Criminal Law | O'Keeffe O'Brien Lyson Attorneys - Part 3

Criminal Law

December 31, 2019

If You’re a Professional, a DUI is an Extremely Serious Matter

Many people know someone who has had a conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, so such a conviction might not seem like a big deal. However, DUI charges are always serious matters, and they are particularly serious if you are on a professional career path. In addition […]
December 20, 2019

Beware of Drunk Drivers Over the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s difficult to imagine a more magical time of year. While you no doubt have plenty of plans, including shopping, attending holiday parties, and visiting loved ones, it is important to recognize that drunk drivers are even more prevalent – and dangerous (due […]
December 5, 2019

What Happens if I Ignore a Cease & Desist Letter? ✉️ ?

A cease and desist letter, also known as a demand letter, is a written communication that demands that the recipient cease and desist from actions that interfere with the sender’s legal rights or ownership. Cease and desist letters are not typically legally binding, but often threaten litigation if the alleged […]
November 26, 2019

What do Medical Malpractice Caps Mean for Victims?

Medical malpractice suits are extremely complex. Oftentimes, even if a victim ‘wins’ their case, they run into medical malpractice caps that limit their compensation. Read on to learn all about medical malpractice caps, and what this means for the victims of medical negligence. What are Medical Malpractice Caps? Medical malpractice […]
November 22, 2019

The Dangers of Early Morning Driving After a Night of Drinking ☀️?

You did the right thing last night after a heavy night of drinking. You didn’t drive home drunk. Great! But if you’re headed out early in the morning, there’s a good chance the alcohol in your system hasn’t worn off yet. And if you get pulled over, you may be […]
November 15, 2019

What is Discovery?

In most cases, a process called discovery usually takes place.  Discovery is an information-gathering step of litigation, which involves the parties sharing relevant information about the case.  There are several different ways to gather that information and discovery often refers to written discovery and depositions.  Discovery takes place so the […]
November 12, 2019

The Court Entered a Judgment You Disagree With – What Now?

After a judgment, or other final order, is entered by a district court, a party may file an appeal to seek reversal of that decision.  Whether in a general civil matter, a collections case, personal injury, or family law, you may have options to appeal a civil judgment in North […]
November 8, 2019

North Dakota Supreme Court Reinstates Driving Privileges due to Invalid Implied Consent Advisory

The North Dakota Supreme Court recently affirmed a district court decision reinstating an individual’s driving privileges after an officer failed to inform a driver that refusing to take a chemical test could be treated as a crime.  This decision is a continuation of the Court’s ongoing clarification of the requirements […]
October 31, 2019

The Right to Remain Silent: What Are Your Rights, Really? ?

Between recent Supreme Court decisions and landmark cases that have been standing for decades, it is important to know your rights while being questioned by police. Here are some decisions that are currently in place regarding your right to remain silent. Miranda Rights The Miranda warning is a verbal statement […]
October 24, 2019

Can the Police Search Your Vehicle at a Traffic Stop?

Let’s say you are driving home from a party one night when suddenly you see the infamous red or blue lights flashing behind you. A quick glance at your speedometer reveals you are going ten mph over the speed limit. During the traffic stop, the officer asks if he may […]
October 7, 2019

How a Felony Conviction Can Affect Your Career

Everyone knows that a criminal conviction – and particularly a felony conviction – can result in substantial legal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and the loss of certain rights. If you’re facing felony charges, it’s important to understand that the consequences of a felony conviction on your record can go far […]
October 1, 2019

Am I Required to Give the Police My Name if They Ask for It?

Many people wonder if they are required to identify themselves to the police if asked, and the answer . . . is complicated. The Supreme Court has found that a state’s statutes can require a subject who is being questioned to provide his or her name in the course of […]
September 20, 2019

Feeling Unsafe? It Might be Time to File a Restraining Order.

If you or someone you know is in a relationship or situation where they feel they would benefit from a restraining order, it is important to understand what they are and how they work. This can be a stressful and nerve-wracking experience for many, but in the end, a restraining […]
September 9, 2019

How a Felony Conviction Can Affect Your Career

Everyone knows that a criminal conviction – and particularly a felony conviction – can result in substantial legal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and the loss of certain rights. If you’re facing felony charges, it’s important to understand that the consequences of a felony conviction on your record can go far […]
September 3, 2019

Changes in Civil Asset Forfeiture

Upcoming Changes to North Dakota’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Law Civil asset forfeiture has been a popular topic across the country, with many seeking to reform laws. The basic premise of civil asset forfeiture is that if money or property is used in the commission of a crime or constitutes the […]
August 16, 2019

Most Common Drug Paraphernalia That Result in Felony Charges

Every state deals with drugs and drug paraphernalia possession differently. To a certain extent in North Dakota, the possession of drug paraphernalia can have the same incarceration penalty as if you were caught possessing the actual drug itself. What Is Paraphernalia? Paraphernalia is anything used for the manufacturing, growing, weighing, […]
July 22, 2019

Upcoming Changes to North Dakota’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Law

Civil asset forfeiture has been a popular topic across the country, with many seeking to reform laws.  The basic premise of civil asset forfeiture is that if money or property is used in the commission of a crime or constitutes the proceeds of criminal activity, law enforcement may seize the […]
July 3, 2019

What is the 24/7 Sobriety Program?

Seeing the rise in alcohol-related traffic arrests and accidents, the State of North Dakota enacted the 24/7 Sobriety Program – a rehabilitation program that affects individuals arrested for a second or subsequent DUI. Participation in the 24/7 program may be required as a condition of parole & probation, for any […]
June 13, 2019

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Traffic Violation?

If you’ve been ticketed for a traffic violation, you probably haven’t given it much thought – other than being miffed about the fine. The fact is, however, that traffic violations can be far more costly than you first recognize. A ticket for a traffic violation adds points to your driver’s […]
May 15, 2019

Potential Defenses to a North Dakota DUI Charge

Facing a DUI charge in North Dakota or Minnesota can be overwhelming but recognizing that you have rights and options can help. While every DUI case is specific to its own set of circumstances, an experienced Fargo criminal defense attorney will carefully consider your situation and will help you build […]
May 3, 2019

Long-Term Consequences of a Drug-Related Conviction

If you are facing drug charges in North Dakota, you are facing serious charges, and you need the professional legal counsel of an experienced Fargo criminal defense attorney. North Dakota take such charges extremely seriously, and so should you. The fact is that drug conviction can affect your future in […]
April 10, 2019

What You Should Expect from a Criminal Defense Attorney

Anyone facing criminal charges will want to hire the best criminal defense attorney he or she can afford. When criminal defense law firms advertise, they often promote themselves as “aggressive.” Of course, simply being aggressive is not necessarily the best quality for an attorney. Despite how criminal law is often […]