John Tainter Goff, Criminal Defense Attorney in Fargo, North Dakota
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation · 4.1/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
MemberatMontgomery Goff & Bullis
Fargo, ND
Practicing criminal defense in Fargo since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.1 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John Tainter Goff?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
John Tainter Goff is a member based in Fargo, ND. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Montgomery Goff & Bullis. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Fargo, ND
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Fargo, ND.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About John Tainter Goff: John Tainter Goff is a member based in Fargo, ND. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Montgomery Goff & Bullis. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Fargo
John concentrates on criminal defense, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Insurance
View other Insurance attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Criminal Defense cases in Fargo, North Dakota
John takes criminal defense matters in Fargo, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Fargo, North Dakota
John takes insurance matters in Fargo, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Fargo, North Dakota
John takes litigation matters in Fargo, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John Tainter Goff, criminal defense attorney serving Fargo
John Tainter Goff is a member based in Fargo, ND. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Montgomery Goff & Bullis. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. John works from Fargo, North Dakota and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
John Tainter Goff is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, insurance defense, criminal law and 1 other area of law. John received a degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and has been licensed for 45 years. John practices at Montgomery Goff & Bullis in Fargo, ND.
How John handles criminal defense matters
John Tainter Goff is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, insurance defense, criminal law and 1 other area of law. John received a degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and has been licensed for 45 years. John practices at Montgomery Goff & Bullis in Fargo, ND.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, insurance, and litigation matters in Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
—
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
North Dakota
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1981 · ACTIVE
John studied at — in Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Law school and academic background
John completed — in Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in North Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Cass County and Minnesota State Bar Associations State Bar Association of North Dakota International Association of Arson Investigators
membership
Locations
John Tainter Goff's office in Fargo
John's primary office is at 4650 38th Ave. S., Ste 110, Fargo, ND, 58106-9199. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Montgomery Goff & Bullis
4650 38th Ave. S., Ste 110
Fargo, ND 58106-9199
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John Tainter Goff — 4.1/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Fargo.
4.1
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Tainter Goff claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Tainter Goff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Fargo, North Dakota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Tainter Goff
How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in North Dakota typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Fargo?
John is licensed in North Dakota. Matters governed by North Dakota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks in North Dakota
John handles criminal defense matters throughout North Dakota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in North Dakota
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Fargo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





