criminal defense

Every year, millions of travelers head to Rapid City to explore Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Many out-of-state visitors bring firearms along for protection during long road trips. However, tourists often make one big mistake that can lead straight to unexpected...

Finding drugs or a firearm in your car can turn an ordinary drive into a frightening encounter with police. If the item belongs to someone else, you may still worry that you could be blamed for it. The police can ask who knew the item was there and who could control...

If you visit the Black Hills in summer, your trip may center on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or another large event. More visitors put more cars and motorcycles on area roads, especially at night. A driving under the influence (DUI) arrest far from home does more than...

An arrest during the Sturgis Rally can affect your career before the criminal case is resolved. Knowing what follows can help you respond to the charge and meet any obligations connected to your job. Managing workplace consequences after an arrest An arrest can...

Imagine driving home from a fun trip in Colorado or Montana where you legally enjoyed recreational marijuana. You probably feel safe as you cross the state line into South Dakota and enter Pennington County because your car contains no physical drugs.  However, you...

Imagine a person who carries a firearm legally in South Dakota for personal protection. The state allows constitutional carry and they exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly. A disagreement breaks out in a parking lot and the argument escalates. The other...

Refusing the preliminary breath test (PBT) usually increases your risk of arrest and can trigger separate administrative penalties. The roadside breath test plays a specific role in DUI stops, and refusing it does not end the investigation. Here’s what you need to...

A calm tone and polite conversation can make a police interaction feel informal. In South Dakota, officers may use a style often called “Midwest nice.” This politeness can lower your guard and make the situation feel less serious. You may start sharing details because...

Law enforcement agencies and criminal courts in South Dakota take theft offenses quite seriously. Even seemingly minor accusations related to shoplifting can carry more serious penalties than people expect. Shoplifting involves removing items from a retail...

When your life includes a past mistake or conviction, you may wonder how it shapes your future, especially your right to own or carry a firearm.  Many Rapid City residents feel frustrated or confused when they try to understand South Dakota’s gun laws. The rules can...