Federal Criminal Defense in North Dakota & Minnesota

Federal criminal charges are some of the most serious charges anyone can face. Many carry mandatory minimum sentences and longer prison time than similar state-level charges.

Convictions can mean years, if not decades, in prison; significant fines and penalties; and a criminal record that takes a lifetime to overcome. The government also has virtually limitless resources, including highly-trained agents, prosecutors, and staff who work together in pursuit of convictions.

Given this, if you or a loved one is under federal investigation in North Dakota or Minnesota or has been charged with a federal crime in either state, it's imperative that you hire an attorney that is specifically experienced in defending federal crimes.

Dane DeKrey, the firm’s co-founder, is a former Assistant Federal Public Defender, meaning he handled hundreds of federal criminal cases across North Dakota. He has even trained other criminal defense attorneys in federal criminal procedure. He’s extremely knowledgeable in federal sentencing guidelines, motion and detention hearings, and legal briefing in the federal system.

Federal Practice Areas

What to do If you’re charged with a federal crime

 

Criminal charges brought by the United States government are known as “federal criminal charges” or “federal charges.” Most of these cases are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.

Federal crimes differ from state crimes in many ways, but they are generally more serious and carry much harsher penalties. This is due to something called the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

At the federal level, sentencing is determined under a complex set of guidelines theoretically designed to ensure uniformity and consistency in sentencing decisions across the country. The guidelines take into account factors such as criminal history and seriousness of the offense to determine a recommended sentencing range. These guidelines have been criticized by judges, defense attorneys (including those at our firm), and even former federal prosecutors as overly harsh and inflexible, but they still remain in place and control.

Most individuals charged in the federal system will qualify for a public defender or court-appointed attorney through the “CJA“ system. Attorneys at Ringstrom DeKrey participate in the CJA program, so there is a chance one of our attorneys may be assigned to your case.

However, if you wish to retain a private attorney to fight your federal criminal charge, contact us right away. The sooner we get involved, the better chance we have to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Things To know about federal criminal charges

 
 

Contact us

Email: admin@ringstromlaw.com

Tel: 218-284-0484

814 Center Ave. Ste. 5
Moorhead, MN 56560