Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Federal drug case. Is that legal?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 26, 2024
In the scenario you've described, where a public defender initially assigned to your son in a federal drug case ends up representing the person accusing your son, there are potential concerns regarding conflicts of interest. In legal practice, particularly in criminal defense, attorneys are... View More 
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 4, 2023
Paying off outstanding warrants in Fargo, ND, or anywhere else, does not automatically mean you will avoid jail time. Warrants are issued for various reasons, including failure to appear in court or unpaid fines related to criminal matters.
When you pay off a warrant, typically, you are... View More
I would like to know the potential legal consequences for possessing 40 grams of fentanyl in North Dakota. I currently have two prior felony convictions, both related to drug charges. What penalties or legal outcomes might I face?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
You're facing extremely serious charges that could result in decades in prison. In North Dakota, possessing 40 grams of fentanyl is considered a Class A felony with intent to distribute, as this amount far exceeds personal use quantities. With two prior felony drug convictions, you'll be... View More
In North Dakota, I was pulled over for allegedly having non-working lights, although they were functioning. During the stop, my passenger refused to provide her ID, leading officers to detain me in the back of their car. My passenger attempted to flee by driving the vehicle but was tackled shortly... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
In North Dakota, as in most states, police generally need either your consent, a warrant, or probable cause to search your vehicle. If your vehicle was lawfully stopped for a traffic violation like non-working lights, the officers may have had the right to conduct a limited search if they had... View More
About a month ago, I left my partner, but he came to where I was staying. After repeatedly asking him to leave, another male friend arrived to assist me. Upon his arrival, a physical altercation broke out between the two men, and they struggled over what appeared to be a hammer. In the darkness, I... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
This situation sounds emotionally and legally complex, especially since you were trying to protect yourself and things escalated. The fact that you asked your partner to leave before the fight started is important. It shows that he was on the property against your wishes, which could help establish... View More
I am curious about how the law would treat a hypothetical scenario in which a ghost is able to become corporeal, be physically interacted with, and feel pain. Given that the ghost is not necessarily classified as a person, but can experience pain, would an attack on such a ghost be legally... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2025
That's a fascinating and eerie question, and it pushes the limits of how law defines “personhood” and “victim.” In most legal systems, assault or battery applies to actions against human beings or, in some cases, legally recognized persons. A ghost—even one that becomes... View More
I was taken to jail, the police officer proceeded to speed up and slow down, the cuffs left indents in my wrist. I asked her to stop and she turned the music up and start swerving all over the road. She was taking pictures on Snapchat of her self while driving. She tore apart my wallet looking for... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 9, 2025
Filing a complaint against a police officer for misconduct is an important step to ensure accountability. You can start by documenting everything that happened, including the date, time, location, and details of the officer’s behavior. If you have any visible marks from the handcuffs, take photos... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 6, 2025
Being charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance means that you are accused of agreeing with others to engage in the illegal possession of drugs. This charge doesn't require that the actual possession took place, only that there was an agreement and some action taken towards... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 3, 2024
If an officer claims you failed to yield at a green light while turning left, it depends on the situation. Legally, when turning left, you are expected to yield to oncoming traffic until it's safe to make the turn. However, if the officer wasn't moving or there was no oncoming traffic, it... View More
If no marijuana is found but other evidence is found can it be used in court?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2024
If an officer claims to smell marijuana, they may use that as probable cause to search your vehicle without a warrant. The legality of the search depends on the circumstances, such as whether the odor was strong enough to suggest criminal activity. In many places, the smell of marijuana alone is... View More
I have to report to the 24/7 program in Minot north Dakota and the day before I'm required to go in to change out my current patch, there was a warrant issued for my arrest. Can they arrest me at the 24/7 program even though my warrant is unrelated?
answered on Dec 5, 2023
Likely, but they’re going to come arrest you anyway and you’d be better off voluntarily turning yourself in; if you wait the judge will likely notice you didn’t go voluntarily when considering whether to let you out again.
Guilty but haven't paid my fines due to being unemployed. It was almost a year ago. If I pay the fines now could I still have to go to jail
He is an ex boyfriend and stalked me for almost two months. He has previous charges, but not for stalking, his charges are traffic, drug related, and breaking into someone's house. Everything has been reported to the police from the beginning and he has confessed to it all.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2023
Stalking is a serious offense that involves unwanted and repeated harassment, intimidation, or surveillance of another person. In North Dakota, the specific punishment for stalking can vary depending on the circumstances and the defendant's criminal history.
Now, considering your... View More
Represent himself
answered on Jul 9, 2023
Maybe not necessarily a right at that point (and it is only a right as long as you financially qualify), but I have a strong suspicion if you applied for a public defender after stating you'd represent yourself (and financially qualify) that one would be appointed. The truth of the matter is... View More
For no reason I was charged he was not how is this possible
answered on Feb 10, 2023
It's possible because prosecutors simply go with the story they want to believe. You need an attorney to defend you and be willing to take it to a trial if it is in your best interests.
controlled substance! They were looking for a certain Jane Doe but she was not listed on the search warrant! Only two room numbers were listed. One was her room n the other room next door was another guest entirely unrelated to the case. Was the warrant legal for two rooms looking for Jane Doe’s... View More
answered on Oct 10, 2022
Not enough information, an attorney needs to see the totality of the evidence to determine if a motion may be filed.
before being raided. i was about to run to the bank to deposit money. i had counted the amount i had in hand. it was 11830$. but only 10500$ was on teh evidence.. as soon as they had me in handcuffs in my room. seein i had money layin out.. i had camera up. i smerkly said dont do something... View More
answered on Aug 14, 2022
Civil forfeiture is generally a separate proceeding if you're contesting it - but if they outright stole your money and are wondering what will happen the real answer is nothing unless you do something about it. What would you do? Likely ask the BCI to open up an investigation.
boyfriend got stop in a traffic stop they illegally searched him and made him get out of the car asked him where he came from he said he was visiting a friend at a hotel room so then they got a search warrent for the room that wasnt even his because they thought they would find drugs there and it... View More
answered on May 2, 2022
Maybe. This is too detailed of a question for an attorney to answer without having first seen the evidence in the case.
boyfriend got stop for a traffic stop they came to his window and asked him to come out of the car to pat him down just because he had a conviction of a firearm 5 years prior they frisked him and didnt find anything then they said the reason was because they seen a crown royal bag sticking out of... View More
answered on May 2, 2022
You likely need the squad car video to determine if there was an illegal search and seizure under the US Constitution. Even if there was, you cannot simply orally tell the judge about the issue - you have to make a motion, which is difficult to do if you're not an attorney.
answered on May 2, 2022
If the judge ordered it, then yes. However, you have the right to a bond review hearing.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
