Put An Experienced Drug Crime Defense Lawyer On Your Side

In South Dakota, you need the best possible criminal defense representation when charged with a drug crime. Attorney Matthew L. Skinner understands what is at stake, and he understands how South Dakota courts try drug cases. He has been defending these types of cases for 25 years, and he has a long record of success. He has successfully represented individuals charged with possession and distribution of marijuana / cannabis, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs and other controlled substances.

For a free consultation, please call us in Rapid City at 605-519-5600 or send us an email. Attorney Matthew L. Skinner represents clients throughout the Black Hills region. Our law firm looks for every possible way to get drug charges reduced or dismissed. We are here to help you, too.

Strategic Defense Against Drug Charges

As your dedicated drug charge defense lawyer, Matt Skinner personally handles your case to make absolutely certain that you get the best possible defense. He thoroughly examines the facts, as well as the manner in which a court issues a warrant or authorities bring charges. He investigates whether your rights were violated during or after the arrest: for example, if police failed to follow proper procedure or engaged in illegal search and seizure. In all drug cases, including drug conspiracy cases, Matt fights to keep improper testimony, unreliable evidence and illegally obtained evidence out of the case. This often results in reduced or dropped charges.

We will be there for you from the moment your arrest occurs until your criminal defense matter has been fully resolved. Skinner Law Office, P.C., has access to investigators and experts to examine your case and, if necessary, testify on your behalf.

South Dakota Drug Charge Frequently Asked Questions

At Skinner Law Office, we have seen every type of drug case. Here are some common questions we hear:

When can police search for drugs in a traffic stop?

This question is often at the heart of drug cases. In every instance, police officers must follow proper procedure in a traffic stop. They don’t automatically have the right to search you or your vehicle. Generally, police must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to conduct a search for drugs. Just because the police ultimately find drugs in a vehicle does not necessarily mean the search was reasonable. Drug charges may be dropped if it can be shown that the police lacked probable cause or a good reason to conduct a search. Examples of when a police officer may have a reason to conduct a search include drugs in plain view or if a driver admits there are drugs in the vicinity. However, there may also be questions of whether police had a good reason to even stop your vehicle. If the police lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause for the traffic stop itself or to conduct a search, that may be grounds to get the charges dismissed. Please see our overview of drug charges resulting from traffic stops to learn more.

Is possession of cannabis edibles illegal in South Dakota?

Yes, South Dakota’s current laws criminalize possession of marijuana, including cannabis edibles, hash oils and cannabis concentrates. Even if you bought cannabis legally in another state and brought the cannabis to South Dakota, you could face serious charges if police find the cannabis on your person or in your vehicle. At Skinner Law Office, we have extensive experience in marijuana and cannabis cases. We encourage you to contact us today if you are facing any kind of marijuana-related charge. We will thoroughly examine your case for way to get the charge reduced or dismissed.

Can I get my drug charges dropped if it’s my first offense?

Every drug case is unique with its own set of specific facts. With that said, we are often able to negotiate for lighter penalties when a person is accused of a drug crime for the first time. In many “first-time offender” cases, it may be possible to avoid jail time and even get the charge dismissed. Examples of these types of sentencing alternatives include: 1) deferred imposition of sentence and a reduction of the charge to misdemeanor, 2) one-time discharge and dismissal, resulting in probation instead of jail time, 3) a pre-trial diversion program whereby you must avoid further trouble with the law and fulfill other requirements set forth by the prosecutor, and 4) a 24/7 sobriety program involving drug testing.

Have more questions? Please see our full Drug Charge FAQ to learn about prescription drug charges, cannabis edible charges and more.

The Stakes Are High. Don’t Wait. Let Us Start Fighting For You.

The penalties for drug possession and distribution in South Dakota are harsh. For example, a conviction for marijuana possession may result in anywhere from one to 15 years of incarceration, plus fines ranging from $2,000 to $30,000. The penalties for sale or distribution of other types of drugs can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. However, longer prison sentences and larger fines occur depending on the type of substance involved, whether the arrest took place in a drug-free zone, or you have previous convictions on your criminal record.

Don’t let the prosecution go unchallenged. Put Skinner Law Office on your side today, so we can start defending your rights and freedom. In many cases, early intervention by Matt Skinner can lead to a significant reduction of charges or a dismissal of charges. Don’t wait. Contact us immediately.

Contact A Drug Charge Defense Lawyer For A Free Consultation

For a free consultation, please call Skinner Law Office at 605-519-5600 or send us an email. Our law office is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, and we represent clients throughout the Black Hills region.