Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys in Fargo, North Dakota

Federal investigations can be under development for months before you learn about them. If you have been visited by FBI agents, received a grand jury subpoena, or received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the prosecution has likely already gathered records, interviewed witnesses, and built much of their case. 

At Nilson Brand Law, our attorneys represent individuals who are under federal investigation and facing federal criminal charges. We have decades of combined experience handling federal cases at every stage, from the first contact with agents through trial, sentencing, and appeal.

With offices in Fargo, Mayville, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, we serve clients throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. Contact us to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys to discuss your situation. 

Federal Cases We Handle

At Nilson Brand Law, our federal criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing a wide range of federal charges. The primary types of cases we handle include the following.

• Drug crimes: We provide defense representation against charges for drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking, including drug conspiracy. 

• White-collar and financial crimes: We help defend clients against wire fraud and other fraud charges, embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, and corporate espionage. 

• Serious felonies: We provide defense representation for violent and other serious charges that carry significant prison sentences. 

• Sexual offenses: We can help you defend against federal charges involving sexual assault and other sex-related crimes. 

• Theft and assault charges: We represent clients in property and assault offenses prosecuted in federal court. 

• False statements: We can help defend against charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 for lying to a federal agent, which can be filed even when no other charge is. 

Who We Represent 

Whether you are an individual, business owner, working professional, employee, or have recently been arrested, our attorneys represent clients at every stage of a federal case, including but not limited to the following.

• Individuals who have been contacted by federal agents or received a target letter or grand jury subpoena. 

• Individuals who have been arrested or charged in federal court. 

• Business owners, employees, and professionals accused of financial crimes, whose careers and professional licenses may be at stake. 

• Individuals whose financial cases have moved from state to federal court, such as cases involving federally insured banks. 

• Clients in North Dakota and Minnesota, including those who need to work with our team remotely. 

If you've been charged with a federal crime in North Dakota or Minnesota, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys to explore your options, build a strong defense, and stand up for your rights.

Detention and Release Hearings 

Our attorneys can represent you at your first federal court appearance. Our goal is to argue on your behalf for your release so you can keep working, remain with your family, and participate in your defense. The U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota holds court in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. 

Under the Bail Reform Act, a judge will decide whether you can be released and under what conditions. For certain charges, including many serious drug offenses and some firearm offenses, you may be held in custody until your defense can present evidence. We can help gather details about your work history, family ties, and community connections to advocate for your release. 

Reviewing the Government’s Evidence 

Our attorneys will review discovery, including the reports, recordings, financial records, phone downloads, and lab results the prosecution turns over, to identify weak points in the government’s case. This involves closely scrutinizing search warrants, wiretaps, confidential informants, and cooperating witnesses. 

When federal agents overstep or violate your rights, we can file a motion to ask the court to exclude evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure. We can also examine whether the facts fit the charge, which carries extra weight in conspiracy cases. 

Plea Negotiations and Trial 

We will negotiate directly with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and explain what any plea offer means in clear language so you can make informed decisions about your case. Whether to plead guilty or go to trial is your decision, and we will make sure you have the information you need to make it. 

Most federal sentences are governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Federal judges must consider these guidelines, but they don’t have to follow them. Some offenses also carry mandatory minimum prison terms. A plea agreement can affect which charges remain, how the guideline range is calculated, and whether sentencing relief is available.

Sentencing and Appeals 

After a guilty plea or verdict, a U.S. probation officer will prepare a presentence report (PSR) that calculates a recommended guideline range. You have 14 days after receiving it to object, and our attorneys can use that time to challenge inaccurate facts or calculations.

Federal appeals from both North Dakota and Minnesota go to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. In most criminal cases, you must file a notice of appeal within 14 days of receiving the judgment. 

Contact Our Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in North Dakota

Federal court cases often involve large volumes of discovery and a well-staffed prosecution team. At Nilson Brand Law, our seven-attorney team handles federal cases together rather than leaving one lawyer to carry them alone.

Federal cases move on the government’s schedule, so we make it easy to reach us. You can reach us by texting a question, meeting by video, calling our office, or scheduling an in-person consultation. Our clients in Minnesota can work with us remotely and stay closely involved in their own defense. 

With offices in Fargo, Mayville, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, we represent clients facing federal criminal charges throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.