Fargo Criminal Felony Defense Attorney
What is a Felony in Fargo?
Fargo residents and visitors can receive charges for two types of crimes: felonies and misdemeanors. A felony is a serious criminal charge that leads to a criminal suffering severe penalties. The word derives from English common law and describes criminal offenses that led to the accused losing their land and goods.
In North Dakota today, a felony normally involves an illegal act that exposes someone to harm. A majority of crimes that classify as felonies have to do with extreme violence, but they can also include sexual exploitation, theft, and fraud. People in Fargo indicted on felony charges have to serve years in prison and pay thousands of dollars in fines.
Common Examples of Felonies That Can Occur in North Dakota
Serious crimes that involve violence, sexual assault, theft, fraud, and malfeasance can all lead to felony charges in Fargo, North Dakota. Those charged with these felonies could be convicted of crimes and serve serious jail time for the physical, sexual, and financial harm they exposed someone else to.
The following are some crimes that can lead to felony charges in North Dakota:
- Murder
- Rape
- Aggravated assault
- Battery
- Arson
- Burglary
- Theft
- Manslaughter
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Child pornography
- Obstruction of justice
- Perjury
- Tax evasion
- Identity theft
- Drug trade
- Kidnapping
- Grand larceny
- Impersonating a police officer
What are the Different Classes of Felonies?
- Class AA Felony: This is the most serious class of felony and can lead to lifetime imprisonment without parole. Felonies that can lead to this charge include premeditated murder and the repeated sexual abuse of a minor.
- Class A Felony: This is one step below Class AA, with serious crimes that can lead to significant harm to other civilians. The penalties include up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Murder in the heat of the moment and human trafficking can lead to this charge.
- Class B Felony: This type of felony can lead to physical, sexual, and financial harm but does not reach the severity of the charges above. It can include crimes like armed robbery, sexual imposition, and manslaughter. Those charged with this felony can serve up to 10 years in prison and also have to pay a $20,000 fine.
- Class C Felony: This is the least serious felony charge, but crimes that classify here can still lead to tremendous harm. Crimes that classify as Class C include perjury, stealing a firearm, and homicide through negligence. Those charged can serve up to five years in prison and could have to pay up to $10,000 in fines.
Why Choose Sand Law for Your Fargo Felony Defense Case
Sand Law Felony Defense Case Results
- State v. C.K.: Gross Sexual Imposition (Felony – Class A) – Acquittal by Jury
- State v. J.B.: Domestic Assault (Felony – Class C) – Acquittal by Jury
- State v. D.S.: Theft (Felony – Class C) – Case Dismissed
- State v. M.J.: Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony – First Degree) – Case Dismissed
- State v. D.C.: Criminal Damage to Property Felony – First Degree) – Dismissed
Most Common Felony Charges Across North Dakota
- Drug/narcotic violations – 6,451
- Burglary – 2,899
- Motor vehicle theft – 1,979
- Aggravated assault – 1,321
- Identity theft – 852
- Credit/ATM card fraud – 315
- Burglary – There were an estimated 2,608 break-ins reported in our state in 2019. Of course, not all burglaries are felonies. Stealing a car valued at more than $1,000 falls into that category. The US rate of vehicle thefts was 341/per 100,000 population. North Dakota’s rate was slightly higher – 342/100,000.
- Robbery – The robbery rate in North Dakota was much lower than in the rest of the country. Our rate of 23/100,000 (179 overall) was No. 42 in the US.
- Murder – Only 24 murders occurred in North Dakota in 2019, a rate of 3.1/per 100,000 population – the 20th-lowest in the US.
How Does North Dakota Handle Felony Cases?
- Law enforcement investigates the crime
- They arrest or hand out a summons to the party suspected of the felony crime
- The discovery process begins, and parties start gathering evidence
- Random selection of jurors
- Court proceedings begin
- Plea agreement negotiation for the party accused of the felony
- The judge announces the verdict
- Someone found guilty of a felony crime is sentenced
What Should You Do After Being Charged With a Felony in Fargo?
- Invoke your Miranda Rights
- Comply with Fargo law enforcement
- Do not speak to Fargo law enforcement about essential details of your case without a criminal defense lawyer present
- Hire to a Fargo criminal defense attorney
- Write down the important details of your Fargo felony case
- Do not talk about these critical details of your felony case with friends and family
- Do not reveal details of your case on social media
- Pay financial penalties
Should You Hire a Fargo Felony Charges Attorney?
Contact Sand Law for Help With Your Fargo Felony Case
At Sand Law, our criminal defense lawyers understand the impact of a felony charge on the accused. It can affect their public reputation and lead people to believe they are dangerous, violent, or greedy. However, not everyone charged with a felony committed the crime they are accused of.
Our felony defense attorneys can help Fargo civilians fight against these felony charges to clear their name of wrongdoing. Our lawyers will communicate constantly with you to help establish the facts of the case and what legal strategy can help put them in the best position to receive an acquittal or dismissal.
Those charged with felonies in Fargo, North Dakota, can contact us for a free consultation to learn about our attorneys and legal strategies that can help clear their names. Contact us today for a free felony case evaluation at 701-394-5396 or on our online contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fargo Felonies
What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
A felony is a serious crime that can lead to someone serving years of prison time and spending thousands of dollars on financial penalties. However, it is not the only type of crime someone can be charged with in Fargo. They can also receive a criminal charge for committing a misdemeanor.
This is a less serious crime that normally will require less than a year in prison if a resident is convicted. Those charged with misdemeanors will also have less severe financial fines because their crime does not reach the level of harm as a felony.
The following are some crimes in Fargo classified as a misdemeanor:
- A first-time drunk driving offense
- Driving with a suspended license or without one
- Reckless driving
- Indecent exposure
- Simple assault
- Trespassing
- Shoplifting items of a smaller value
- Possession of controlled substances
- Drunk and disorderly conduct
- Prostitution
How Long Does a Fargo Felony Stay on Your Record?
In North Dakota, felonies generally stay on a person’s record indefinitely. There is no process for completely eliminating a felony crime charge from a person’s record. However, a 2019 North Dakota law allows those charged with felonies and misdemeanors to conceal their crimes.
Those charged with felonies must wait five years after they serve a prison sentence or probation before they can petition a court to seal their charge. Those charged with violent crimes must wait ten years. Either way, the person trying to seal the charge must not commit any other criminal act in the intervening time.
As long as they were on their best behavior after their crime, they can have the record of their felony sealed, so it’s not accessible by the public. This can help those charged with crimes earn employment because companies cannot access the record of their felony. Those charged with extremely violent or sexual crimes cannot have their felony concealed.
How Can You Restore Your Civil Rights After a Felony Charge?
Every civilian in North Dakota has civil rights that allow them to vote, hold public office, sit on a jury, and more. However, criminals charged with felonies lose these rights upon conviction. Felony criminals must serve their sentences to have their rights restored. Upon release from imprisonment, those convicted of felony crimes can vote, hold public office, and serve on a jury.