Providing Knowledgeable and Personalized Legal Representation in Bismarck
Getting convicted in North Dakota is punishable by harsh criminal penalties, including a jail or prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. However, simply being arrested does not result in an automatic conviction – you still have a chance to defend yourself. If you or a loved one has recently been arrested in Bismarck, one of the most important steps to take to protect your rights and freedom is to hire our experienced criminal defense lawyer in Bismarck, ND.
At McCabe Law Firm, we have provided legal representation for well over a decade. Our criminal defense attorney in Bismarck, ND, Chad McCabe, has handled more than 10,000 criminal cases, including nearly 300 jury trials and over 7,000 DUI cases. Additionally, he has over 100 published appellate opinions and has won an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court in Raysor v. United States (U.S. Supreme Court Case No.: 11-8894). No matter how complex your case may appear, do not hesitate to let our firm thoroughly examine your case, determine your available legal options, and help you either avoid severe penalties or conviction altogether.
How Do Misdemeanors Differ From Felonies In North Dakota?
The most crucial difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the maximum potential jail time if convicted. Misdemeanor convictions have a maximum jail sentence of less than a year. Misdemeanor sentences are often served in county jail while felony sentences may be served in prison.
What Is An Arraignment In North Dakota?
An arraignment is a court appearance where an individual convicted of a crime is formally charged with the offense and asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If pleaded guilty, the Court will schedule the case for sentencing.
Anyone who is arrested should remain silent! This means do NOT answer any questions asked by the police. Politely say, “I want a lawyer,” and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Maintain that request again after being arrested. It is important to remember that police officers are trained to investigate crimes and gather evidence to build a case against you.
Believe it or not, but most people provide the evidence needed to convict themselves to the police through confessions, statements, or other evidence. While it is always a good idea to be cooperative with law enforcement, it is important to do so in a controlled setting where you have access to competent legal advice.
Our criminal defense attorney in Bismarck is well aware of the inequality of power and material resources in the North Dakota criminal justice system. The State of North Dakota and United States Government take advantage of an extensive staff of lawyers, police and agents, sophisticated crime labs and experts, and a huge budget provided by the taxpayers. This gives them a tremendous advantage because the legal system is based on the premise that “the whole truth” is that presented at the trial. If a person accused of a crime cannot challenge the government’s case, or submit his or her own witnesses, then the jury by default will probably accept as true whatever evidence the prosecutor produces.
Let Us Fight For You
At the McCabe Law Firm, we work to level the playing field with the government’s vast resources and provide outstanding legal advice, representation and results to clients accused of state and federal crimes throughout North Dakota. Our Criminal defense attorney in Bismarck, ND, recognizes the importance of defending the rights of the accused and uses all available means to ensure that our clients receive high caliber legal representation and access to justice. Our clients come from all walks of life and need a law firm staffed with an experienced, creative criminal defense lawyer who gets results. We have earned an outstanding reputation in North Dakota criminal law circles through hard work and experience. We are known for our efforts to repair an often unjust criminal justice system.
In addition to an acute understanding of both North Dakota and federal criminal law and procedure, we have learned that communication is sometimes half the battle when representing clients accused of crimes. Clients need to know where they stand at all times to consider all of their options properly. Our criminal defense lawyer in Bismarck, ND, strives to be approachable, responsive, efficient, and effective.
Notable Published Cases:
Vacated and dismissed murder conviction-State v. Robin Marsolek, Case No.: 37-02-K-00030.
Overturned murder conviction with life sentence without parole to time served-State v. Mark Steinbach, Case No.: 14-96-K-00597.
Obtained gubernatorial pardon for Negligent Homicide conviction.
Obtained gubernatorial commutation for Murder conviction and Attempted Murder conviction.
Obtained gubernatorial commutation for Murder conviction.
How We Make the Difference for Our Clients
Client-Focused Representation
Life Member of NACDL
Over Two Decades of Experience
Accessible to Clients 24/7
Extensive Litigation & Courtroom Experience
Won an Appeal Before the United States Supreme Court
Has over 100 Published Appellate Opinions
Are you facing criminal charges? Contact McCabe Law Firm today at (701) 222-2500 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our criminal defense attorney in North Dakota.