Nicole Nichols gets DWI Dismissed after Win on Motion to Suppress

Nicole’s client was charged with Third Degree DWI – Refusal in Hennepin County.  After a careful review of the evidence, Nicole filed a motion to suppress all of the evidence relating to the DWI arrest because the police officer obtained the evidence after unlawfully entering her client’s garage.  At the contested hearing, Nicole cross-examined the officer and argued that the officer violated her client’s Constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment when he went into her garage to follow up on a speeding ticket.  The judge agreed with Nicole, granted her motion, and suppressed all evidence of the DWI.  The DWI was subsequently dismissed.

Mike Brandt Secures Continuance for Dismissal on a Trespass Charge in Hennepin County

Mike’s client was accused of Trespass for wandering into a construction site late one night after out partying with his friends.  The Trespass conviction could have created many problems for the client in his future, as someone would not be aware of what the circumstances were for his arrest.  The prosecutor would not deal and wanted a plea of guilty; Mike presented the prosecutor with many equitable reasons why there should not be a conviction on the client’s record, pushed the prosecutor that he would take the case to trial, and the prosecutor eventually relented and agreed to continue the matter for dismissal.  What that means is that the charge against Mike’s client will be dismissed as long as he does not have a similar offense within one year.

Nicole Nichols Gets Probation Violation Dismissed in Ramsey County

Nicole’s client was facing up to 60 days in jail for violating probation on a case of Failing to Stop for an Accident Resulting in Bodily Injury or Death to Another where he was placed on probation for one year.  By failing to follow the terms of his probation, a warrant was issued for his arrest.  Nicole worked to convince the Probation Officer to dismiss the violation after her client went through treatment.  The violation was dismissed, the Court cancelled the probation violation hearing, and Nicole’s client was discharged from probation.

Mike Brandt Succeeds in Getting Assault Charges Continued for Dismissal

Mike Brandt’s client was charged with Assault stemming from a road rage incident.  The other party involved was beat up pretty bad and had to seek medical attention due to the incident.  Upon review of the facts and after talking with his client, Mike realized that the police had not properly investigated the case.  Mike utilized an investigator to interview witnesses to show that his client was not the aggressor and was only acting in self-defense.

  Based upon the independent investigation, the prosecutor agreed to continue the case for dismissal which means that the case was continued out for a period of time, at which time the charge will be dismissed.

  Once the charge is dismissed, Mike’s client will have the ability to have the record expunged (sealed), which will prevent anyone from knowing that he was charged with the offense.

  This result is another example that with thorough preparation and knowledge of the law, Brandt Criminal Defense will use to your advantage to help you through your legal troubles.

Mike Brandt Wins Implied Consent Trial

Mike Brandt recently succeeded in getting the revocation of a client’s driver’s license rescinded based upon an illegal entry by the police into the defendant’s home.

  Mike’s client was charged with a DWI and her license was revoked for refusing to test based on an incident where the police officer came to the defendant’s house, spoke with the defendant’s daughter, and then came into the house to arrest the defendant.  Mike argued to the court that the police illegally entered the client’s house and therefore all the evidence from the illegal entry should be suppressed.

  A trial was conducted where the police officer and the defendant’s daughter testified.  Mike made legal arguments to the Judge and the Judge issued a ruling that the police officer illegally entered the house and he rescinded the revocation of the defendant’s driving privileges.  The criminal case was resolved with the client pleading guilty to a charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident, which had no impact on her driver’s license.

  This case is another example of the thorough preparation, knowledge of the law, and results that come with hiring Brandt Criminal Defense.

Michael Brandt Gets Probation Violation Dismissed

Anoka, MN.  A client recently tested positive for consumption of alcohol in violation of his conditions of probation. The client’s urine tested positive for ethyl glucuronide (EtG) andethyl sulfate (EtS), which are produced by the body during the metabolization of alcohol.  EtG and EtS tests are part of a new wave of forensic urine testing being used by probation agencies, including Anoka County Probation, to monitor alcohol consumption.

During his investigation and research for the case, Mike uncovered several problems with EtG and EtS testing which can cause false positives. This client was exposed to ethanol fumes (one source of false positives) on a daily basis. Based on this research Mike was able to convince the prosecutor that the probation violation charge should be dismissed because the evidence against the client was unreliable and unlikely to be admitted.

When dealing with EtG and EtS tests a thorough investigation is needed to make sure that you are not the victim of a false-positive EtG or EtS test. How much your attorney knows about EtG and EtS testing can make the difference. At Brandt Criminal Defense we have the experience to provide you with your best defense.

Kelly Keegan Gets Domestic Assault By Strangulation Charges Dismissed

Itasca County, 2011. A night on the town for two brothers ended badly when their verbal argument became a physical altercation and someone called the police to report a domestic assault. The Itasca Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and arrested the one of the brothers on the scene.

Conducting a thorough investigation, Kelly was able to confirm her client’s story and discredit the victim’s allegations with witness interviews. Based on this evidence, and the victim recanting his story, the Itasca County Assistant Attorney agreed to dismiss the case.

Preparation, analysis, research and attention to detail can make or break a client’s defense. At Brandt Criminal Defense we put the time and effort into our client’s cases to obtain positive results for our clients.

Mike Brandt gets Underage Consumption charge dismissed

Mike Brandt recently obtained a dismissal of a charge of Underage Consumption where his client was at a party with several people under 21.  The police responded to the party, entered the house, and determined that Mike’s client had been drinking and issued a citation for Underage Consumption.  This charge had many possible consequences, as Mike’s client was on probation for a similar charge.

Mike conducted a thorough investigation of the case and presented the evidence to the prosecutor, who agreed with Mike and on the day of trial, dismissed the charge.

This is another example of the analysis, research, and preparation that Brandt Criminal Defense puts into their cases.

Mike Brandt Wins Motion to Vacate Restitution

Mike Brandt prevailed in challenging a District Court order granting $2,240 in restitution. The District Court Judge had previously ordered restitution at a sentencing hearing in a criminal sexual conduct case.  Mike sucessfully conviced the judge to sentence the defendant to probation but the judge ordered restitution in the amount of 2,240.  Mike objected to the restitution and filed a motion to vacate the restitution order, arguing that the person requesting restitution was not a victim under Minnesota Statute §611A.01.

Minnesota Statute §611A.01 requires that restitution be limited to a “person who incurs loss or harm as a result of a crime.” After carefully researching the issue, Mike successfully persuaded both the Judge and Prosecutor that the mother of the victim was not a victim under the statute for purposes of restitution. In doing so was Mike able to get the restitution order for the Mother vacated which reduced the restitution from over $2,300 to $112.

Mike’s research and arguments not only kept his client out of jail but saved his client $2,240. Mike’s diligent preparation and careful scrutiny of his clients’ cases again resulted in a favorable outcome for yet another client.

Kelly Keegan Negotiates Dismissal of City Ordinance Charge

In August, the City of Minneapolis charged Kelly Keegan’s client with a violation of Minneapolis City Ordinance 228.30(c)(3) – improper storage of firewood. The City of Minneapolis had claimed that her client had improperly stored his firewood less than eight (8) inches off the ground. After the initial appearance in Hennepin County District Court, Kelly contacted the City of Minneapolis to negotiate a deal. Kelly was able to negotiate a dismissal if the client removed the firewood from his property.

In addition to negotiating the dismissal of the criminal charge, Kelly was able to negotiate a substantial reduction in the client’s civil fines. The initial civil fines amounted to $5,500 but after negotiation the city agreed to reduce the fines S3,960. Kelly’s skillful negotiation not only saved her client thousands of dollars but resulted in a complete dismissal of the criminal charges.

City ordinance violations might seem insignificant, but they are no laughing matter. If not dealt with promptly, civil fines add up quickly and criminal sanctions carry a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The Attorneys at Brandt Criminal Defense can help you negotiate the complicated legal proceedings and vigorously advocate on your behalf. This case is yet another example of how their experience and dedication has benefitted their clients.

Overweight Truck Trial | Brandt Criminal Defense Wins

Mike Brandt recently won a trial where his client was accused of operating an overweight truck on a restricted road.  Mike’s client was assessed a civil penalty of nearly $4,000 for the incident.  Mike argued to the court that his client was not given sufficient notice of the road restrictions and did not have an opportunity to turn around before the deputies stopped him.  The court agreed and awarded the county $0.

This case is another example of the vigorous legal advocacy provided by Brandt Criminal Defense.