
Arechigo & Stokka is not one of those Fargo, ND law firms that can be described as a smorgasbord law firm that “specializes” in 20 or 30 different practice areas and we help those dealing with criminal charges in Fargo, ND.
Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor criminal charges, having a sharp attorney on your side is your best defense.
Our dedication to criminal defense has allowed us great success in defending clients accused of all sorts of crimes.
We represent individuals charged with assault, DUI, white-collar crimes, homicide, and everything in between.
Our focus has brought us to a plateau of excellence, and the world has noticed. During our decades of experience, we have been showered with awards that reflect the respect we have earned from both clients and peers.
These awards include, among others:
- The AVVO Clients’ Choice Award,
- Super Lawyers,
- Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year, and
- Circle of Excellence.
Ultimately, however, awards are just symbols. What really gratifies us is the heartfelt testimonies offered by so many of our clients. Our Fargo criminal defense lawyers are ready to fight for you.
Key Takeaways
What To Know About Criminal Defense Attorneys In Fargo, ND
Finding the right criminal defense attorneys in Fargo, ND starts with understanding how North Dakota classifies and penalizes criminal charges. Here’s what matters most before your next step.
- Assault charges have three levels. North Dakota assault charges range from simple assault up to aggravated assault, a class C felony, depending on the injury caused and whether a weapon was used.
- A first DUI can carry lasting consequences. Beyond jail and fines, a DUI conviction can mean license loss, mandatory DUI school, or an ignition interlock, and it can affect jobs, military enlistment, and education plans.
- White-collar crimes carry steep penalties. Offenses like fraud, embezzlement, and racketeering are prosecuted harshly in North Dakota and can carry penalties comparable to violent crimes.
- Homicide charges hinge on intent. Whether a killing is charged as murder or manslaughter typically depends on whether it was premeditated or resulted from reckless disregard for human life.
Fargo, ND Criminal Lawyers
It is our job to see to it that you receive the fair treatment you deserve. We have secured complete acquittals for numerous clients, and we have negotiated favorable plea bargains for many more.
North Dakota Assault Law
In North Dakota, you can be charged with simple assault, assault, or aggravated assault depending on several factors, including the degree of injury to the victim and the use of a weapon.
You Deserve A Fargo Attorney Who Fights For You
Facing a criminal charge in North Dakota can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what comes next. You still have options, and you deserve a defense team that treats your case, and your future, like it matters.
Let’s Discuss Your CaseSimple Assault
Simple assault occurs when someone harms another person willfully or negligently harms another person with a weapon or object.
Assault
An individual can be charged with assault, a class A misdemeanor if they:
- Willfully cause substantial bodily injury to another person or
- Negligently cause substantial bodily injury to another person using a firearm, destructive device, or weapon likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.
Aggravated Assault
Assault escalates to aggravated assault if certain aggravating factors are present.
An individual commits aggravated assault if they:
- Willfully cause serious bodily injury to another person,
- Knowingly cause bodily injury or substantial bodily injury to another person with a dangerous weapon,
- Cause bodily or substantial bodily injury while attempting to inflict serious bodily injury;
- Fire a firearm or throw a destructive device at another person.
Aggravated assault is a Class C felony under North Dakota law.
Reach Out to Us for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation.
North Dakota DUI Offenses
Even a first DUI offense can drastically change your life. In addition to jail and fines, a conviction can lead to:
- Loss of license,
- Community service,
- DUI school,
- Ignition interlock, or
- A combination of these.
DUIs can affect your ability to obtain or maintain specific jobs. They can inhibit your ability to enroll in the military, apply for educational programs, and more.
Second and subsequent offenses carry even harsher penalties.
Luckily, our DUI attorneys have successfully handled dozens of DUI cases over the last two decades.
White Collar Crimes
Although typically not violent, white-collar crimes can have significant penalties. There is a wide array of white-collar crimes.
Some of the most common offenses include:
- Fraud,
- Embezzlement,
- Bribery, and
- Racketeering.
Rather than violence, the typical motivation behind white-collar crimes is financial gain. North Dakota prosecutes white-collar offenses harshly.
Depending on the circumstances, including the monetary value involved, these crimes can carry just as steep offenses as violent crimes.
Homicide
In North Dakota, if an individual kills another person, they can face murder or manslaughter charges.
The circumstances surrounding the homicide will determine if the accused will be charged with manslaughter or murder.
While several factors may play a role in the actual charge, the deciding factor typically rests on the perpetrator’s intent.
Was the killing intentional and premeditated, or was it the result of reckless actions and disregard for human life?
Both manslaughter and murder convictions carry some of the harshest penalties. There is no doubt you need experienced and well-equipped counsel on your side.
See what our clients have to say about our services:
Other Crimes
In addition, we have successfully represented clients charged with the following types of crimes, among many others:
- Domestic abuse,
- Drug crimes,
- Juvenile offenses,
- Prostitution,
- Terroristic threats,
- Theft, and
- Sex crimes.
Focused Criminal Defense, Not A Smorgasbord Practice
We don’t dabble in criminal law while juggling a dozen other practice areas. Our Fargo attorneys devote their careers to defending people like you, and we bring that focus to every single case.
Book A Free ConsultationGet in Contact with a Fargo, North Dakota Lawyer Today
If the state of North Dakota has accused you of committing a crime, it’s vital that you select a lawyer who has focused their practice on criminal defense.
Don’t settle for one of the Fargo, ND law firms that merely dabble in criminal law while also practicing in three other areas of the law.
Contact us immediately. Your freedom may depend on it.
Criminal Defense Attorneys In Fargo, ND: Common Questions
North Dakota recognizes three levels: simple assault, assault, which is a class A misdemeanor, and aggravated assault, which is a class C felony. The charge depends on factors like the degree of injury and whether a weapon was involved.
Assault becomes aggravated when certain factors are present, such as willfully causing serious bodily injury, knowingly causing injury with a dangerous weapon, or firing a firearm at another person. Aggravated assault is a class C felony under North Dakota law.
Beyond jail time and fines, a first DUI conviction can lead to license loss, community service, mandatory DUI school, or an ignition interlock requirement. It can also affect your ability to work certain jobs, enlist in the military, or enroll in educational programs.
Yes. Offenses like fraud, embezzlement, bribery, and racketeering can carry penalties as steep as violent crimes, depending on factors such as the monetary value involved.
Where to find our Fargo, ND office: