Grand Forks Criminal Law Blog

Law enforcement officials often work together for many months to uncover supposed drug activity in their jurisdictions. Multiple agencies may be involved as officers investigate leads and interview witnesses. A North Dakota man is facing charges for drug crimes after police claim he conspired with others to sell drugs.

A 32-year-old man from East Grand Forks was charged with conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime. Officers from the East Grand Forks Police Department report that the man's apartment was frequently visited over the past year and a half. Evidently, witnesses saw parcels being left in a dumpster at the man's apartment complex. According to reports, people would come get the boxes or bags out of the dumpster at a later time.

Safety organizations and police departments throughout North Dakota and all around the nation frequently urge motorists to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcoholic beverages. Driving under the influence can result in property damage or injuries to those involved. Drunk driving charges are also a likelihood that can seriously affect someone's life, particularly if multiple offenses are alleged. A man recently received his fourth DUI charge after being accused of operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

The Wahpeton Police Department reports that they responded to an accident where one vehicle apparently hit another. A 36-year-old man at the scene evidently stated that he was the driver of the car that hit the other one. During the investigation of the crash, officers supposedly smelled alcohol on the man's breath and indicated that his speech was irregular. Records reflect that the driver said he had been drinking.

It is never a good idea for anyone to get behind the wheel of a car after having a few drinks. When someone is impaired, there is a greater likelihood of having an accident or causing damage to property. A North Dakota man is facing drunk driving charges, among others, after he allegedly hit a squad car and led law enforcement officers on a low-speed chase.

A car being driven suspiciously was observed on a rural road by officers from the Richland County Sheriff's Office. Officials identified the driver as 70-year-old man who was supposedly under house arrest. A deputy  attempted to stop the man; however, he continued to drive into a neighboring area. More deputies joined in the efforts to detain the man.

Recent news in North Dakota and throughout the country has been full of stories associated with the #MeToo movement regarding sexual harassment as well as allegations about a sport doctor's mistreatment of children. In addition, sexual abuse and sexual assault are other sex crimes with which a person may be charged. These are very serious accusations, and it is important to understand these terms, their similarities and how they differ.

Sexual abuse is most often used in regard to children, as opposed to adults. Every state has legislation that specifies that children cannot give consent to a sexual act. The age of consent varies among states from 16 to 18 years old (it's 18 in North Dakota).  Sexual assault can be defined as a range of criminal acts of a sexual nature. It may also be referred to as sexual violence.