Best Criminal Lawyer in North Dakota
RICK SAND
Criminal Lawyer
Rick Sand is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a licensed attorney in Arizona and North Dakota. During law school Mr. Sand interned for the Alaska Department of Administration’s Office of Public Advocacy. While at the Office of Public Advocacy Mr. Sand advocated for indigent clients accused of criminal offenses within the Municipality of Anchorage. He has also worked with the Arizona Justice Project in an effort to help inmates overturn wrongful convictions in the State of Arizona. Mr. Sand has been a coach for Special Olympics since 2008, coaching a variety of sports and volunteering for the 2009 Special Olympics Winter World Games in Boise, Idaho.
Mr. Sand focuses his practice on representing clients in criminal defense, personal injury, and business litigation matters throughout the State of North Dakota
Mr. Sand practices law throughout western North Dakota. In addition he has worked as contract counsel for the North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents. Mr. Sand enjoys hunting and fishing as well as spending time outdoors.
EDUCATION:
- University of St. Thomas, B.S.
- Hamline Law School – Health Law Inst.
- University of St. Thomas, J.D.
PRACTICE AREAS:
- Criminal Defense
- DUI/DWI
- Personal Injury
- Business Litigation
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
- American Bar Association
- Arizona Bar AssociationMaricopa County Bar Association
- North Dakota Bar Association
- North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
BAR ADMISSIONS:
- Arizona
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- U.S. District Court – District of North Dakota
LLOYD C. SUHR
Criminal Lawyer
Lloyd has been practicing almost exclusively in the area of criminal law for over 20 years. A former prosecutor with the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s Office for 11 years and a criminal defense attorney for a decade, Lloyd has handled thousands of cases in virtually every area of criminal law. This includes juvenile matters, DUI cases, property crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes, computer and white-collar crimes, and violent crimes (including multiple homicide cases). He has also handled dozens of post-conviction proceedings in the North Dakota Supreme Court.
Lloyd is licensed in the North Dakota Supreme Court, United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, and the United States Supreme Court. He serves on the North Dakota Joint Procedures Committee, Advisory Commission on Electronic Media in the Courtroom, and the State Bar Association Legislative Committee. He is a member of the National College of DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also teaches Criminal Procedure at the University of Mary.In his spare time Lloyd enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, spoiling the family Boston Terrier, reading, and traveling.
Blake D. Hankey
Criminal Lawyer
Mr. Hankey is an owner of Hankey Law, PLLC. He is licensed to practice law in North Dakota District and Federal Court as well as Minnesota District Court. He practices primarily in criminal defense and family law.He was raised in Fargo, ND, and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a bachelor’s degree in communications. In 2003, he earned a juris doctor from Western State University.Mr. Hankey currently resides in Harwood, ND, with his wife, Kelsey, his son, and their dog. Mr. Hankey is currently serving as councilman for the city of Harwood.
Education
- Western State University College of Law, Fullerton, California
- Juris Doctor – 2003
- University of Minnesota, Duluth, Minnesota
- Major: Communications
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense
- DUI Defense
- Drug Charges
- Landlord/ Tenant
Bar Admissions
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- U.S. District Court District of North Dakota
ASHLEY GULKE
Criminal Lawyer
Ashley Gulke opened Gulke Law, in Minot, N.D., in 2013. As the sole proprietor, she has served as a state criminal defense lawyer, a federal criminal defense lawyer, worked many family law cases and taken on many other private cases. In addition, Gulke Law maintained indigent defense contracts with McKenzie and Ward counties in North Dakota. She has also served as a CJA panel attorney for federal criminal cases in North Dakota. Gulke has extensive case experience as a defense lawyer and in divorce and family law cases and other types of legal situations.
Gulke received her Juris Doctorate in 2008 from Santa Clara University School of Law in Santa Clara, Calif. While attending school she racked up hours of experience and education outside the classroom, working as a law clerk with the Santa Clara County Family Law Facilitator’s office in San Jose, Calif. She also clerked in Chicago, Illinois, with Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, and with a private law firm in San Jose.Supporting the law while maintaining the rights of her clients is Gulke’s No. 1 priority. There’s no one better to lead your team in times of legal trouble.
Daniel E. Hopper
Criminal Lawyer
Daniel earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota with a double major in Political Science and History. He 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 in Minnesota for criminal defense cases and is a staunch advocate for those he represents. Daniel is licensed and practices in all courts in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota. Daniel is also licensed to practice in the Federal Courts of North Dakota and Minnesota.A native of Minnesota, Daniel grew up in Detroit Lakes. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, friends, and family. He enjoys golfing, bowling, fishing, and an occasional Twins game.
Jeff L. Nehring
Criminal Lawyer
Jeff Nehring was born and raised in Williston, North Dakota. Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Dakota in 1993. Afterwards, Jeff attended law school at the University of North Dakota where he graduated and received his Juris Doctorate degree (J.D.) in 1996. After graduation, Jeff took a position as an associate attorney with Bjella Neff Rathert Wahl & Eiken, P.C., a law firm in Williston. As an associate attorney, Jeff practiced in a variety of areas, which included oil & gas, civil litigation and criminal law. It was during this time that Jeff discovered that his passion was criminal defense. After four years, Jeff left the law firm to start his own practice.
Jeff concentrates his practice on criminal defense. During his 15 year career, he has handled more than 2,000 criminal cases ranging from Driving Under the Influence to Murder. Jeff was invited to join the National Trial Lawyers, which is a national organization composed of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state. A vast majority of Jeff’s clients are referred from past clients, other lawyers and prosecutors who have litigated against him in trial. Jeff looks forward to assisting you resolve your criminal charges, with dedication and determination.
Area of Practice
Criminal Defense
Admitted to Practice
North Dakota: 1996
Montana: 1998
Fort Peck Tribal Court: 2000
District Court of North Dakota: 2002
Memberships
Upper Missouri Valley Bar Association
State Bar Association of North Dakota
North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
American Association for Justice
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
North Dakota Association of Justice
The National Trial Lawyers
Tim O’Keeffe
Criminal Lawyer
Tim was a founding partner when the firm opened in 2003. He is currently president of the firm.Tim O’Keeffe focuses on the best result possible for his clients. In matters of serious injury, total vindication is a hard thing to attain. But Tim’s years of experience and success as a legal advocate have earned him a sterling reputation. He’s known as a determined, passionate attorney who dedicates his attention to his clients.Tim O’Keeffe grew up in Mandan, North Dakota. He graduated from Jamestown College in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science. Tim went on to earn his law degree from the Hamline University School of Law in 1998. Upon graduating, Tim moved to Fargo where he served as the Fargo city prosecutor and was a partner at another Fargo law firm.Tim has an extensive amount of experience handling civil and criminal trials. Currently, his practice areas include serious personal injury, wrongful death, business/commercial litigation, and criminal defense.
Professional Involvement
Tim is an advocate for justice for his clients but he is also very involved in professional organizations that help advocate for change on the state and national levels as well.
- President of the North Dakota Association of Justice 2013-2014. He continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors
- Tim was appointed in 2014 to the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice (formerly known as the American Trial Lawyers Association)
- Member of the Injury Board – a national organization of trial attorneys focused on improving their practices through education and local community involvement
Community Involvement
Tim is active in his community having served on various committees civic, recreational, and charitable organizations.
- Coached several youth athletic teams in Fargo
- Served as an officer in the El Zagal Shrine
- Served as on the board of directors of the Fargo Children’s Museum
- Board member of the Fargo Country Club 2009 – 2015
- University of Jamestown Alumni Association board member 2014- present
Professional Experience Examples
- Judgment in the wrongful death of a child in a car accident ($900,000)
- Settlement for 55-year-old motorcycle driver hit by car ($125,000)
- Settlement of wrongful death of a child in a motorcycle accident (confidential)
- Settlement of lawsuit for family of young female killed by defective air bag and seat belt in low speed crash (confidential)
- Settlement of federal lawsuit for 40 year-old male suffering spine injury due to defective air bag in pick-up (confidential)
- Settlement of wrongful death/medical malpractice of an 82 year-old female for failure to diagnose an injury that occurred during surgery (confidential)
- Mediation resulting in settlement for teenager sexually assaulted by guard at juvenile detention center ($300,000)
- Settlement of sexual assault of two females in a correctional facility (confidential)
- Settlement of wrongful death of 60 year-old male who killed himself while on suicide watch at mental facility (confidential)
- Jury verdict in North Dakota Federal court for small local business against large racing organization for intentional interference with business ($375,000)
- Settlement for insurance policy limits for male that lost his arm in a car accident (confidential)
- Settlement for 28 year-old female who was wrongfully diagnosed with cancer and underwent unnecessary surgery to remove lymph nodes (confidential)
- Represented infant girl who suffered brachial plexis injury during birth due to negligence of delivering physician
- Represented victims of the Anhydrous Ammonia spill in the Minot train derailment
- Represented individuals injured from the use of prescription drugs such as Fen-Phen, Baycol and Vioxx
- Settled for 13 victims of gas explosion in house resulting in severe burns and PTSD
- Represented numerous individuals involving motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, defective products, and wrongful death
- Obtained settlements for victims of dangerous and defective medical devices
- (Past results do not guarantee future performance. Each case is different)
Jay Greenwood
Criminal Lawyer
Jay attended the University of North Dakota and graduated summa cum laude in 2001 with degrees in Biology and Sociology. Following undergraduate, Jay attended Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, OR. There, Jay was voted the most Outstanding Oral Advocate in his first year and had his associated Appellate Brief given an “Honors” designation. He was selected as one of only two second-year students to participate in Appellate Advocacy Moot Court, and he did so for two years. He graduated in 2004 with a General Business Law certificate.After law school, Jay moved back to Dickinson and worked as Law Clerk for Judges Schmalenberger, Hilden and Anderson of the Southwest Judicial District. Then, when North Dakota opened the doors to its first Public Defender’s Offices in 2006, Jay began with that entity in its Dickinson office. He practiced there until moving to West Fargo in 2013.
Jay continues to receive criminal and juvenile contract cases from the Commission to date. His primary practice areas include Criminal Defense, Child Custody, Guardianship, Mental Health and Juvenile Law. He is admitted to practice in North Dakota and Minnesota as well as the United States District Court, District of North Dakota.
Jay is a member of the North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He serves on the Caseflow Management Committee and Caseflow Management Workgroup as well. Jay and his wife, Shanna, live in West Fargo with their three children, Max, Lucy, and Ollie and their bulldog Gwen. During the warmer months, you can find them camping, fishing, exercising or spending time with friends and family.
Peace Garden State Justice: Why You Need a Top Criminal Attorney in North Dakota
Facing criminal charges in North Dakota, the “Peace Garden State,” can feel like navigating the vast prairie – beautiful yet unforgiving. The legal system, while striving for fairness, can be intricate and demanding. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer in North Dakota is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in North Dakota’s Legal Landscape:
North Dakota has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in North Dakota possesses in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Decode Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in North Dakota criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
2. Championing Your Rights Under North Dakota Law:
Your fundamental rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in North Dakota are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures, such as respecting your right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. They will challenge any violations of your rights and work to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you. (ND.gov)
3. Building a Strong Defense Through Strategic Planning:
A top criminal lawyer in North Dakota doesn’t wait for the prosecution to make a move:
- Thorough Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing the evidence, witness statements, and any potential legal issues. They will identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence to support your defense.
4. Negotiating for the Best Possible Outcome:
Skilled negotiation can lead to favorable resolutions:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: A competent criminal attorney possesses excellent negotiation skills and can engage in plea bargaining with the prosecution. They will advocate on your behalf, aiming to reduce charges or penalties, and explore alternatives such as diversion programs or probation. This negotiation skill can help minimize the potential consequences of your case.
5. Trial-Ready Representation When You Need It Most:
If your case goes to trial, having a seasoned lawyer by your side is crucial:
- Experienced Courtroom Advocates: The best criminal lawyers in North Dakota have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.
6. A Network of Support During a Difficult Time:
The legal process can be emotionally draining:
- Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal lawyers in North Dakota not only provide legal representation but also offer emotional support and reassurance throughout the process. They will explain your options, answer your questions, and help you navigate the legal system with confidence.
7. Access to Valuable Resources:
Top criminal lawyers can leverage extensive connections:
- Strength in Numbers: Top criminal lawyers often have access to a network of professionals and resources, including investigators, expert witnesses, and other specialists who can provide valuable insights and evidence to support your defense. Access to these resources can significantly strengthen your case.