense attorney is after a prosecutor issues criminal charges against you. However, many people can benefit greatly from calling the right attorney before they have been formally charged. The following are some examples of when this might be the case.  […]

A first offense of simple possession of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor charge in North Dakota. If convicted, you will likely face fines and probation. While jail time is possible, first-time offenders are often able to avoid extended time behind bars with the help of an experienced criminal defense […]

Fraud crimes are offenses that involve using false information or other deception to wrongfully obtain money or property that belongs to someone else. Under North Dakota law, fraud is charged under the umbrella of theft, though the authorities often take fraud crimes more seriously than shoplifting or other physical acts […]

Some people who get arrested and accused of crimes are sent home with a court summons, which is called being released on your own recognizance. Others will have to wait in jail while their case is pending. Some people might only be released if they post bond – also commonly […]

Criminal cases can be resolved in different ways, such as having the charges dropped pretrial, an acquittal or conviction at trial, or a guilty plea. Many defendants assume that if they committed the offense, their only option is to plead guilty right out of the gate. This is not the […]

If you are arrested and charged with a crime, it is normal not to know what to expect to happen. Even if you have had experience with the criminal justice system in the past, each case is unique, and two different cases can take two different paths. The best way […]

Getting arrested can be a frightening experience for anyone. Not only can you be taken into custody and handcuffed on the spot, but you might be uncertain about what the future holds. Most concerningly, you might not know what to say or do to best protect your rights in a […]

Your driver’s license might be suspended in North Dakota for a variety of reasons. If this happens, losing your driving privileges can be highly inconvenient or even costly, as you might have trouble getting to work and other obligations. Some people decide to drive anyway, assuming that they will not […]

At a news conference Wednesday, March 4, Fargo attorneys Tim O’Keeffe, Tatum O’Brien, and Waite Parke, MN attorney Mike Bryant released an 80-page document detailing church assignment history for 53 clergy who have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, along with other diocese staff assignment information.  The attorneys […]

In every case in the United States criminal justice system, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Just because you are arrested does not mean you will be convicted of a crime. There are two different ways you can be convicted – a jury or judge finds you guilty at […]

If you didn’t know, the 24/7 Sobriety Program is a statewide program that provides an alternative to jail time for those charged with or convicted of drunk driving or other alcohol related offenses. It was based on a similar program that was developed in South Dakota and was fully implemented […]

With new laws regarding marijuana usage discussed frequently in the news, it can feel unclear what the laws are regarding the possession and usage of marijuana in North Dakota and Minnesota. With medicinal legalization in Minnesota, knowing these differences is more important than ever. North Dakota Possession of marijuana in […]

Being charged with a misdemeanor can be overwhelming and nerve-racking. You could be looking at the loss of a job, a new (or addition to your) criminal record, jail time, and/or a fine. Just because a misdemeanor doesn’t have the same level of consequences as a felony doesn’t mean you […]

If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs in Fargo, you are likely worried about fines, possible jail time, and the other ways a possible conviction can affect your life. One major way a DUI case can make things difficult is the suspension of […]