Drivers in Rapid City and across South Dakota may occasionally encounter police roadside checkpoint patrols. Some people get arrested during targeted DUI enforcement efforts, but others get swept up in sobriety checkpoints or driving under the influence (DUI)...
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DUI
What’s the sentence for a first-time DUI in South Dakota?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have significant consequences for both the driver and other people on the road. South Dakota takes this offense very seriously, and the state has some of the strictest penalties for drunk driving in the...
How police can struggle to prove someone was driving while high
South Dakota is one of the growing number of states that have at least partly legalized marijuana use. Residents and visitors are allowed to use medical cannabis for nausea relief and other uses. However, South Dakota's laws regarding driving while high have not...
2 things that give an officer “reasonable suspicion” of DUI
With thousands of drunk driving-related accidents occurring every year, clamping down on this offense is a top priority for law enforcement in South Dakota. Despite officers being given powers to tackle criminal conduct, they cannot act with impunity. Officers must...
The potential impact of a DUI conviction on your job
Being arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence) can be a scary and overwhelming experience. However, the consequences of a conviction are severe, which is why you must take a proactive approach to defend yourself. If convicted, you may have to pay...
The potential consequences of a South Dakota DUI conviction
If you are facing charges of driving under the influence (DUI), it’s important to understand that you have rights under the law. It’s also important to understand the potential consequences you’ll face in South Dakota if you lose your case and are convicted of...
Hidden costs of a DUI in South Dakota
Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions can get costly with court fees, fines, and mandatory interlock installations. These are a few of the typical expenses when facing a DUI charge. However, in South Dakota, a DUI can dig much deeper into your pockets than you...
Does South Dakota mandate IIDs for those convicted of a DUI?
Those accused of driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in South Dakota will face multiple possible criminal penalties if they plead guilty or the courts convict them. A judge can sentence them to incarceration in state facilities or probation. The defendant may...
Can you get a DUI for an open container?
In South Dakota, you are prohibited from transporting any open alcoholic beverages within your vehicle. You can transport alcohol in closed containers, but to be safe, placing them in your trunk is a good idea. Having an open container in your vehicle is a class 2...
Can you get a DUI for taking prescription medications?
Any time you’re driving, it’s expected that you are not impaired by any drugs or alcohol. You need to follow the traffic laws and should not make errors linked with impairment. Most people think that if they don’t drink alcohol before driving that they won’t face a...