Violent Crime Defense Attorney located in Moorhead

Serving Fargo, Moorhead, Cass County, Clay County & the Surrounding Areas

A violent crime conviction carries some of the steepest and most severe penalties a person can face. As soon as you suspect that you are under investigation – or if you have been charged with a violent crime – consult with a trusted criminal defense attorney who can fight for you.

At Joe Irby Law Firm, we offer aggressive, personalized defense strategies for the criminally accused. We understand the effect a violent crime conviction can have on your future, and we take these cases extremely seriously. With our help, you may be able to reduce the sentence you receive or have the charges against you dropped altogether. Our violent crime defense attorney in Moorhead work tirelessly to achieve favorable results for each and every client we serve.

Get started on your case today with a consultation. Call (218) 325-5050 to schedule.

What Are Violent Crimes?

As the name suggests, a violent crime is any criminal action that is violent in nature or that presents a victim with the threat of violence.

Examples of violent crimes and their penalties include:

Most violent crimes are prosecuted as felonies, which means the penalties will be more severe than those of a misdemeanor charge.

• Assault and battery: "Simple assault" is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Assault where the defendant has a prior conviction for domestic violence is a "gross misdemeanor" and is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
• Domestic violence: Same penalties as for an assault or battery conviction. Additionally, if the defendant violates a "no contact order," the penalty is up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and mandatory counseling. Violating a protective order within ten years of being convicted of a domestic violence offense is punishable by 1-5 years in jail and a fine of $3,000-$10,000.
• Sexual assault and rape: Must register as a sex offender. Penalties vary widely depending on the degree of sexual assault. Fifth degree rape is punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of up to $3,000, while first degree rape is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $40,000.
• Child abuse or neglect: Depending on the severity of harm to the child, penalties can reach up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000. For the least serious cases, penalties can reach imprisonment of up to 1 year and a fine of up to $3,000.
• Aggravated robbery: Up to 20 years' imprisonment and fines up to $35,000, depending on degree of robbery.
• Kidnapping: Up to 20 years' imprisonment if victim is released in safety and without great injury, but up to 40 years' imprisonment if the victim is not released in safety, has suffered great harm, or is under 16 years old.
• Murder and homicide: Life imprisonment for first-degree murder, up to 40 years' imprisonment for second-degree murder, and up to 25 years' imprisonment for third-degree murder.

What Is Aggravated Robbery?

A person commits aggravated robbery when they attempt to take another person's property while using a dangerous weapon, or the threat of a dangerous weapon. Aggravated robbery can be charged in the first or second-degree depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Our Approach to Violent Crime Cases

At every stage of the process, we keep your needs, goals, and interests in mind. After all, your success is our highest priority. Our Moorhead violent crime defense lawyer consults frequently with you, the client, to keep you updated and inform you of your options. We want to help you make choices that reflect your best interests.

Violent crime charges do not have to be the be-all and end-all – there is hope. As your aggressive and unyielding counsel, the team at Joe Irby Law Firm can help fight for a positive resolution and a brighter tomorrow.

Call (218) 325-5050 or contact us online to request a consultation with our firm.