701-317-4907
Welcome to Nelson Law Firm, PLLC.
A Criminal Defense law firm that understands substance abuse issues and how they are related to the criminal conduct. We work with clients with addiction problems to get the help they need, whether while incarcerated, or when released. We work with treatment facilities all over North Dakota to ensure individuals with substance abuse issues are given help, not simply incarceration.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Find out if this firm is the right fit for you!
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSES
Offenses involving Controlled Substances oftentimes involve addiction. We advocate for treatment based sentencing alternatives and provide assistance in getting clients the appropriate evaluations and assessments arranged.
FREE CONSULTATION 701-317-4907
About Me.
I work hard for my clients. Communication is always open and my clients are always apprised of the latest updates in their case. Whether they are incarcerated or our on release, it is of utmost importance to have clients up to date on their case.
I have been helping retained and indigent clients all over the State of North Dakota, and have had contracts in the Northeast Region of the State. I am especially familiar with Grand Forks, Pembina, Walsh, and Cavalier Counties court systems.
EVERY client deserves the best defense. Each client is treated with the best options for their individual situation. Whether defending a constitutional issue, or simply helping set up community service, I am there to assist you in the process.
Defending the actual crime is just the beginning.
Mirranda Nelson
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) DEFENSE
When you get pulled over, most people think "well what am I going to do, I was drinking when the cop pulled me over", take a plea agreement offered in their case, and move on with their life. However, one should consider the following are MANDATORY ENHANCEMENTS for second and subsequent DUI charges/convictions.
For a SECOND OFFENSE within seven years, the sentence must include at least 10 days of imprisonment, of which 48 hours must be served consecutively, a fine of one thousand five hundred dollars, and order for addiction evaluation by an appropriate licensed addiction treatment program and at least 360 days participation in the twenty-four seven sobriety program, under chapters 54-12 as a mandatory condition of probation.
For the THIRD OFFENSE within seven years, the sentence must include at least one hundred twenty (120) days imprisonment, a fine of at least two-thousand dollars, and order for addiction evaluation by an appropriate licensed addiction treatment program and at least 360 days participation in the twenty-four seven sobriety program, under chapters 54-12 as a mandatory condition of probation.
For a FOURTH OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE within fifteen (15) years, the sentence must include at least one year (1) year and one day’s imprisonment, a fine of at least two thousand dollars, an order for addiction evaluation by an appropriate licensed treatment program, at least two years supervised probation, and participation in the twenty-four seven sobriety program under chapter 54-12 as a mandatory condition of probation.
If you or someone you love are in this situation, please reach out and let us see if we can help you get the help you need. Let someone advocate for you who understands there can be underlying issues at hand.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CRIMES
POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE / POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER
North Dakota categorizes ALL drugs under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (N.D.C.C. §19-03.1) into five categories or "Schedules". These Schedules are not divided by "legal effect" but rather the "effect on the body". Schedule I drugs, for example are categorized as any drug with no accepted medical use and has a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs include Peyote, LSD, and Ecstacy. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION of Schedule II through V drugs range from infraction level to Federal Indictment.
Anyone charged with a Controlled Substance offense, whether possession, possession with intent to distribute/manufacture, conspiracy to deliver, or other controlled substance offense needs an attorney who is familiar with the prosecution practices, current and relevant defenses, discovery issues, and issues related to the testing practices in the State of North Dakota.
If you need drug charge defense lawyer, call for a FREE CONSULTATION 701-371-4720 today.
POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
North Dakota Century Code defines drug paraphernalia as “equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance”.
While this definition arguably could AND DOES encompass common objects resulting in a drug para charge include bowls, pipes, unused hypodermic needles, digital scales, clear plastic baggies, spoons, straws, pens, etc.
While a first offense is an infraction punishable by fine only, a second or subsequent offenses have aggravated offense levels with serious penalties. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION today.
PROBATION REVOCATIONS
If you are on probation and are REVOKED, you may face up to the MAXIMUM SENTENCE allowable/punishable at the time of ORIGINAL SENTENCING.
For example, you are originally sentenced on a B Felony Burglary charge to: 3 years at the North Dakota Department of Corrections, 2 years stayed, 2 years supervised probation.
If, while on probation, you are charged with Possession of Marijuana, less than half an ounce, an infraction. It has now been almost 3 years and you are almost done with your probationary period.
Even though this low level offense may not seem like a big deal, the reality is that according to how the North Dakota Supreme Court CURRENTLY interprets the N.D.C.C., you have re-opened yourself up to a possible penalty of 20 years incarceration, a fine of $10,000, or both.
Do NOT go into a Revocation Hearing without consulting an attorney first. The consequences can and often times are underestimated. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION today.
CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON
- Simple Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Domestic Violence Crimes
- Felonious Restraint
- Harassment
- Terrorizing
- Violation of a disorderly conduct restraining order
- Escape- Felony Arrest or Charge
- Attempted Murder
If you need criminal defense lawyer, call for a FREE CONSULTATION 701-371-4720 today.
PROPERTY OFFENSES
Do not plead to a theft offense without consulting an attorney first. North Dakota laws determine the level of offense by the value of the property in issue. Additionally, restitution issues commonly arise in these cases, requiring a Restitution Hearing.
The consequences can and often times are underestimated. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION today.
RESTITUTION HEARINGS
Restitution Hearings are not an issue of guilt or innocence, but rather there is not an agreement as to the amount of restitution or "money owed" to the victims of theft cases.
Having an attorney represent you in these situations can ensure the value of property is fairly and accurately quantified.
SEXUAL RELATED OFFENSES
- Sexual Assault Charges
- Gross Sexual Imposition
- Child Pornography Charges
If charged with a sexually related offense, DO NOT SPEAK TO THE POLICE WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY. There is nothing that can help you by speaking with law enforcement and innocent remarks can and will be used against you. "I would prefer to have an attorney here" is all that you need to repeat when questioned.
Our firm is available and set up through Reliance to speak DIRECLTY to an attorney 24/7 if you are arrested.
Call 701-371-4720 before you speak with law enforcement. Just because you are not speaking to law enforcement DOES NOT mean you are being uncooperative.
PHYSICAL LOCATION BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!
Find us here: 33 3rd St. S, Suite D
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Email: Nelsonlawfirm4720@gmail.com
Phone: 701-371-4720
Free Case Evaluation from an Honest Attorney
I am motivated by getting a result my clients can live with and am not motivated by money. All clients are provided an honest and realistic retainer (when applicable) with the option for payment plans.
NELSON LAW FIRM, PLLC
Phone: 701-371-4720
Email: Nelsonlawfirm4720@gmail.com
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. BOX 5355
Grand Forks, ND 58206
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
33 3rd St. S, Suite D
Grand Forks, ND 58201