Civil forfeiture is one of the few areas of American law where the government can take your property without proving you did anything wrong. It is legal, it is common along the I-90 corridor in western South Dakota and most people who experience it have no idea it was...
Criminal Defense
Why do people plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit?
When the state charges someone with a crime, most people assume the truth will come out in court. However, in real life, some innocent people confess or plead guilty to things they did not do. This happens in South Dakota just as it does anywhere else. Understanding...
When a bar fight becomes an assault charge in South Dakota
A bar fight can start fast and end even faster. A shove, a spilled drink or a heated argument can turn into police lights and handcuffs. In South Dakota, individuals who engage in a bar fight may find themselves facing assault charges, no matter how brief the fight....
When snow flies: How extreme weather affects criminal charges
South Dakota winters create more than inconvenience. In the Black Hills and rural areas off the interstate, blizzards, whiteouts and deep cold can turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation. Tourists and local drivers alike may face criminal charges after...
Legal risks of using a fake ID in South Dakota
Using a false identification card might seem like a standard part of college life, but South Dakota law treats it as a serious criminal offense. If you face an accusation of misrepresentation of age, you need to know that the consequences involve potential jail time,...
Gun charges in the Black Hills: three common mistakes
If you're visiting the Black Hills or riding through Sturgis, you must probably know that South Dakota allows permitless carry. This is okay for gun owners, as you can carry a pistol openly or concealed without a permit. But some people might think this means “no...
How South Dakota’s Rural Geography Shapes Criminal Defense
South Dakota’s vast prairies and remote landscapes dramatically influence criminal proceedings. Unlike urban areas offering quick access to resources and witnesses, the state’s rural geography introduces unique logistical and evidentiary challenges. Defense attorneys...
Out‑of‑state clients, local courts: Handling your case remotely after a South Dakota arrest
If you live outside South Dakota but face charges within the state, handling your case remotely can feel challenging. You can protect your rights and prepare effectively by understanding how the courts manage remote proceedings and taking specific steps to stay...
What are the legal consequences of poaching in South Dakota?
Hunting is a way of life in South Dakota, but crossing the line into poaching can put your freedom, finances and reputation at risk. If you are accused of illegally taking game or violating hunting regulations, you may find yourself facing penalties that go far beyond...
Someone I Care About Has Been Arrested at the Sturgis Rally: What is Going to Happen Next? – STURGIS 2025 EDITION
I have been working the Rally since 1997. Follow this guide for initial procedures to be aware of with FAQs below for MOST criminal law cases from STURGIS, MEADE COUNTY. Remember, procedures vary from county-to-county, so seek advice for cases involving Lawrence,...
