Date: June 2021
Case: Probation Violation
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike’s client faced a probation violation that could have resulted in his client being removed from the Diversion program and having a felony conviction entered. At the violation hearing, Mike explained his client’s personal situation and argued to keep his client in the Diversion program. Based on Mike’s client’s young age as well as the detrimental effect a felony conviction would have on his client, the Court did not revoke the Diversion program. This allowed Mike’s client to avoid a felony conviction and jail time. Instead, Mike’s client had his Diversion program extended for an additional 2 years and was ordered to complete an additional 50 hours of community service.
Date: June 2021
Case: Second Degree DWI
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike’s client was charged with two counts of Second Degree DWI after failing to stop at an accident. In addition to pointing out legal issues in the case, Mike had his client take various proactive steps. Based upon this, Mike was able to negotiate a plea agreement that resulted in Mike’s client avoiding any jail time as well as the return of his client’s vehicle, which had been forfeited.
Date: June 2021
Case: Gross Misdemeanor Theft
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike’s client was charged with Gross Misdemeanor Theft for allegedly “tag switching” more than $500 worth of items at a department store. Mike explained the proactive steps his client had taken since the incident to the prosecutor. Mike successfully negotiated a Stay of Adjudication, where Mike’s client pled guilty to the charge but the judge agreed to not accept the plea and, instead, placed Mike’s client on probation for 1 year. Upon successful completion of probation, the charge will be dismissed and Mike’s client will avoid a conviction.
Date: June 2021
Case: Fourth Degree DWI and Possession of Marijuana in a Motor Vehicle
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike’s client was charged with Fourth Degree DWI, Careless Driving, Possession of Marijuana in a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after being pulled over for speeding. A conviction on these charges would have caused Mike’s client to lose his license. Mike negotiated with the prosecutor and argued that field sobriety tests are not designed to test impairment of controlled substances and that the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will concede that there is no correlation between any amount of THC in the blood and impairment. Mike negotiated a reduced charge of Careless Driving and Possession of Marijuana. His client was placed on probation for one year and as a result of Mike’s negotiation, his client will not lose his license.
Date: June 2021
Case: Threats of Violence and Domestic Assault
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: During an argument with his girlfriend, Mike’s client shouted while holding a gun, causing the police to be called. Mike’s client was charged with Threats of Violence, a felony, and Domestic Assault, a misdemeanor. Mike was successful in pointing out that the alleged victim was unreliable and that the facts didn’t support the charge. Mike’s client also took the proactive step of attending counseling. Based upon this, Mike was able to negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charge to Reckless Handling of a Firearm, a misdemeanor. Mike’s client was placed on probation for one year, avoided losing his gun rights, and avoided serving any jail time.
Date: June 2021
Case: Domestic Assault
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: During an argument with her daughter, Mike’s client slapped her daughter’s face, leaving a bruise. CPS began an investigation, and she was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault. With the client’s proactive steps of attending therapy and gathering letters of recommendation, Mike was able to negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charge to disorderly conduct and the client received a stay of adjudication for 1 year. This resolution allowed Mike’s client to move forward from her mistake and heal with her family while minimizing the impact that a charge for domestic assault could have on her life.
Date: May 2021
Case: Gross Misdemeanor DWI & Carrying a Pistol Under the Influence
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike Brandt represented a client in Sherburne County on a Gross Misdemeanor Third Degree DWI & a Misdemeanor Carrying a Pistol While Under the Influence. After effective negotiations, Mike was able to obtain a plea agreement that resulted in the dismissal of the Carrying a Pistol charge and his client avoided serving any jail time on the DWI charge.
Date: April 2021
Case: Third Degree DWI
Attorney: Mike Brandt
Result: Mike’s client was charged with Third Degree DWI and his driving privileges were also revoked for 1 year as a result of testing over twice the legal limit. Mike challenged the seizure of his client and argued that it was illegal and that the evidence should be suppressed. The Judge ultimately agreed with Mike’s arguments, suppressed the evidence, and dismissed the charges. After this, Mike challenged the revocation of his client’s license in civil court and also won a rescission of his client’s driving privileges.
Date: April 2021
Case: Harassment Restraining Order (Respondent)
Attorney: Mike Brandt
Result: Mike was retained to help a client fight a Harassment Restraining Order in Ramsey County. After reviewing the evidence and speaking with witnesses, Mike was able to assist the client in getting the HRO dismissed.
Date: March 2021
Case: Gross Misdemeanor Domestic Assault
Attorney: Mike Brandt
Result: Mike was retained to represent a client on Gross Misdemeanor Domestic Assault charges. After reviewing all the evidence and having discussions with the prosecutor about the legal issues in the case, we reached a resolution for a continuance for dismissal. This means that the client’s case was continued one year at which then it will be dismissed. No conviction will appear on the client’s record and in 1 year the case will be fully dismissed.