How Crimes are Investigated and Prosecuted
If you’ve been arrested, you’re naturally going to have a lot of questions. There’s a good chance you haven’t had any reason to pay much attention to the criminal justice system in the past, so you’re not sure what to expect. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge, the stakes are going to be extremely high. You’ll want to be as well prepared as possible. The criminal defense attorneys with Sand Law would like to share some information about how the typical case works its way through the court system. If you don’t already have legal representation, we urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible. Regardless of the offense you’ve been charged with – a financial crime, an assault or basically anything else – we’ll be here for you. There may be a chance we could either have your potential penalties reduced. Or, if you’ve been wrongfully arrested, have your case thrown out entirely. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation to learn more. You can use our online form. Or you can give us a call at 701-609-1510. Investigation is Initiated by Law Enforcement When a criminal incident occurs, a law...
Types of Property Crimes and Who They Affect
There are several different types of property crimes, and they can all carry stiff penalties in North Dakota. If you’ve been arrested for one of these offenses, you’re going to need the help of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. It could make the difference between having either a reduced penalty – or even seeing your case thrown out completely – and a long jail sentence. Sand Law attorneys are intimately familiar with North Dakota law. We have a deep knowledge of criminal case proceedings, and we’ll be here to tell you what to expect every step of the way. We’ll also work to make sure your rights are protected at every turn. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact us online or give us a call at 701-609-1510. Theft A lot of people think crimes like theft, burglary and robbery are the same thing. However, there are significant differences. In a nutshell, theft occurs when someone takes property from someone else, without their permission, with the intention of never returning it. In order for a theft to occur, two key elements have to be satisfied. First, a person’s property has to be taken. Second,...
What are financial crimes?
If you’ve been charged with a financial crime, an attorney with Sand Law will be ready to make sure your rights are protected at every turn. These kinds of charges can be extremely serious, leading to life-changing penalties. But we’ll be with you every step of the way, and tell you exactly what to expect at all times. Please get in touch with us as soon as you can. We have the skill and experience needed to tackle the complexities associated with this area of the law. Call 701-609-1510 or contact us online for a free consultation. Understanding Financial Crime Facing a charge for a financial crime is nothing to trifle with. While you might think that this is a minor inconvenience, it’s actually a huge problem. The penalties can involve incredibly large fines, as well as a lengthy prison sentence. So-called “white collar” crimes are non-violent offenses typically committed for some sort of illegal financial gain. Most people charged with financial crimes are professionals, such as doctors, accountants, business owners and the like. However, anyone can face this kind of charge. Types of Financial Crime Financial crimes involve a broad range of offenses. These are just a few of...
What’s the Difference Between Theft, Robbery, and Burglary?
You might not have ever given much thought to the differences between theft, robbery and burglary. But if you or a loved one has been charged with one of these crimes, you’re probably finding yourself thinking about those differences much more than you like. It’s very important to know how these different crimes differ. Additionally, it's helpful to have a good idea of what to expect if you’ve been arrested. The attorneys at Sand Law are experts in providing the highest-quality defense possible to those charged with these crimes. This is a high-stakes situation. So you want the best representation you can find. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please give us a call at 701-609-1510 or use our online form. Here’s some information on theft, robbery and burglary, including a brief description of each, and the potential consequences of being found guilty. Theft Theft is an extremely common crime. Not only in North Dakota but in the rest of the United States as well. This term encompasses a wide variety of offenses, ranging from something as simple as shoplifting a bag of potato chips to extortion. As a result, the court system looks at each individual case...
Most Common Drugs Involved in DWI Cases
Most people associate driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrests with alcohol. But DWI arrests involving drugs also commonly occur. Whenever someone is considered to be under the influence of any intoxicating substance, that can be grounds for a DWI charge. Sand Law PLLC has skilled attorneys who can provide you with expert representation if you’ve been arrested on a charge of drug-related DWI. We will make sure your rights are protected at every turn. Get a free case review by giving us a call at 701-609-1510 or contacting us online. Drugs That Can Cause DWI As you would probably expect, there are many different types of drugs that can impair a person to the point they could be charged with a DWI. These are just a few of the many examples. Marijuana Marijuana is prized for its medicinal properties and used by plenty of people to help reduce anxiety, pain, and many other health issues. However, it can have effects that can make it dangerous to drive, such as drowsiness and lack of focus. Heroin Heroin is an opiate. Like other opiates (such as morphine) heroin use can lead to feelings of extreme euphoria. It can also cause drowsiness and dull...
Federal Drug Offense Defense Lawyers in North Dakota
Facing any sort of drug offense is intimidating, of course. But facing a federal charge is even worse, considering the severity of the penalties. You need an exceptionally skilled lawyer who not only has experience, but a track record of success in defending people against this type of crime. At Sand Law PLLC, we have a proven process that has helped many of our clients. We may be able to do the same for you. Please get in touch with us online or call 701-609-1510 to learn more. Drug Laws in the United States All drug crimes can come with serious consequences, of course. Those that involve selling or distribution move to the level of federal offenses, tried in a federal court – with entirely different rules from local or state courts. That’s why you need an attorney who has specific knowledge of how federal courts work, and knows how to put together the best possible defense. The Five “Schedules” One of the ways in which the federal system is different is in the way certain drugs are designated or “scheduled.” The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is responsible for setting these schedules. The DEA takes several different factors into...
Why You Should Hire a Minot Criminal Defense Attorney
There are many reasons to hire a criminal defense attorney. Here are some of the most important ones. When a crime is committed, the defendant must face the judicial system, speak about their actions and allow the judge and jury to determine if they're innocent or guilty. When a person is guilty of the crimes, a criminal defense lawyer can help decrease the penalties they're tried with. If a person is innocent, a defense lawyer will showcase this with evidence, witness statements, and more. The point of hiring an attorney is to lower your penalties if you're guilty or keep you from being sentenced at all if you're innocent. It's important to be open and honest with your attorney so they can best defend you. Here at Sand Law, we can defend you against felonies and misdemeanors, such as: DUI/DWI Arson Assault and Battery Bribery Computer Crimes Fraud Perjury Sexual abuse Reckless Driving and more When you're arrested, the arresting officer must have reasonable cause to believe that you have committed a crime. If their instincts are incorrect, a wrongful arrest could occur. If you believe that you've been wrongfully arresting, you should contact our talented team of attorneys. 1....
What Are My Rights as a Defendant?
If you are charged with a crime in North Dakota, don't leave your case to chance. Get a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side! In North Dakota, there were 33,210 arrests made in 2018. Of those arrests, drug abuse violations resulted in 5,448 of them, and driving under the influence resulted in 5,136. North Dakota is the state with the most DUIs. About 5.17% of residents have been convicted of a DUI at least once. Additionally, 12.4% of drivers have had an accident involving alcohol or drug use, and 24.9% of adults in North Dakota reported that they often drink excessively. Being in a legal battle is stressful. Whether it’s a civil lawsuit or a criminal one, you’re likely worried about what the outcome of your case will be. However, while you are the defendant—the one charged—you still have certain rights within the court system. Right to Due Process “Due Process” is the right afforded to citizens to protect them from any unsupported attempts that may deprive them of life, liberty, and property. These rights are afforded to citizens through the Bill of Rights. These rights include: The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizure. This right...
Elements of a Wrongful Arrest
If you believe you were wrongfully arrested, contact us for immediate representation and advice. We can usually rely on law enforcement to protect us and to maintain order in our communities. Unfortunately, some members of the force take advantage of their roles. As a result, law-abiding citizens can be arrested on criminal charges without sufficient just cause. Being arrested is a terrifying experience for anyone. It can be especially confusing for an innocent person. Additionally, the effects reach far beyond the day of the arrest. If your name isn’t cleared, you can face fines, serve time, and lose job opportunities over a crime you did not commit. Here's what you need to know about being arrested and when the arrest is wrongful. What Happens When You’re Arrested After being transported to the police station, suspects are booked. During this process, an officer makes a record of the suspect’s personal information as well as details about the arrest and alleged offense. The office will also search police records to see if the suspect has any prior offenses. The suspect is fingerprinted and photographed. Additionally, he or she must surrender any belongings before being jailed or confined in a holding cell. Suspects...