In South Dakota, embezzlement, larceny, and theft are all classified broadly as property crimes. They differ in terms of their specific elements and contexts. Anyone who’s charged with any type of theft crime should ensure they understand the elements of the charge,...
Protecting Your Rights. Defending Your Freedom.
Criminal Defense
Evidence suppression may impact the outcome of your criminal case
You may think your case is done and dusted, given the prosecution’s evidence against you. However, it may not be the case. Not all evidence makes it to the courtroom. A judge can exclude some of the prosecution’s evidence from the trial, which can significantly affect...
Do witnesses always tell the truth to the police?
If you are facing criminal charges and the police tell you they have a witness, you would be right to worry. Witness accounts have helped secure prosecutions for many crimes. The problem is that people can place too much faith in them and forget that not all witnesses...
Are personal breathalyzers worth it?
If you visit family this Christmas, you might be worried about drinking and driving. You want to enjoy your time and share some alcoholic drinks. Yet you also know you’ll need to drive home at some point. Hence you may consider buying a personal breathalyzer so you...
Reasons a breath test may be inaccurate
A breath test can be administered by the police to see if someone’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit. For the majority of drivers, this legal limit is 0.08% BAC. Officers can sometimes use portable breath test devices or a Breathalyzer at the...
Understanding minor in possession (MIP) charges
In South Dakota, when a minor is found in possession of alcohol or drugs, they may face a “minor in possession” charge. Also referred to as MIP laws, these outline what happens if minors are found in this situation. Learning more about MIP laws and the potential...
Can you be arrested for mouthing off to a police officer?
No one is happy about being pulled over in their car by a police officer or being stopped on the street. However, it’s always wise to be careful about what you say to them. You could find yourself facing charges that have nothing to do with the alleged offense they...
Do you have a drinking problem?
Drinking alcohol socially is fine. However, if your alcohol consumption gets out of hand, will you notice? The fact is, drinking too much can cause serious and life-altering problems. It may even result in one or multiple DUI charges. It’s important to learn the...
When does talking to someone online become cyberstalking?
Today, social media is used by practically everyone. The internet has evolved communication to limitless degrees, bridging the gap between communication and distance. You’ll no longer have to wait long, for example, to hear back from an overseas friend. You may have...
Don’t get pushed into a field sobriety test
You may have been pulled over under the suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). You provided the attending officer with all your information and have even been pleasant. The officer finally asked you to step out of the car and perform a field sobriety test. ...