The vast majority of impaired driving charges relate to alcohol intoxication. Most people are somewhat familiar with drunk driving rules due to driver's education training and public awareness campaigns. People know that they can get arrested for being over the legal...
Month: August 2023
Was it an assault or an act of self-defense?
The law in South Dakota very clearly criminalizes interpersonal violence. It is unlawful and inappropriate for someone to make physical contact with another person without their consent or with the intent of causing harm. If state authorities hear about an...
How long does intoxication from edibles last?
Many people who use marijuana products will smoke the plant itself. But there’s another category of products known as edibles, which are meant to be consumed. They typically contain a form of distillate, which has the THC for the body to process after consumption....
Can a police officer enter your home without consent?
A police officer knocks on your door, and you open it just slightly to talk to them. The officer tells you that they need you to open the door and let them come in and take a look around. Maybe they say that they just need to talk to you for a few minutes. The officer...
People are often their own worst enemies during DUI stops
Many people fastidiously avoid breaking the law. Most drivers have never had a confrontation with law enforcement professionals other than perhaps a traffic stop that resulted in a ticket. If a police officer pulls someone over due to suspicions of chemical...
4 effective ways to challenge field sobriety tests
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are commonly used by law enforcement to assess a driver's level of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. However, these tests are not foolproof and can be challenged effectively under certain circumstances. Here are some effective ways to...
Do people need a permit to carry a pistol in South Dakota?
Although many people rely on firearms as a source of personal protection, not all of them are practical for protection in pubic spaces. A pistol, as it’s referred to under South Dakota law, is a firearm that is compact enough for people to carry on a day-to-day basis,...
The summer months traditionally inspire an increase in DUI enforcement
The summer months often see more people out on the roads than usual. College and high school students who have their driver's licenses do not have to attend classes and may spend the summer socializing. People with families often arrange for vacations during the...
Abusing prescription drugs is as illegal as using banned drugs
People generally understand that the state can prosecute an individual for possessing, transferring or abusing a prohibited drug. The federal government and the state of South Dakota have made numerous substances illegal in all circumstances. Someone who gets caught...
Freshman freedom and risky choices
College is a time of newfound independence, academic exploration and personal growth. But alongside the excitement comes a surge in risky behaviors, with drug and alcohol abuse placing students at a heightened vulnerability for crime. While not all college students...