Protecting Your Freedom in Watford City, McKenzie County, and Across North Dakota.
The best way to ensure that your freedom and criminal record are not left up to chance is by hiring an experienced North Dakota Criminal Defense attorney. Choosing a defense lawyer that can thoroughly protect your rights and give you a superior defense is imperative, because a criminal charge has the potential to haunt you for the rest of your life.
Why do I need a defense attorney?
In order to be convicted of a crime in North Dakota or anywhere in America, the prosecution lawyers must be able to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is part of the rights of citizens accused of a crime at the state or federal level, and criminal defense is the act of attorneys taking on the responsibility of protecting those rights. A person’s freedom is on the line, therefore the proof of guilt must be ironclad.
Violations of state and federal law is classified into two types: felonies and misdemeanors.
What is a felony?
Crimes of a more serious nature are classified as felonies. Every state has some variation of punishments for felonies, but as a general rule, felonies are punishable by prison sentences of more than one year, or, if prison isn’t part of a sentence, extensive probation periods and heavy fines.
Felonies include non-violent crimes like burglary, money laundering, stalking, and criminal damage to property; and violent crimes like homicide, rape, arson, and child abuse. Punishment for felony convictions also usually include a loss of civil liberties, like the right to vote or ability to own a gun.
What is a misdemeanor?
Misdemeanor crimes lie in a middle ground between felonies and citations – behaviors less serious than homicide and arson but more serious than a traffic ticket. Misdemeanor crimes are punishable by time in county jail, probation, house arrest, and fines. Other punishments may include community service, counseling for substance abuse, restitution, anger management classes, and electronic monitoring like ankle bracelets.
Misdemeanors are divided into different degrees, from third degree to first degree, with first degree being the most serious. Examples of misdemeanors are DUIs, theft, assault, and possession of controlled substances.
As a defendant in Watford City, what are my rights?
North Dakota citizens have constitutional rights designed to protect them from unfair proceedings in the courtroom. The prosecution has a responsibility to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt – that is to say, the prosecution team must prove the defendant did the crime, rather than the defense needing to prove that they did not.
Defendants have a host of other rights, such as:
- Remaining silent during questioning
- Confronting the person who accused them of the crime, as well as any witnesses
- A public trial
- Jury of peers at the trial that delivers the verdict
- A fair and speedy trial that does not drag on for an extended period of time
- Having adequate legal representation, including state-employed attorneys if the defendant can afford no other
- Immunity from being tried twice for the same offense, also known as double jeopardy
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
The criminal defense team at Sand Law PLLC has been defending the rights of the accused both in North Dakota and across America for over 30 years. We have extensive experience in cases from all levels of the justice system, from juvenile halls to federal courts.
It is Sand Law’s mission to protect the rights of those accused of crimes, and to give defendants the protection they deserve. If you have been charged with a crime, contact us today so that you can have the peace of mind that comes with an effective defense team in your corner in the courtroom.
Types of Cases We Handle
The former prosecutors and certified defense attorneys at Sand Law bring a variety of backgrounds to the criminal defense table. We combine our experience and knowledge to give our clients the best defense possible. The cases we handle include:
- Appeals
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Offenses
- Fraud
- Internet Crimes
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Post Conviction Relief
- RICO
- Sex Crimes
- White-collar Crimes
I’ve been arrested in Watford City, what do I do?
The process of being arrested is stressful. Being accused, put in handcuffs, and taken to jail can leave a person rattled, emotional, and unable to think clearly. One of the best things you can do is protect your rights from the very beginning by retaining legal counsel.
If you were arrested in Watford City, or anywhere else in North Dakota, you run the risk of losing your freedom, along with other serious repercussions, if you do not get legal representation as soon as possible.
Discuss Your Case with our Watford City Defense Lawyers
Sand Law PLLC represents clients across North Dakota, including Watford City, Williston, Bismarck, and Minot. From first time offenders to those with extensive records, our clients come from all walks of life. Everyday people, celebrities, judges, and politicians are just some of the people who have relied on our experience.
Proactive investigation by a legal team that represents your interest is a key to an effective defense. Our 7 day a week, 365 day a year availability is in service of your rights, to prevent your case from being controlled by the police and prosecutors.
Contact the Experienced Watford City 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 member of our Watford City attorney team. We value privacy, and will keep your information confidential.