Grand Forks Criminal Law Blog

An out-of-state man was recently arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the state. Police charged the man with a number of drug crimes charges, including possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. He is currently still in police custody, although a judge set a $10,000 bond.

The ordeal began at 3 a.m. when a North Dakota police officer noticed a vehicle that had been sitting with the lights on for a number of hours. Upon approaching the vehicle, the 28-year-old driver supposedly behaved in a manner that caused the officer to become suspicious. The officer claims that during that conversation he spotted drug paraphernalia through the car's window. This prompted a search of the vehicle.

Grand Forks has a hip restaurant and bar scene. While an evening with good friends and great wine is a wonderful way to wrap up the workweek, driving after drinking too much is an effective way to complicate your life. If you fail a breathalyzer test, prosecutors are likely to use the test’s results against you. 

Like all mechanical devices, breathalyzer tests are not perfect. In fact, some serious research studies have found test readings to be wildly unpredictable. Still, officers use units to determine if motorists have blood alcohol concentrations above the 0.08% legal limit. Here are four reasons breathalyzer tests may give bad readings: 

Most people in North Dakota understand that driving while under the influence of alcohol can lead to criminal charges. However, DUIs are not the only form of drunk driving charges. This is not necessarily common knowledge, and it can leave some defendants feeling confused about their charges, potential criminal consequences and their options for the future.

Many DUI charges begin when a police officer spots a driver he or she suspects might be driving under the influence. If the officer arrests the driver, it is usually on a DUI charge. DUI charges are used when the person arrested was stopped by a law enforcement officer.

Police in North Dakota arrested a woman they say was involved in a Make-a-Wish scam. Facing white collar crimes charges for forgery, false information and misleading or fraudulent communications, she posted bond and is no longer in police custody. The Make-a-Wish Foundation claims that it did not have any record of the woman's campaign.

The 33-year-old woman allegedly forged a false Make-a-Wish Foundation in order to secure funding for a new playground in her area. She is reportedly a member of her city's park board, although she will possibly be removed from her position in light of the recent criminal charges. The campaign was supposedly to fulfill the wish of a child who was suffering from a significant medical condition. The existence of the child in question has yet to be confirmed.