Fargo Public Defender Office

Verified

Criminal Defense Lawyer

3.4(27 Google reviews)

912 3rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, United States

Information last updated October 8, 2026

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense

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

Fargo Public Defender Office — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fargo Public Defender Office located?+

Fargo Public Defender Office is located at 912 3rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, United States. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

What kind of cases does Fargo Public Defender Office handle?+

Fargo Public Defender Office handles Criminal Defense. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.

How do I contact Fargo Public Defender Office?+

Call Fargo Public Defender Office at +1 701-298-4640 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Is Fargo Public Defender Office well rated?+

Fargo Public Defender Office has a 3.4-star rating based on 27 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

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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