People often think of driving under the influence (DUI) charges as open-and-shut criminal cases. They assume that the state has relatively authoritative evidence after arresting someone. However, it is actually possible for many people accused of drunk driving in...
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Year: 2023
Should you consider a plea bargain?
As the defendant in a criminal case, the prosecution may offer you reduced charges or a lighter sentence in exchange for your guilty plea. For instance, a felony offense could be reduced to a misdemeanor, attracting lesser charges. It’s how plea deals work. While such...
An overview of South Dakota gun laws
South Dakota is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry permits. This means the state must issue a permit to any applicant who meets specific criteria, such as being over 18 years of age and having no significant criminal record. It's important to remember that...
Does the Miranda warning matter during a DUI arrest?
Someone who is pulled over for a driving under the influence (DUI) infraction in South Dakota could face arrest and criminal prosecution. Police officers often screen drivers during traffic stops and after collisions for warning signs of impairment. Once they have...
How college party culture can propel drug crimes among students
College life is a dynamic experience filled with new academic challenges, social interactions and, unfortunately, potential pitfalls. One significant concern that many students face is the intersection of college party culture and the risk of involvement in drug...
What constitutes possession with intent in South Dakota?
When police officers find someone with prohibited drugs in their possession, an arrest will likely follow. The state can prosecute individuals for simply possessing certain substances. However, there are times when prosecutors will choose to file more serious criminal...
What happens if you run from the police?
Being stopped and questioned by the police is not a routine activity for most people. Perhaps you’ve never been stopped by the police before. It goes without saying that it can be difficult to know what to do in this situation. For some, the natural reaction is to...
Does drinking increase around the holidays?
Drinking and driving happens every day. The data suggests that the weekends experience the highest rate of drunk driving crashes, showing that injurious impaired driving behavior is more common at times when people are simply more likely to consume alcohol. Many...
Don’t let happy hour turn into a DUI
After a long, stressful day at work, relaxing with friends and a few drinks feels good. The good-natured camaraderie keeps you laughing as the tension melts away. The last thing you expect is for those few after-work drinks to become a DUI. The consequences of a DUI...
Can marijuana users own guns?
Marijuana legalization has been complicated. Federally, it is illegal. In many states, including South Dakota, it is legal only for medical purposes. But there are also many states, such as Michigan, Illinois, and Colorado, where marijuana is legal for recreational...