You might think that you don’t need a misdemeanor defense attorney if your charges aren’t that serious.
However, too much is at stake to try and take on the powers of the government and criminal justice system by yourself.
No matter what charges you face, having a skilled, aggressive, and experienced attorney represent you can give you the edge you need to minimize a criminal case’s impact on your life.
With several decades of experience fighting for the rights of their clients, the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka is ready to fight for you.
To get started, contact our Fargo criminal defense lawyers today.
Protect Your Rights with Help from an Experienced Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
Facing any criminal charge—including a misdemeanor—could lead to consequences that have a significant negative impact on your life.
The potential penalties for a misdemeanor conviction are serious.
For example, the maximum penalty for a Class A misdemeanor is 360 days in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
You can go to jail for a Class B misdemeanor for up to 30 days and pay a fine of up to $1,500.
What do you think would happen to your life if you went to jail for almost a year? Would you keep your job? What would happen to your family? How would you pay your bills? What would you do when you got out?
Even if you receive probation, you could still have your life turned upside down.
The judge might make you perform community service, attend counseling, and stay away from people or places associated with the crime.
You will likely have to regularly check in with your probation officer and take random drug and alcohol tests. And even a minor violation of your probation could land you in jail.
Additionally, there are other consequences besides jail and probation. For example, you might not be able to get a gun permit after a conviction.
You might have to report your conviction to a professional licensing board, who might then revoke your professional license, or you may have to report your conviction to an institution of higher learning if you are in school.
Depending on the charge, you could lose your driver’s license, too.
Aggressive Lawyers for Felony Defense
Felony charges in Fargo could lead to lengthy prison sentences. A felony conviction could send you to prison for years up to life without parole, depending on the severity of the charge.
Felony convictions will appear on a background check. That means you could lose employment, housing, and educational opportunities. You could also lose your right to vote.
An experienced felony criminal defense attorney could work with you closely to develop a winning defense strategy.
At Arechigo & Stokka, we use our vast experience and resources to prepare the best defense for you.
Fargo Felony Charges Dismissed
THE CASE: State Dismisses Felony Charges Against Client Prior of Trial
THE FACTS: Client was charged with Felony Animal Cruelty in Cass County stemming from a disciplinary incident involving the client’s pet cat. The client’s cat had been experiencing urinary issues and had been urinating in the client’s home. The client, in a moment of frustration, brushed the cat from the top of a kitty tower. The cat fell awkwardly, ultimately breaking its rear left leg. The client immediately took the cat to the vet. The vet developed a personal opinion that the client had intentionally and excessively harmed the cat. The vet called the police to report the cat’s injury. The Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office then decided to file a sole count of felony animal cruelty against the client.
THE DEFENSE: Our investigation revealed that the client in no way intended to harm the cat. We showed the prosecutor the lengths the client went to remedy the cat’s injury, including paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for the cat’s surgery, despite being told there was an option to put the cat down. We also showed the prosecutor that the client was truly an animal lover and would never intentionally harm an animal. Most importantly, we convinced the prosecutor that the state did not have the necessary evidence to secure a conviction at trial.
CASE RESULT: The prosecutor recognized the unlikelihood of a conviction at trial and dismissed the felony charges prior to trial. The client had a lot at stake. A felony conviction can be devastating. The client and the cat are both doing well.
Don’t Take Chances with Your Future
Consulting with an aggressive and award-winning misdemeanor defense attorney from the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka can help you determine the best defense for your case.
If you have more serious charges, our felony lawyers can help develop a defense strategy that could help you achieve your goals.
Contact us today at 651-390-1561 for a free and confidential consultation at our Fargo office.