Criminal defense attorney Jeff Nehring of Nehring Law Office, PLLC recently obtained a not guilty verdict in a drug possession case tried before a jury in Dawson County, Montana. The trial took place on February 2 and 3, 2026, in Dawson County District Court.
The Charges
Mr. Nehring’s client faced a serious felony charge of possession of dangerous drugs — specifically, methamphetamine. Law enforcement alleged that methamphetamine was discovered in the trunk of the client’s vehicle. In Montana, possession of dangerous drugs carries significant penalties, including potential prison time, that can follow a person for the rest of their life.
The Defense
Over the course of a day-and-a-half jury trial, Attorney Nehring challenged the State’s case and held the prosecution to its burden of proof. A central issue in many drug possession cases — and particularly cases where a substance is found in a vehicle’s trunk — is whether the prosecution can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant actually knew about and exercised control over the drugs. Simply being near an illegal substance, or even owning the vehicle where it was found, is not enough for a conviction. The State must prove knowing possession.
The Verdict
After hearing all the evidence and receiving instructions on the law, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. The jury’s decision reaffirms a principle at the core of our justice system: the government bears the burden of proving every element of a criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt — and when it fails to meet that burden, citizens serving on juries have the courage to say so.
CLIENT’S TESTIMONIAL
“Jeff I just wanted to thank you again for your services. You left no stone unturned in my trial and did what I thought couldn’t be done, we won!!! Thank you from my family and I.”
Why Jury Trials Matter
Many people accused of crimes feel pressure to accept a plea deal rather than exercise their constitutional right to a jury trial. While plea agreements are appropriate in some cases, this result demonstrates the value of having an experienced trial attorney evaluate the evidence and, when warranted, take a case to a jury. Every person charged with a crime has the right to make the government prove its case, and a skilled defense attorney can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
Experienced Criminal Defense Across North Dakota and Montana
Jeff Nehring has tried over 40 jury trials throughout his career and has handled thousands of criminal cases across North Dakota and Montana. He represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges, including drug offenses, DUI/DWI, assault, domestic violence, and other serious felonies.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in North Dakota or Montana, contact Nehring Law Office, PLLC to discuss your case and your options.
Nehring Law Office, PLLC
Williston, North Dakota
Serving clients across North Dakota and Montana