Rapid City Criminal Defense Lawyer Providing Aggressive And Strategic Representation
Last updated on April 18, 2025
Criminal defense attorney Matthew L. Skinner provides aggressive and strategic legal representation for clients throughout the Black Hills region. From the start, Matt listens to your needs and concerns. He also fights for you throughout the entire legal process, always with the goal of securing a reduction or dismissal of charges. As an experienced trial attorney in South Dakota courts, Matt will not hesitate to take your case to trial if doing so is the best way to protect your rights and freedom.
For a free consultation, please call Skinner Law Office in Rapid City at 605-519-5600 or send us an email. We represent clients facing criminal charges throughout the Black Hills region.
Experienced Defense Counsel When You Need It Most
People too often assume the worst about someone charged with a crime. But in the criminal justice system, you are innocent until proven guilty. The attorney you hire needs to approach your case with that in mind and work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom. That’s why you should contact Skinner Law Office. Here are just some of the benefits of working with firm founder Matt Skinner:
He is thorough and will explore all options. Matt takes the time to get to know your circumstances and investigate your case for every possible avenue for getting the charges reduced or dismissed. He works with individuals of all ages to make certain they receive the legal representation they need to move forward in life.
He is trusted and respected by legal colleagues and clients. Matt has been serving Rapid City and the Black Hills region for more than 25 years. He understands his community and has built a reputation as an unwavering advocate for the accused. His strong track record and commitment to client service have earned him the trust of former clients and the respect of other attorneys and judges.
He treats you as a person in need of help, not as a criminal. Matt understands the stress and uncertainty associated with criminal charges. Will you have to go to jail? Could you lose your job? How will you take care of your family if you lose your driver’s license? Matt will be by your side throughout the duration of your case, ready to answer your questions and help you resolve the direct and collateral consequences of your criminal charges.
He comes highly recommended by others who have been where you are. Our firm often receives word-of-mouth recommendations from former clients and their families. Here are some examples:
“Matt Skinner is an honest, knowledgeable lawyer. He gave me an exact game plan for my case, and instructed me without judgement. His paralegal is also tremendously helpful. I would absolutely recommend them if you need a South Dakota lawyer. Their office is honest and hardworking, and I’ll always be grateful!” — Matt McCloskey
“Matthew and his team do an outstanding job, they helped me out tremendously and I can’t recommend anyone better for the job!” — Jack Becker
You can read these and additional positive reviews on our client testimonials page.
Ready To Assist You With Nearly Any Type Of Criminal Charges
Matt represents individuals accused of drug crimes involving marijuana/cannabis, opioids, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. He has extensive experience in cases involving possession of prescription drugs with intent to sell, as well as drug charges resulting from traffic stops. Matt also represents many individuals charged with fraud, forgery, burglary and theft, as well as assault and other violent crimes. He has a special rapport with young people and often represents them in juvenile court.
Another area of representation includes misdemeanor and felony DUI cases. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in South Dakota, Matt is here to protect your rights and help you retain your driving privileges.
If you have a prior offense on your record, Matt can explain your options for possible expungement of the offense from your criminal record.
A criminal conviction could affect your life for many years to come. Don’t let the prosecution go unchallenged. Put Skinner Law Office on your side today so we can start fighting for you.
Access To Needed Resources
Having provided criminal defense representation in state court for 25 years, Matt Skinner knows a number of investigators and experts who can bolster your defense. Matt uses these professionals to testify on your behalf at trial.
Suspended Imposition Of Sentence
South Dakota provides individuals convicted of a drug crime, DUI as well as numerous other crimes, the opportunity to avoid a conviction through the suspended imposition of the sentence. In some instances, this process may even result in the sealing of the record regarding the arrest. However, this process is complicated and little understood by the general public.
Matt Skinner understands how to use the suspended imposition of sentence option when representing individuals charged with drug crimes, DUI as well as numerous other crimes. He can explain such an option in more detail and let you understand whether this is a viable option in your case. Our firm has helped hundreds of people use this technique to protect their rights in criminal cases.
Your Criminal Defense Questions, Answered
It is normal to have a lot of questions after being arrested or charged with a crime. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions asked by prospective clients like you.
Is it possible to get my criminal charges reduced or dismissed?
Matt does everything in his power to get the charges against you dropped, negotiate for a reduced charge, or negotiate for a lighter sentence such as probation. As a litigator, one way that he does this is by preparing your case as if it is destined to go to trial. Even if your case is resolved in the pre-trial phase, making your case trial-ready is the best way to put you in the strongest possible position for a favorable outcome.
Do I need a lawyer even if I intend to plead guilty?
Absolutely. Without a lawyer to advocate for you, you are at the mercy of the justice system – and you might not understand your rights and options fully. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side means there is a much higher likelihood of a positive outcome. In many cases, Matt has worked to get criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Where does Skinner Law Office represent clients?
The law firm’s office is in the heart of downtown Rapid City. However, Matt represents clients throughout the Black Hills region and elsewhere in South Dakota. He also often represents clients attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
What should I do immediately after being arrested?
There are two major steps you should follow:
- Do not speak to the police. Exercise your right to remain silent.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
The sooner you get Skinner Law Office involved, the sooner we can start fighting for you.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases do not go to trial. However, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer who is an experienced trial attorney. Again, making your case trial-ready positions you for the most favorable outcome available in your specific case.
Contact A Dedicated Criminal Defense Lawyer For A Free Consultation
Any criminal charge requires a prompt response. Don’t wait. Contact Skinner Law Office, P.C., for a free initial consultation by calling 605-519-5600, or send us an email. We are located in Rapid City and defend clients facing criminal charges throughout the Black Hills region.
