Assistant Attorney Nicholas Arneson enjoys sense of community in Clearwater County
Tue, 11/26/2019 - 2:31pm
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By Karen Edelbach
Nicholas "Nic" Arneson says he really appreciates the sense of community he feels working in Clearwater County.
"I like looking over from the courthouse at the kids on the play ground at the school. It reminds me that there are happy kids," says the Assistant County Attorney, Nicholas Arneson. "As a prosecutor, I am often drawn in on child protection and negative issues."
"I represent the people of Clearwater County for the State of Minnesota," he explains.
As a prosecutor, Nic says you have to treat defendants like people, remembering there are reasons for their appearance in court. Nic believes there must be a community focus and presence, and that is the role he sees for the courthouse.
"The public often has the impression that prosecutors are out to put people in jail. I am working to see what is just and fair. I look at the prosecutor's job holistically, as a whole."
Nic's day begins with court appearances for those who are in jail, appearing in front of a judge for their arraignments. A large part of what he does is victim services, learning what they want, whether they have to testify, and preparing them for court. It is letting them know they have someone with them to support them.
"I also spend time talking with probation officers about issues that arise with their clients. The rest of the time I am preparing for trial or court appearances. Also I handle legal issues and questions that arise within the county."
"What is unique about Clearwater County is that there is no active lawyer presence here, but we are a resource for where people can find help. We have an open door policy so people can come into our office. Other courthouses often do not have that, and keep the doors locked."
The only interaction that the public may have with the courthouse legal team might be as a victim of a crime, or when on jury duty. While the legal team cannot discuss open cases, they want the community to feel free to drop into the office at the courthouse, express their concerns and discuss issues they see as needing to be addressed. With the open door policy, the public is free to do so.
"Attorney Al Rogalla has been a great resource for me in learning the county and court system," Nic says. "We have a good office here, and the staff is very good to work with. We are building a team approach, versus 'your case' or 'my case'. The Sheriff's Department is part of the team too."
Nic grew up in Grand Forks, where his parents still live. Both of his parents were social workers, so Nic got acquainted early with the legal system and was drawn to it as a career. After attending Concordia College in Moorhead, he went to law school at Hamline University in the Twin Cities. But the big city is not where he wanted to live his life.
He ran a small law office in Bemidji before coming to Clearwater County, beginning on September 11th of this year, "An easy date to remember," he says.
Nic and his partner, Beth Grundy have a son Cameron who is seven years old. They live outside of Bemidji.
In his spare time, Nic is an avid fisherman, and enjoys backpacking and camping in the summer. In winter, he likes to cross country ski and looks forward to that when there is more snow.
"This is a good, solid community, and people are respectful of the legal process that goes on here at the courthouse," he says. "I have always been people driven, and need inter-action with people. I appreciate the sense of community here, and saying hi to people."