Drivers in Rapid City and across South Dakota may occasionally encounter traffic patrols. Police departments schedule officers to monitor major thoroughfares for signs of unsafe driving. Anyone speeding or otherwise breaking traffic laws could face a traffic stop followed by a citation. More serious traffic offenses may lead to someone’s arrest and criminal prosecution instead of a ticket. Impaired driving is one of the more common traffic infractions that may lead to criminal charges instead of a ticket. Some people get arrested during targeted traffic enforcement efforts, but others get swep ..read more

There are many different kinds of theft offenses that occur in South Dakota every year. There are certain forms of theft that are white-collar crimes, such as embezzlement and various types of fraud.  Some people engage in theft from retail shops, also known as shoplifting or retail fraud. Others may break into buildings, including businesses and homes, to steal items or money. These are burglary thefts. The act of illegally accessing or remaining in a building is burglary, and the theft is the crime that makes that trespassing a burglary offense. Robberies occur when someone uses physica ..read more

Motorcycle riders from all over the country come to Sturgis each year for one of the largest rallies in the nation. It is an exciting social event and often the center point of someone’s summer vacation plans if they intend to participate. People network, meet up with old friends and get to share one of their favorite pastimes with thousands of others with a similar passion. However, for a small number of riders who come to Sturgis each year for the rally, the souvenir they bring home won’t be fond memories or some custom-made gear but instead pending criminal charges from another state. At th ..read more

Social attitudes about drug and alcohol use do not inherently align with legal restrictions. Especially when people travel, they need to acknowledge the possibility that local laws related to drug and alcohol possession and use might lead to their arrest. South Dakota welcomes a significant influx of travelers during the warmer seasons, partially because the state hosts special events that tend to draw people from all across the country. The upcoming motorcycle rally in Sturgis is a perfect example. Every year, hundreds of thousands of bikers gather in Sturgis, and every year, the local police ..read more

In South Dakota, embezzlement, larceny, and theft are all classified broadly as property crimes. They differ in terms of their specific elements and contexts. Anyone who’s charged with any type of theft crime should ensure they understand the elements of the charge, the possible penalties and the defense options they have available to them. If you’ve been charged with a property crime, you’ll ideally act as quickly as you can to gain this knowledge with the assistance of a legal professional so that you can make thoughtful and informed choices about your legal options. Theft Theft is a broad t ..read more

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have significant consequences for both the driver and other people on the road. South Dakota takes this offense very seriously, and the state has some of the strictest penalties for drunk driving in the nation. If you’re facing drunk driving charges, understanding the potential penalties can help you better evaluate your legal options. Here’s what you should know: What are the potential penalties for a first-time DUI? If you are convicted of a first-offense DUI in this state, you could face a maximum of a year in the county jail p ..read more

In South Dakota, embezzlement, larceny, and theft are all classified broadly as property crimes. They differ in terms of their specific elements and contexts. Anyone who’s charged with any type of theft crime should ensure they understand the elements of the charge, the possible penalties and the defense options they have available to them. If you’ve been charged with a property crime, you’ll ideally act as quickly as you can to gain this knowledge with the assistance of a legal professional so that you can make thoughtful and informed choices about your legal options. Theft Theft is a broad t ..read more

If you are facing criminal charges and the police tell you they have a witness, you would be right to worry. Witness accounts have helped secure prosections for many crimes. The problem is that people can place too much faith in them and forget that not all witnesses tell the truth. Here are some reasons why an eyewitness might not tell the truth: 1. They want to cover for themself or someone else Think back to the school playground. How many times did you see a teacher ask a child who did something wrong who did it, only for them to point the finger at another?  Admitting guilt comes wit ..read more

If you visit family this Christmas, you might be worried about drinking and driving. You want to enjoy your time and share some alcoholic drinks. Yet you also know you’ll need to drive home at some point. Hence you may consider buying a personal breathalyzer so you can measure yourself and check when you are safe to begin your return journey. Is this a good idea? Do not rely on them Look at it this way: If the breathalyzer says you are over the limit, then definitely do not get in your car. The problem is, you cannot rely on them to tell you when you are safe to get in the car. Firstly, they c ..read more

With thousands of drunk driving-related accidents occurring every year, clamping down on this offense is a top priority for law enforcement in South Dakota. Despite officers being given powers to tackle criminal conduct, they cannot act with impunity.  Officers must always strike a balance between investigating crime and respecting the privacy of individuals. Thus, law enforcement is generally not allowed to pull you over without having a reasonable suspicion that you could be impaired. Essentially, your conduct while driving must stand out from other drivers for the wrong reasons.  ..read more