A single punch in a bar can change your life forever. You might think you acted in self-defense, but the police often see things differently. When the music stops and the sirens start, the line between a victim and a defendant can vanish quickly. Defining the charge...
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...
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....
Whether you have consumed alcohol or not, sometimes police officers might stop you and ask you to perform three different types of field sobriety tests if they suspect you are driving under the influence. These consist of three mental and physical tests designed to...
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...
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,...
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...
A second driving under the influence ( DUI) in South Dakota can create serious legal challenges, even if you are just visiting. The state takes repeat offenses seriously, and prior DUI convictions from other states may influence how courts handle your case. Knowing...
The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy, but it also brings an increased risk of traffic stops for impaired driving. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, law enforcement agencies take proactive measures, using DUI checkpoints and enhanced patrols to target...
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...