Defense Attorney Jeff Nehring Secures Not Guilty Verdict in Self-Defense Case
August 27, 2025 – Criminal defense attorney Jeff Nehring successfully defended Mr. Johnson against terrorizing charges in Williams County, North Dakota, securing a complete not guilty verdict in a case that tested the boundaries of self-defense law and Second Amendment rights.
The verdict represents a significant victory for property owners’ rights and demonstrates Nehring’s expertise in complex criminal defense matters involving firearms and self-defense claims.
The Case: State of North Dakota v. Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson faced serious terrorizing charges after firing warning shots when confronted by an aggressive trespasser on his property at 2:00 AM on March 22, 2025. What began as a simple late-night food run to Hardee’s became a homeowner’s nightmare when Johnson was forced to defend himself in the darkness of his own driveway.
“This case shows our justice system working exactly as it should,” said Nehring. “When a law-abiding citizen is forced to protect himself on his own property, the system recognizes and protects his constitutional rights. The jury carefully weighed the evidence and reached the right conclusion.”
Nehring’s Strategic Defense Approach
Thorough Case Preparation
Nehring’s defense strategy focused on meticulous preparation and aggressive investigation of the facts. His team discovered critical evidence that would prove decisive at trial:
- Physical evidence analysis showing no bullet holes anywhere, confirming warning shots were fired safely,
- Detailed scene investigation proving Mr. Johnson’s version of the events through the use of photos and maps
- Comprehensive witness preparation that exposed the credibility problems with the state’s key witness
Devastating Cross-Examination
One of the most compelling aspects of Nehring’s defense was his systematic destruction of the prosecution’s key witness. Through careful preparation and aggressive cross-examination, Nehring exposed how the State’s key witness had told six different versions of the events:
“When someone changes their story six times, that includes changing key details about the event and the witness’s motives, you have irreparably damaged their credibility,” Nehring explained.
Expert Application of Self-Defense Law
Nehring structured his defense around North Dakota’s robust self-defense statutes, successfully arguing both justified and excused self-defense theories:
- Castle Doctrine: Emphasizing Johnson’s right to stand his ground on his own property
- Reasonable Force Standards: Demonstrating that warning shots constituted appropriate defensive force
- Burden of Proof: Forcing the state to prove Johnson was NOT acting lawfully – a burden they couldn’t meet
The Trial Strategy That Won
Opening Statement Impact
Nehring opened with a powerful declaration:
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. This case is about fear, trespass, and a split-second decision made for safety.
The State has accused Mr. Johnson of terrorizing. But when you hear the evidence, you will see that Mr. Johnson is not guilty of that charge. Instead, you will see that he is a man who was startled in the dark and gripped with fear, on his own property, by an aggressive trespasser, and in response to that threat, Mr. Johnson acted reasonably and responsibly to protect himself.”
This approach immediately framed the case around fundamental rights rather than putting Johnson on the defensive.
Evidence Presentation
Nehring methodically presented evidence showing:
- The isolated, dark conditions that would terrify any reasonable person
- State key witness’s alcohol consumption (at least 6 beers) before the confrontation
- The physical impossibility of Johnson identifying the threat in pitch darkness
- Johnson’s restraint in firing only warning shots despite having additional ammunition
Closing Argument Excellence
Rather than simply telling the story, Nehring structured his closing around the legal elements the state had to prove, systematically demonstrating their failure on multiple essential elements of the crime.
The Verdict’s Broader Significance
The not guilty verdict sends a clear message about property rights and self-defense in North Dakota. “This case reaffirms that homeowners don’t have to retreat when confronted by trespassers on their own property,” Nehring noted. “The jury understood that Mr. Johnson did exactly what any reasonable person would do in that terrifying situation.”
Why Experience Matters in Self-Defense Cases
The Johnson case highlights the critical importance of experienced legal representation in firearms and self-defense matters. Key factors that contributed to Nehring’s success include:
Deep Knowledge of Self-Defense Law
“Many people don’t fully understand the nuances between justified and excused self-defense, or the critical distinction between force and deadly force,” Nehring explained. “These technical details can make or break a case.”
Aggressive Investigation
Nehring’s team conducted their own thorough investigation, uncovering physical evidence and witness credibility issues that proved crucial to the defense.
Trial Experience
“Criminal defense is not the place for on-the-job training,” Nehring emphasized. “When someone’s freedom is on the line, they need an attorney who knows how to handle complex legal and factual issues under pressure.”
Understanding of Jury Psychology
Nehring’s approach demonstrated sophisticated understanding of how to present self-defense cases to North Dakota juries, emphasizing constitutional rights and reasonable fear rather than technical legal arguments.
Client Testimonial
“The Best Lawyer!” said Mr. Johnson after the verdict. “Jeff Nehring made me feel comfortable about the case, he was able to help me and walk me through everything that was going on. I am really glad that he was the lawyer who had my back. If you ever need a lawyer, Jeff Nehring is your man!”
What This Means for Property Owners
The Johnson verdict provides important protections for North Dakota property owners:
- Warning shots are legally protected when used defensively in appropriate circumstances
- Property owners have no duty to retreat on their own land
- Reasonable fear justifies defensive action, even if the threat assessment proves incorrect
- The state bears a heavy burden when prosecuting self-defense cases
Nehring’s Track Record in Criminal Defense
The Johnson case represents another significant victory in Nehring’s extensive criminal defense practice. His experience includes:
- Firearms and self-defense cases throughout North Dakota
- Complex criminal matters requiring detailed factual and legal analysis
- Jury trials in state and federal court
- Constitutional law issues involving Second Amendment rights
“Every case is different, but the principles remain the same,” Nehring noted. “Law-abiding citizens have constitutional rights, and I’m committed to protecting those rights in the courtroom.”
When to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
The Johnson case demonstrates why immediate legal representation is crucial in any criminal matter involving firearms:
- Don’t speak to law enforcement without an attorney present
- Preserve physical evidence that might support your defense
- Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately
- Understand your rights under North Dakota self-defense law
Contact Jeff Nehring for Criminal Defense Representation
If you’re facing criminal charges involving firearms, self-defense, or property rights, contact the law office of Jeff Nehring for experienced, aggressive representation.
Jeff Nehring’s successful defense of Mr. Johnson demonstrates his commitment to protecting his clients’ constitutional rights and his ability to achieve favorable outcomes in complex criminal cases.
Don’t wait – your freedom and future are too important to leave to chance. Contact Jeff Nehring today for a consultation.
Jeff Nehring practices criminal defense throughout North Dakota, with particular expertise in firearms law, self-defense cases, and constitutional rights. His successful track record includes numerous not guilty verdicts in complex criminal matters.