Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me in Fargo Area

Trent Barkus is a proud Veteran who grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota. He attended the University of North Dakota for law school. Trent attended the Jamestown College for his undergraduate degree and Troy University for his graduate degree. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History/Political Science with a minor in Economics in 2008. In 2010, Trent enlisted in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Specialist and while serving received a Master of Science in International Relations in 2015. He left active duty and joined the reserves where he was appointed a Naval Officer in 2017. During law school Trent worked as a law clerk dedicating his time to criminal cases. Additionally, he interned over the summer of 2017 as a Judicial Law Clerk in Becker County, Minnesota. Trent has first hand experience in handling various criminal cases.. Trent resides in West Fargo with his family.. He was admitted to practice in North Dakota in state and federal court in 2019.

Scott practices primarily in the areas of criminal law and estate planning. Scott's clients often describe him as "a straightforward, no-nonsense advocate." Scott is a husband, father and a native of West Fargo, North Dakota.. Criminal LawHaving handled over a thousand criminal cases in his career and having appeared in numerous counties throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, Scott has seen almost every type of case: DUI, Minor In Possession (MIP), drug possession, disorderly conduct, domestic violence, assault, white collar crime, theft, burglary, tresspass, sex crimes, appeals, and even homicide are some of of the examples of cases that have come across Scott's desk. Growing up on a farm gave Scott the work ethic to know when the extra effort is needed on a case. As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Scott has developed a knack for being able to engage in straight talk about what is going on with each case he handles. He is not afraid to have a candid conversation about what is happening in the case with his clients, the prosecutors, judges and juries.. Family Law. Scott works with the Family Law Team in Nilson Brand Law.  If you are experiencing issues with divorce, custody, no contact orders, or something else relating to family law, Scott wants to work with you and help you navigate through those turbulent waters.. Estate PlanningScott is still Involved with his family's farming operation. He knows farming is not just a career, it is a way of life that is passed down from one generation to the next. Scott understands the importance of managing his client's estates so this way of life can be protected.. Areas of PracticeCriminal DefenseCriminal TrialsLandlord/Tenant DisputesAdministrative AppealsEstate PlanningFamily Law. Bar AdmissionsNorth DakotaMinnesotaU.S. District Court District of North Dakota. EducationUniversity of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, North DakotaJ.D. magna cum laude - 2012Honors: Moot Court ChampionHonors: Environmental Law Society, RefounderLaw Review: University of North Dakota Law Review. University of North DakotaB.A. - 2009Honors: Officer of Pi Sigma AlphaMajor: Political Science. Honors and AwardsLillian Elsinga Outstanding Student Leader Award, 2012Memorial Union Leadership Scholarship, 2012Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, 2016 - 2019. Professional Associations and MembershipsCass County Inns of Court (Ronald N. Davies Inns of Court)North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Past Employment PositionsNorthwest Judicial District of North Dakota, Judicial law clerkMinnesota Army National GuardSenator Byron Dorgan in Washington, D.C.

Nicole L. Bredahl grew up in Fargo, North Dakota.  She attened the  University of North Dakota for her undergraduate and law school degrees.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2011 and her law degree in 2014.  During law school Nicole worked as a law clerk dedicating her time to criminal and family law cases. Although newly licensed, Nicole has first hand experience in handling various criminal and family related cases.. Nicole resides in West Fargo with her family.. She was admitted to practice in North Dakota in 2016.

Nick loves practicing law in and out of the courtroom. He has extensive experience in representing people in all stages of criminal proceedings, from the first appearance or arraignment through trial, appeal, and post-conviction proceedings. While his primary practice area is criminal law, Nick also practices in family law, personal injury, and general litigation. Nick is licensed to practice in all federal and state courts in North Dakota and Minnesota.. Before joining Fremstad Law Firm, Nick represented almost two-thousand individual clients at the Fargo Public Defender Office in all types of criminal cases from driving under the influence and driving under suspension to murder and gross sexual imposition. Before that, he clerked for Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner at the North Dakota Supreme Court.. Nick received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He received his law degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. Nick has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Mary and is pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota.. Nick has authored two articles published by the North Dakota Law Review, presented on a number of criminal defense-related topics at continuing legal education seminars, and has taught law-related classes at the University of Mary. Nick is a past-president and charter member of the North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Nick also serves as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach at a local youth wrestling club.. Nick is originally from Jamestown, North Dakota. He and his wife have two very active sons. During their spare time, Nick and his family enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Mark's primary practice area is criminal law. Additionally, Mark practices in general litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Mark was a law clerk to the Honorable Dale V. Sandstrom of the North Dakota Supreme Court. Mark received undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Social/Behavioral Sciences from Bismarck State College and the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. He received his law degree, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota School of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif.. Mark was a Bismarck police officer for over 5 years. As an officer, he performed numerous additional duties, including: field and recruit training; membership on the tactical team and bomb disposal team; and chemical test operator. Mark has trained law enforcement officers at seminars conducted throughout the United States. Mark also teaches law-related topics at North Dakota State University in Fargo and the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks. He frequently speaks for criminal justice organizations across the state.. Mark retired from the North Dakota Army National Guard after serving for over 24 years, holding numerous positions, including platoon leader, executive officer, detachment commander, company commander, battalion staff, assistant staff judge advocate and state judge advocate.. Mark is a charter member and former Secretary of the North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Since 2010, Mark has served as the District of North Dakota Criminal Justice Act Panel Representative.

Luke is an attorney at Vogel Law Firm. Luke’s practice area is criminal defense, where he aggressively advocates for his clients to achieve positive outcomes in their matters. Prior to working at Vogel, Luke was the head of the criminal defense department at another local law firm.. Luke attended Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Economics and Global Business. After graduating from Jamestown College, Luke attended the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There, Luke concentrated on criminal law courses and clerked at the First District Public Defender’s Office. Luke was also selected by his UST Law class to be their commencement speaker.Luke was born and raised in Jamestown, North Dakota and graduated from Jamestown High School.. During high school, Luke was a member of student government and was a member of the varsity basketball team for three years, including a senior year where he was named a unanimous selection to the All-WDA basketball team and chosen to the Class A Lion’s All-Star team.. Luke met his wife, Holly, while attending Jamestown College. In his free time, Luke enjoys spending time with Holly and their children, watching sports and movies, and continues to play amateur basketball to his teammate’s dismay.

Lawyer living in West Fargo, ND.  Married, three kids, a house and a Jeep.

Jesse Lange completed a double-major in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Minot State University.  Jesse graduated with distinction from the University of North Dakota Law School having earned numerous awards and honors for his scholarship and his success in competition.. A lifelong interest in civil rights and criminal justice issues led Jesse to focus his career on the defense of people accused of crimes.  He has extensive litigation experience in the courts of North Dakota, Minnesota, and the Federal system with cases involving drug, personal, and property crimes.  As an advocate, he has been very successful in jury trials and in pretrial suppression hearings.  His practice also extends to appeals and post-conviction relief having successfully represented clients in the appellate courts of both North Dakota and Minnesota, and in post conviction proceedings to overturn guilty verdicts and sentences.. He is a zealous and determined advocate for his clients and a formidable opponent to any prosecutor.

Jeff was born and raised in North Dakota. In 1986, he received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. In 1989, Jeff received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University Of North Dakota School Of Law. While in law school, Jeff was elected Moot Court Board President and was awarded the Order of Barrister. This honor recognizes, on a national basis, graduating law students who excelled as students in written and oral advocacy activities and competitions. Jeff is highly rated, by his peers, in both legal ability and ethical standards.. Jeff is admitted to practice law in the State of North Dakota, United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, and United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.. Jeff has extensive civil and criminal trial experience, as well as appellate experience. Jeff specializes in litigation, with an emphasis in personal injury, criminal defense, and consumer and business litigation. He has been active in representing groups of plaintiffs in class action cases. He has been certified by Courts to be co-lead counsel in class action cases in Federal and State Courts.. In addition, Jeff has also represented defendants in some of the largest narcotic cases in North Dakota’s history. Jeff has defended individuals in criminal jury trials where such individuals were accused of, including among other crimes, murder, attempted murder, rape, narcotic crimes, bank robbery, violent crimes and driving under the influence.. Furthermore, Jeff has been active in representing injured clients whose lives have been devastated. Jeff represents family members who have lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligent actions and individuals whose lives have been devastated with, among other injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), amputations, severe burns, facial scaring and spine injuries. Jeff understands that the consequences of a major accident can effect a person’s life for years. Medical treatment can be staggeringly expensive, while injuries may lead to debilitating pain or other chronic problems. Jeff has been helping injured people obtain financial recovery for almost 25 years. Jeff is committed to each client’s success in court or in negotiations with insurance companies.. Jeff thrives on hard work to help clients resolve problems. Additionally, because he is able to draw upon a wealth of litigation experience, Jeff brings a perspective and vision to cases that attorneys who focus in one narrow area of law may lack.. There is a number of professional organizations that Jeff is an active member of, including being a Charter Member of the Eighth Circuit Bar Association, Founding Member of the North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Life Member in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Greg Liebl is a family lawyer located in Fargo, North Dakota specializing in divorce, child custody, visitation or parenting time, adoption, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, restraining or protection orders, name changes, parental rights & more. Although based out of Fargo, Greg works with clients from Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot and throughout North Dakota.

Erica is an attorney with the criminal defense practice group in our Fargo and Grand Forks offices.. Erica earned her juris doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law. While in law school, Erica cultivated and enhanced her courtroom advocacy skills in preparation of becoming a zealous advocate for her clients. She participated and excelled in several advocacy competitions including the Phi Alpha Delta National Trial Competition, the Texas Young Lawyers Association National Trial Competition, the Carrigan Cup Intramural Trial Competition, and moot court. Erica received numerous honors, awards, and scholarships recognizing her exceptional advocacy abilities, including attaining the highest grade in her criminal advocacy course. She also served as president of the Student Trial Lawyers Association, a judicial extern for the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, and an intern for the Grand Forks County State’s Attorney’s Office. Before joining the Vogel Law Firm, Erica served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Chief Justice Jon J. Jensen of the North Dakota Supreme Court.. Erica graduated from Bismarck Century High School and earned her bachelor of science degree in political science and philosophy from North Dakota State University. At NDSU, Erica was actively involved in student government and other student-led organizations. She also sang in NDSU’s Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, and BisonArts Singers.. Erica lives in Grand Forks with her husband, Alex, who is a choir teacher at Red River High School. She enjoys spending her free time with friends and family, traveling, and taking long walks with her English Cocker Spaniel, Theodore.

Daniel earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota with a double-major in Political Science and History. Daniel went on to complete his Juris Doctor degree at the University of North Dakota School of Law, graduating with distinction. Daniel's undergraduate studies fostered an interest in the development of the criminal justice system in the United States and influenced his decision to focus his legal practice solely on criminal defense. Daniel is the firm's primary attorney on Minnesota criminal defense cases and is a staunch advocate for those he represents. Daniel is licensed and practices in all courts in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Federal Court.. A native of Minnesota, Daniel grew up in Detroit Lakes. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, spending time with friends and family, golfing, bowling, fishing, and an occasional Twins game.

Bruce concentrates his practice in criminal defense. He received his undergraduate degree in 1975 from North Dakota State University and graduated with distinction from the University of North Dakota Law School in 1978.. Before joining the firm in 1989, Bruce spent several years as a prosecutor in the State's Attorney's office, Cass County, North Dakota, and as First Assistant Attorney General in the North Dakota Attorney General's office. His experience includes numerous jury trials and appeals in state and federal courts.. Bruce is a frequent speaker at seminars and meetings for lawyers, law enforcement and political subdivisions, and he organized a criminal defense section of the State Bar Association of North Dakota. He teaches at North Dakota State University and has written many articles and a book on criminal law. Bruce currently teaches criminal trial advocacy and criminal procedure at the University of North Dakota Law School.. Bruce is an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, ShareHouse, Inc., and former chairman of the North Dakota Horse Racing Commission. His wife, Roberta, sells real estate at Park Company. Bruce and Roberta have three children, Robert, Mitchell, and Anna. Robert practices criminal defense law in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Adam Justinger recognizes that some of the most difficult times in an individual’s life is when they have been charged with a crime. As a criminal defense attorney for SW&L Attorneys, Adam vigorously defends his clients and strives to get his clients the best possible outcome in their case.. What Made Adam Want to Practice Criminal Defense. During his first year of law school, Adam was unsure of what area of law he wanted to practice. At the end of his first year, Adam accepted a law clerk position with a criminal defense firm in Grand Forks, North Dakota. During his two years as a law clerk, Adam found his passion doing criminal defense law. After clerking, Adam was hired by SW&L Attorneys to practice in the area of criminal defense and has decided to focus his career on the defense of people accused of crimes.. Educational Background. Adam attended the University of North Dakota  and received a degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration. After graduation, Adam enrolled in law school at the University of North Dakota School of Law and earned his law degree in 2018.. During law school, Adam was very active. Adam’s greatest passion while in law school was participating in mock cases to perfect his oral advocacy skills. Adam participated in Moot Court during his second and third year of law school. During the internal Moot Court competition, Adam and his team partner received the best brief award. This allowed Adam the opportunity to advance to external Moot Court during his second and third year. During Adam’s second year of law school, Adam traveled to Las Vegas, NV to compete in the Frank A. Schreck Gaming Law Moot Court Competition. During Adam’s third year of law school, he traveled to Saint Paul, MN and competed in the McGee Moot Court Competition. Adam and his team partner advanced to the semifinal round. As a result of his success in Moot Court, Adam was accepted into the Order of the Barristers (awarded for oral advocacy and brief writing skills). Adam joined the the Energy Law Association his first year of law school and became the President during his second and third year. Furthermore, Adam was the secretary of the Student Bar Association during his second year, and the vice president of the organization during his third year. Additionally, Adam was a member of the Criminal Law Association and the Sports Law Association.. Personal Background. Adam was born and raised in Kimberly, Wisconsin by his mother who taught him the importance of an education. At age five, Adam looked at his mother and told her that he wanted to be an attorney because he enjoyed arguing. Although that has always been Adam’s dream, he began working for his grandparents construction business, which taught him the importance of hardwork, and communication. Even though Adam enjoyed working construction, he never forgot about his goal of becoming an attorney and went on to receive his law degree in 2018. In his spare time, Adam enjoys traveling/spending time with his girlfriend, hunting and fishing, socializing with family and friends, listening to music, and cooking.. Bar Admissions. Admitted to practice in North Dakota since 2018, Bar ID number 08635Admitted to practice in Minnesota since 2018, Bar ID number 0400351Admitted to practice in United States District Court, District of North Dakota since 2018.Admitted to practice in United States District Court, District of Minnesota since 2023.Admitted to practice in United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit since 2022.. Adam is not licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction not identified above.. Professional Memberships and Certifications. President, Cass County Bar Association (“CCBA”)Member, North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (“NDACDL”)Member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (“MACDL”)Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association (“DUIDLA”)Member, State Bar Association of North Dakota (“SBAND”)Member, Minnesota State Bar Association (“MSBA”)Member, MSBA Criminal Law SectionMember, American Inns of CourtMember, North Dakota Association for Justice. Criminal Defense Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers2021 Great Plains Rising Star, Super Lawyers2022 Great Plains Rising Star, Super Lawyers. Blog Articles and Contributing Information. For Adam’s blog articles, current criminal defense issues, and other relevant information regarding the area of criminal defense, add Adam on LinkedIn.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fargo and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fargo and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fargo and surrounding areas.