Date: September 2020
Case: Allegations of Criminal Sexual Conduct
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: The Stearns County Sheriff was investigating Mike’s client for allegations of sexual abuse. Mike was able to get involved before charges were filed and he utilized an investigator to take statements from numerous people that were familiar with his client and the accuser. In addition, Mike was able to provide information about motives that the accuser had regarding the allegations. Mike forwarded all of this information to the investigator and to the county attorney. Once the county attorney reviewed all the information, they declined to press charges against Mike’s client.
Date: July 2020
Case: 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
Attorney: Nicole Kettwick
Result: Nicole’s client was charged with 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Nicole’s client is a juvenile and was with a friend when an off color joke with the friend’s little brother led to these extremely serious charges. If convicted, Nicole’s client would have been required to register as a sex offender. After Nicole performed a thorough investigation and her client underwent an examination by a psychologist, with positive results, Nicole was able to begin negotiations with the prosecutor. Based off her negotiations, Nicole was able to secure her client’s placement in a Deferred Adjudication Sex Offender Program. This means that Nicole’s client must comply with the conditions of the program or the Court could accept a guilty plea. Upon successful completion of the program, the charges will be dismissed. The eventual dismissal of the client’s case means the client may move forward from this incident and avoid the serious consequences of being adjudicated delinquent and registering as a sex offender.
Date: April 2020
Case: Allegations of Criminal Sexual Conduct
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike’s client was being accused of inappropriate sexual contact with an adult acquaintance. Mike conducted an independent investigation and accumulated numerous documents showing that the allegations were untrue. Mike also obtained photos, text messages, and witness statements regarding the truthfulness of the alleged victim as well as his client’s character. Mike provided all of this information to the prosecutor and when the matter was reviewed by the County Attorney, they declined to issue charges.
Date: February 2020
Case: Criminal Sexual Conduct – 1st degree
Attorney: Danielle C. Peden
Result: Dani Peden was obtained as co-counsel to represent an individual who was charged with 12 Counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct and accused of sexually assaulting a minor over a period of several years in Isanti County. After lengthy discussions without a resolution, the case went to trial. At the jury trial, the alleged victim testified compellingly, and the State called multiple witnesses along with an expert. Dani called her client to the stand along with an expert, and other witnesses to contradict the alleged victim’s testimony.
After deliberating for just over an hour, the jury returned verdicts of not guilty on all counts. Dani could not have hoped for a better resolution for her client.
Date: January 2020
Case: Allegations of Criminal Sexual Conduct
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike’s client was being accused of inappropriate sexual contact with his daughter. Mike conducted an independent investigation and accumulated numerous documents showing that the mother of the child had malicious reasons for trying to make up the allegations. Mike also received information regarding the truthfulness of the child as well as his client’s character. Mike provided all of this information to the Investigator and when the matter was reviewed by the County Attorney, they declined to issue charges.
Date: December 2019
Case: Felony Possession of Pornographic Work Involving Minors
Attorney: Michael J. Brandt
Result: Mike’s client was charged with Possession of Pornographic Work Involving Minors in Anoka County. When Mike got involved no formal charges were filed. Mike communicated with the prosecutor and the case was filed in state court, avoiding any federal charges. In Federal court Mike’s client would have received a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison. Instead, Mike’s client received a Stay of Imposition. This means that after successful completion of probation, the conviction will be reduced to a misdemeanor.
Date: October 2019
Case: Firearm Restoration
Attorney: Danielle C. Peden
Result: Dani’s client had a prior Criminal Sexual Conduct Conviction in Meeker County which resulted in a permanent loss of his right to possess firearms. Although her client had additional criminal convictions since the offense, and the State strongly objected to the restoration, Dani was able to secure an order formally granting restoration of her client’s firearm rights.
Date: June 2019
City/County: City of Shoreview, Anoka County
Charges: Juvenile Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
Result: After Mike Brandt’s client completes 180 days of probation, the charges against him will be dismissed.
Date: June 2019
City/County: City of Waite Park, Stearns County
Result: Mike’s client was being investigated for allegedly engaging in prostitution. Mike communicated with the investigator multiple times and his client was never charged.
Date: May 2019
City/County: Ramsey and Hennepin County
Result: Nicole’s client was investigated for criminal sexual conduct after allegations were made in Ramsey and Hennepin County. Nicole immediately went to work contacting all agencies involved in the investigation, provided additional information, and was able to help her client successfully avoid charges.
