Don’t Take a Chance with your Freedom. Get the Best Legal Protection You Can in Williston, North Dakota.
Hiring an experienced North Dakota Criminal Defense attorney is the best way to ensure that your freedom or public criminal record are not left up to chance. A criminal charge can and will haunt you for the rest of your life, so choosing a defense lawyer that can thoroughly protect your rights and give you a superior defense is imperative.
What is criminal law in North Dakota and why do I need a defense attorney?
Criminal defense is protected right of citizens who are accused of a crime at the state or federal level of the justice system. In order to be convicted of a crime in North Dakota, or anywhere in the US, the prosecution team must be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to prevent emotions or feelings from being the reason a person’s freedom is taken away.
Criminal offenses are obviously those acts which violate some type of law. Criminal offenses are often categorized into two different severity types:
- Misdemeanor
- Felony
What is a felony in North Dakota?
A felony is a crime that is more serious in nature. They are the most serious type of offense and can either be classified as violent or nonviolent.
Each state, including North Dakota, has different punishments for different types of felonies. However, felonies generally are punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, usually in a state or federal prison, or extensive probation and fines.
Felonies can include offenses as:
- DUI
- homicide
- rape
- arson
- assault
- burglary
- criminal damage to property
- child abuse
- money laundering
- stalking
A person may also lose some or all of their civil liberties if they are charged with a felony like losing their right to vote or ability to own a gun.
Felonies are divided into different degrees: third degree, second degree, and first degree, with first degree being the most serious.
What is a misdemeanor in North Dakota?
A misdemeanor crime is more serious than a citation, like say a traffic ticket, but less serious than a felony. Misdemeanor are usually punishable by up to one year in a county jail, or probation, house arrest, or fines.
Other punishments for misdemeanors may also include community service, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, anger management classes, restitution, electronic monitoring, etc.
Misdemeanor crimes can range from DUI violations, to certain types of assault and battery, theft, and possession of a controlled substance.
Misdemeanors are divided into different degrees, such as third degree, second degree, and first degree. First degree is the most severe, and third degree the least severe.
What are my Constitutional Rights in North Dakota as a Defendant?
Criminal defendants in North Dakota have several constitutional rights that are designed to protect them from unfair proceedings.
The most important of those rights is that the State prosecution has a responsibility to prove a defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” It is not the defense’s responsibility to prove that the accused did not commit the crime. Instead, the prosecution must prove that they did commit the crime.
North Dakota defendants also have the right to:
- remain silent
- confront their accuser and witnesses
- a public trial
- trial by jury
- a fair and speedy trial
- adequate legal representation
- not be tried twice for the same offense, known as double jeopardy
About Sand Law’s Williston Criminal Defense Attorneys
The Williston Criminal Defense Attorneys of Sand Law PLLC in North Dakota have been defending the rights of the accused for more than 30 years.
We have extensive experience trying many different types of cases in all levels of criminal courts, including federal, state, and juvenile. It is Sand Law’s mission to be a voice for the voiceless. So, if you have been charged with a crime in North Dakota, contact us today and begin to rest assured that you have a vigorous and effective defense team on your side.
Types of Criminal Cases Sand Law Handles
Our criminal defense team is made up of former prosecutors and board certified defense attorneys. We combine our knowledge and years of experience to give our clients the best advantage possible.
Some of the types of cases we handle include:
- Appeals
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Offenses
- Fraud
- Internet Crimes
- Manslaughter and Vehicular Manslaughter
- Murder
- Post Conviction Relief
- RICO
- Sex Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
I was arrested in Williams County, now what?
When you are accused of a crime, put into handcuffs, and taken to jail, it is stressful to say the least. It is almost certainly stressful for the accused’s family as well. One of the most comforting things you can do right away is retain counsel to help ensure that your rights are protected from the very beginning.
If you were arrested in Williston, Williams County, or anywhere in North Dakota, understand that there could be serious repercussions, including permanent loss of your freedom, if you do not get legal representation asap.
Discuss Your Case With Our Experienced Defense Lawyers in Williston
Sand Law PLLC represents clients in Williston, Watford City, Bismarck, Minot, and across North Dakota. Our clients come from all walks of life. From first time offenders to those with an extensive criminal past. From everyday people to celebrities, judges, professional athletes, and politicians.
Early intervention by a legal team representing your interests is crucial in proactively preventing your case from being controlled by the police and prosecutors. That’s why we take every possible measure to be available 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Contact the Experienced Williston Defense Lawyers at Sand Law PLLC
To contact us, use our online form or call us today at (701) 609-1510 to talk to a defense attorney in Williston immediately. We value your privacy and keep all information strictly confidential.