Fargo Public Defender Office
Criminal Defense Lawyer
912 3rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, United States
Information last updated
Practice Areas
About Fargo Public Defender Office
The Fargo Public Defender Office operates as one of North Dakota's full-time public defender offices, functioning as a separate firm within the system overseen by the North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents (CLCI). The CLCI was legislatively established in 2005 with a mission to provide high-quality, professional, and effective legal representation to eligible clients. The Fargo office handles cases independently from other public defender offices and contracted counsel across the state.
This office provides legal representation to indigent persons in cases where they have a constitutional or statutory right to an attorney. These matters include felony and misdemeanor cases brought in district court, post-conviction matters, and appeals. The Fargo Public Defender Office also represents clients in certain juvenile cases and some civil cases, specifically when a court has determined that jail is a likely sanction related to a contempt issue. Eligibility for these services is determined by the court based on established indigency guidelines, considering factors such as income, assets, and the nature of the charge. The court may order clients to repay a portion or all of the legal fees and expenses at the conclusion of a case, depending on their ability to pay.
From the firm’s website
- Attorneys
- Monty Mertz — Supervising Attorney
- Daniel Bertsch — Attorney
- Leah Viste — Attorney
- Leah Carlson — Attorney
- Leon Walter — Attorney
- Services listed
- Post-Conviction Matters, Juvenile Cases, Appeals
- Fees
- At the conclusion of a case, the court may order clients to pay a portion or all of the fees and expenses, if the court determines they have the ability to pay some amount.
- Offices
- 912 3rd Ave. S. Fargo, ND 58103
Source: indigents.nd.gov · checked October 8, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.
Hours of Operation
- Monday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Tuesday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Wednesday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Thursday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Friday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Photos
Details & Amenities
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
Toilet
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Fargo Public Defender Office — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fargo Public Defender Office located?
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Fargo Public Defender Office is at 912 3rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103.
What services does Fargo Public Defender Office list on its website?
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When checked on October 8, 2026, the firm's website (indigents.nd.gov) listed Post-Conviction Matters, Juvenile Cases, Appeals.
How do I contact Fargo Public Defender Office?
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Call Fargo Public Defender Office at +1 701-298-4640. Its website is indigents.nd.gov.
When is Fargo Public Defender Office open?
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Monday to Friday: 8 am–5 pm. Saturday and Sunday: closed.
How is Fargo Public Defender Office rated on Google?
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Fargo Public Defender Office has a 3.4-star rating on Google from 27 reviews.
Client Reviews
8 reviews- Kelli Powell· via Google
Why can't anyone answer the phone... and really unprofessional to come up with all sorts of chargers and fines must mean some underhand deals smh life must not be great for anyone ""defending""
4 years ago - Jenna Shepersky· via Google
Liz Brainard is absolutely wonderful. She went above and beyond to help me. Very kind, caring, and incredibly hard working. Thank you, again, Liz!
5 years ago - Dan Bertsch· via Google
Lots of return business. And Judges send dozens of people to them every week. Must be good. Dogs on site provide stress relief and entertainment.
Edited a year ago - FATHER TiME2101· via Google
Very nice people there.
3 months ago - Joey Lynn "PitFly}¡{"· via Google
The defenders out of this office are top notch. I started with one amazing lawyer that left me highly confident then was handed off to an extraordinary lawyer. Mr. Monte Mertz. Very pleased with their credentials and services this far!
4 years ago - Robert Willemsen· via Google
Laura Reynolds handled my case in a professional and mannerly order. She was very detailed in her discussions with me and my case. Amy their paralegal was quick to file the appropriate paperwork for the expungement and I couldn't be more grateful for their help. I wish everyone who was involved the best. Sincerely, Rob
8 years ago - Sarah Altepeter· via Google
Remember the article, trial lawyers don't have a track record of being very honest. The ethical violations and the toxic behavior in this agency that is going down on our tax dollars is absolutely despicable. We all studied ethics in political science and I am demanding that everybody in that office take a refresher course. Complaints have been sent to the disciplinary board.
2 years ago - allen· via Google
I have had nothing but amazing help from the folks at the Public Defender office in Fargo...Dan Bertsch and Elizabeth Brainard are amazing people...
a year ago
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