Rapid City DUI Vehicular Homicide Attorney
Last updated on June 23, 2026
Few legal situations carry the weight of a DUI charge involving injury or death. If you are facing this right now, you are likely scared, overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. You do not have to face it alone. At Skinner Law Office, P.C., we bring over 25 years of experience defending clients throughout Rapid City and the Black Hills region, and we treat every client with the same personal attention we would want for our own family.
Understanding DUI Charges Involving Injury Or Death
South Dakota treats DUI cases involving bodily injury, serious injury or a fatality with a level of severity that goes well beyond a standard DUI charge. These cases can be prosecuted as felonies, and accidents resulting in a death may lead to vehicular homicide charges, among the most serious offenses in the state’s criminal code. We are familiar with how Pennington County and Meade County prosecutors approach these cases and what that means for your defense from day one.
Potential Criminal Penalties And Consequences
A felony DUI conviction involving injury or death can mean significant prison time, substantial fines, license revocation, probation and court-ordered restitution. The consequences reach further than the courtroom, often affecting employment, housing and personal relationships long after the case concludes. We walk you through exactly what you are facing so you can make informed decisions with confidence, not fear.
Investigating The Cause Of The Accident
The state has to prove two things to convict you: that you were impaired and that your impairment caused the accident. We dig into the accident reconstruction evidence, the toxicology results and the procedures law enforcement followed during the investigation. Our experience handling these cases gives us a clear sense of where the state’s evidence is strong and where it may not hold up.
Building A Strategic Defense
No two cases look the same, which is why we build a defense around your specific situation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on what we find, that may include:
- Challenging how the chemical testing was conducted or whether the results are reliable
- Questioning whether the evidence actually proves your impairment caused the accident
- Reviewing whether law enforcement respected your rights throughout the stop and investigation
- Protecting your constitutional rights at every stage, from the initial encounter through trial
Our attorneys review every case personally. When you work with our firm, you have direct access to a lawyer, not a rotating cast of associates who do not know your full story.
Your Defense Starts With A Phone Call
We understand how frightening this moment feels. Our goal is to give you clear answers, a real plan and steady support from the first phone call through the resolution of your case. Call 605-519-5600 or reach out by email to schedule a free consultation with Skinner Law Office, P.C., today.