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 engage in substance use, the transition to adulthood coincides with a period of peak brain development. This can make these young adults more susceptible to addiction and the negative consequences that follow. Times away from parents  College often marks the first time young adults are away from the watchful eye of parent ..read more

For those who have not used them before, an edible is a type of marijuana product that a person consumes. They do not have to smoke it, as has traditionally been done with marijuana. They simply eat it and then the THC distillate within the edible makes its way to their bloodstream. This has become very popular in states where marijuana has been legalized. Many people are interested in the effects but are not interested in taking up smoking. The market for edibles has expanded. But what types should you see dispensaries? Examples of common products First and foremost, many edibles essentially ..read more

If you discover the police are about to arrest you on suspicion of a drug-related crime you might panic. If you do that, you might end up doing something you regret, that makes your situation worse than it already is. Here are some things you definitely do not want to do: 1. Fitting up someone else You accept that you did wrong regarding drugs, you just never expected to get caught. So, you decide to lay the blame on someone else, perhaps doctoring things to make it look like they were to blame, not you. If the police discover this attempt to deceive, you can expect the prosecution and judge t ..read more

An arrest is often a surprising experience. Particularly in cases where people face accusations based on misidentification or other errors, a negative interaction with law enforcement can leave people frightened and unsure of what to do. All too often, people who get arrested make the same mistake. They may be aware of their basic rights during and after an arrest, but they may fail to make use of those rights. Instead of seeking to protect themselves as much as possible, they give up their rights and sometimes put themselves in a very difficult legal position. What common mistake can make it ..read more

The police can ask drivers questions during traffic stops if they suspect that a driver is drunk. A driver may also be asked to do a field sobriety test, which can help the police identify signs of inebriation. However, these investigative tools do not always confirm whether a driver is drunk. To gather clear evidence that a driver is inebriated, the police may ask a driver to submit a chemical blood test to determine their blood alcohol levels. There are three kinds: 1. Breath tests The most common test is a breath test, conducted with a is a small machine that the police can carry in their v ..read more

Driving under the influence (DUI) traffic stops may start with a few questions about someone’s recent activities. If police officers think someone may have had too much to drink, they can ask someone to perform field sobriety tests. Drivers often don’t know what to expect during field sobriety tests, and may fail to make proper use of their rights as a result. What does field sobriety testing during a DUI traffic stop typically entail? Police officers may administer three standardized tests If a police officer wants field sobriety testing to have an influence on court proceedings, they need to ..read more

These days, recreational marijuana is not limited to places like Colorado in California. It may have started there, but many other states have jumped on the bandwagon and legalized either recreational or medical marijuana. South Dakota has followed suit, and it is legal to purchase and use marijuana in this fashion. However, marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. This is important because a crime that crosses state lines falls under federal jurisdiction, not state jurisdiction. Therefore, traveling with marijuana is still technically illegal, even though you could purchase it legally ..read more

Facing criminal charges for the first time is nearly always a frightening experience. You may expect a first driving under the influence (DUI) charge to be different, but the process and possible outcome can put you at just as much risk as some other charges. Underestimating the severity of a DUI conviction and the hardships it may cause is a common mistake for first-time offenders. The information below can help you understand the gravity of your circumstances and take protective steps against conviction. Know what’s at stake A first-time DUI in South Dakota is a Class 1 misdemeanor, leading ..read more

Study drugs are prescription medications used improperly by individuals seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities, such as concentration, memory and alertness. These substances, which include stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, are legally prescribed for disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The allure of study drugs lies in their perceived ability to prolong focus and increase stamina during study sessions, potentially leading to better grades. Despite their popularity, the use of study drugs without a prescription is illegal and poses serious legal and healt ..read more

An order of protection, commonly referred to as a restraining order, is issued by a court to safeguard individuals from harm or harassment. In South Dakota, these orders are particularly relevant in cases involving domestic violence, stalking or harassment. The primary purpose of an order of protection is to prevent the defendant from contacting the petitioner, coming near their home, place of work, or other specified locations and possibly possessing firearms. Legal process and types of orders In South Dakota, the process begins when the petitioner files a request for an order of protection w ..read more