An assault charge is a serious matter, and depending on the severity of the damages the victim received, it can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. The consequences may include lengthy prison time, significant fines, and a massive blow to your reputation. What...
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Criminal Defense
Hearsay: understanding second-hand evidence
The courtroom thrives on the truth and demands a meticulous presentation of evidence. However, during legal proceedings, there is a concept called hearsay or second-hand information which introduces a layer of uncertainty due to credibility issues. Is hearsay not...
Can you get a DUI for sitting in a parked car?
Imagine the following scenario: you are out at a bar with friends, and it's time to head home. You get out of your car and suddenly realize you've had too much to drink, so you decide to get into your vehicle and order a ride. It's cold, so you start your car to turn...
Is participating in a riot a crime?
While protests are often peaceful, they could turn ugly when violence is involved. At that point they become riots, and their chaotic nature could lead to property damage and injuries. North Dakota has laws prohibiting rioting; anyone caught participating or directing...
When does shoplifting become a felony crime?
As defined by North Dakota law, shoplifting is the willful taking of unpaid merchandise with the intent to deprive a store. It’s a broad term that can refer to various actions that are related to the offense, such as concealing unpaid goods, altering price tags and...
Is it a crime to “borrow” a vehicle without permission?
There’s a good reason automobiles like cars and trucks need keys to start their engines. It’s to deter strangers and thieves from using and taking away your vehicle. Unless you explicitly trust someone to use your automobile, you shouldn’t let just anyone take your...
Self-defense: when is the use of force justified?
Picture this: you are out at your favorite bar catching up with a long-time friend over a drink when someone suddenly attacks you. First, they go on a tirade, which you ignore. But their aggression doesn’t stop. They physically attack you. And before you know it, you...
Start the new year out with sealing your criminal history
As you begin the new year, you're trying to get a fresh start. People do this in a variety of ways, but, if you have a criminal conviction on your record, you may be considering sealing that criminal history from the public. To do this, you must submit a petition to...
What to know about federal conspiracy charges
You’ve been indicted on federal conspiracy charges -- and you’re not even sure what that means. It may seem overwhelming thinking of the prospect of proving your case when you don't even understand how you ended up charged with such an offense. Making sense of these...
Make sure you understand North Dakota’s complicated assault laws
Each state has laws governing how it deals with crime. Assault, for example, can occur in more than one way in North Dakota. The possible penalties of an assault conviction also vary, depending upon the nature of the alleged crime. If you are facing a possible assault...