Rapid City Legal Issues Blog

Defending yourself against cocaine charges in South Dakota

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Friday, June 5, 2020.

Cocaine is illegal to possess, sell and traffic in all states. However, the penalties to which an offender will be subject depends on the state that they were in at the time. In South Dakota, the severity of the penalties for cocaine possession, sale or trafficking depends on the amount of cocaine involved.

If you have been accused of a cocaine-related crime in South Dakota, first gain a clear understanding of the penalties that you may face. Then, you should proceed to understand the options you have to defend yourself and possibly have all charges dismissed.

Methamphetamine: A real struggle for people in South Dakota

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Methamphetamine is a highly illegal substance that has few medical uses. It is known to have a high potential for abuse, and it's also known that using meth can lead to psychological physical dependency.

Unfortunately, methamphetamine has spread throughout South Dakota, and as a result, there is a meth crisis in the state. In fact, the crisis is so significant that the state started an anti-methamphetamine campaign at the end of 2019 that aimed to reduce meth use.

Drivers must use caution around motorcycles

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

People who ride motorcycles around the Sturgis area might actually be safer than those in other areas because people are accustomed to seeing riders here. Still, it is up to the bikers and other motorists to ensure that everyone remains as safe as possible on the roads.

There are many things that individuals have to think about when they're on the roads. One of the most important is that they're following the applicable laws. When these aren't followed, people can suffer serious injuries.

Understanding heroin laws in South Dakota

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Monday, March 9, 2020.

Heroin is a highly addictive drug that destroys lives. Unfortunately, those who become addicted to the drug face huge challenges when getting clean, because of the profound withdrawal symptoms and the highly addictive nature.

Federal laws and South Dakota state laws make heroin illegal, and those found in possession of even the smallest amount of heroin can face severe consequences. If you or a loved one has been found in possession of heroin in South Dakota, you must take action to better understand the law.

Are you aware of these DUI defenses?

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Thursday, February 6, 2020.

If you have recently been charged with a DUI, this likely occurred after you were pulled over by law enforcement officials and asked to perform a Breathalyzer test. If this was the case, you must take swift action to adequately defend yourself. Failing to do so could mean that you will lose your driver's license, pay significant fines and perhaps even face jail time.

There are many different possibilities when it comes to defending yourself against a DUI charge. Some of these you may be already aware of, and others you may not be. Take the time to understand all of the possible defense routes available to you before deciding how to move forward. The best defense will depend on the specific circumstances pertaining to your case. The following are some defenses that you may be able to use.

Do you know the weaknesses of Breathalyzer tests?

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

Failing a Breathalyzer test is a frustrating, often frightening experience. In the moment, many people feel as though they are headed straight for a drunk driving conviction and there is nothing they can do about it. Drunk driving arrests are all different, so there is no one-size-fits-all defense that can protect all defendants, but building a strong legal defense after receiving charges is always better than failing to prepare any defense at all.

If you recently received drunk driving charges after failing a Breathalyzer test, now is the time to take action to protect your rights and your future. Drunk driving convictions are costly, and may lead to jail time, loss of driving privileges, and may impact your ability to keep your job or home. Make sure to examine the specifics of your arrest carefully to find weaknesses in the evidence against you, using the strength of the law to keep your rights secure.

A DUI conviction, a suspended license and your future

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

Let us say that you were returning home after attending a party to celebrate the new job you are about to start. Law enforcement pulled you over for a broken taillight but smelled alcohol on your breath.

The officer arrested you on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. You are understandably nervous. Your future looks bleak. How will a DUI conviction affect you?

How to avoid a DUI around the holidays

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Monday, November 11, 2019.

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's should be a joyous time of year. You do not want to ruin such a memorable and happy occasion by getting a DUI.

South Dakota consistently has the highest rate of DUIs in the country. There are approximately 938 arrests for DUI out of every 100,000 people. There is no reason for anyone to contribute to that number, so now that the holiday season is here, it is vital to understand some tips to avoid an arrest.

The state legislature set to address meth epidemic

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.

Possession of a controlled substance is a crime in South Dakota, but that does not seem to stop the parade of methamphetamine users going to lockup. Over 80% of people incarcerated for drug offenses are there because of meth addiction.

Getting help with handling a meth problem is something the state legislature is set to tackle. Thus far, the efforts of law enforcement agencies across the state have failed to stop this growing epidemic. What needs to change amid this crisis? Take a look at some of the ways the state wants to help you or a loved one escape this cycle of addiction.

What can impact Breathalyzer accuracy?

On behalf of Skinner Law Office, P.C. on Friday, September 13, 2019.

The cost of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is severe. However, a recent study showed that South Dakota actually has the most lenient DUI laws in the country. A wide variety of factors came into consideration for this study, including first, second and third DUI penalties.

When the cops pull over a driver on suspicion of DUI, it is common for them to perform a breath test. They use a device known as a Breathalyzer to see if there are any traces of alcohol on the person's breath. Although South Dakota has lenient laws, you still never want to find yourself in a courtroom defending yourself. If you do, there are several defenses you can make for why a Breathalyzer would give a false positive.