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South Dakota Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Communications Law and Constitutional Law for South Dakota on
Q: I need law help on behalf of my friends rights getting violated against of the union county south dakota jail staff
Adam Bryson
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answered on Nov 5, 2024

One thing your friend needs to do is file a grievance and appeal it with the jail staff until he’s exhausted all remedies.

Can you be more specific about how is rights are being violated. If you’re not comfortable sharing that information publicly call my office and schedule an appointment.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Dakota on
Q: How should I get my restricted work permit for the 2nd time when I finished my probation period and the case is sealed?

I was charged with vehicular battery, the judge ordered a suspended imp of sentence and granted me a restricted work permit to go to work/medical app.. I finished the probation period and the case is sealed. Now I’m trying to renewal my restricted permit because I have a new insurance. I went to... View More

Adam Bryson
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answered on Oct 1, 2024

How long were your driving privileges revoked for? Was it longer than for the probationary sentence? If no, then you should be able to apply to have your driving privileges reinstated. If yes, then you may need to explore a sentence modification that would allow you to have a work permit during the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for South Dakota on
Q: received a court summons for reckless driving I performed a wheelie on a motorcycle. What punishments am I looking at?

Performed a wheelie on a public road while in view of an unmarked/undercover cop. Received a court summons for “reckless driving” this is a first time offense for me

Adam Bryson
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answered on Oct 1, 2024

You're most likely looking at a monetary fine with suspended jail time (meaning as long as you pay your fine and don't get in more trouble you won't have to serve any jail time).

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for South Dakota on
Q: Is an indigent appointment of counsel required to advocate for the defendant, and work for his client's desired outcome?

For example, if a client's desired outcome is the verdict from a jury in a fair trial, correct or not, and the client would not complain against the attorney, if the outcome was, "Guilty," instead of "Not Guilty," even though, "Not Guilty," was the plea he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

Yes, an indigent defendant's appointed counsel is required to advocate for the defendant's desired outcome and provide a vigorous defense. If your appointed counsel is not acting in your best interest, you have the right to request a new attorney. It's essential that your lawyer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for South Dakota on
Q: How can I get a fair trial?

I am homeless and on foot, I cannot use mail to report misconduct to the bar, and they do not accept any other method for complaint. The judge told me I couldn't fire the lawyer and get another one, and in jail i repeatedly tried to fire the guy, but he forcefully remained my counsel saying i... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

To get a fair trial, you need to ensure your rights are protected, even in challenging circumstances. Start by documenting everything that has happened to you, including your attempts to fire your lawyer, the conditions imposed by the judge, and any misconduct or mistreatment. This documentation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Car Accidents for South Dakota on
Q: What happens if I didn't waive my right to a speedy trial and its been over 90 days?

Does case become dismissed?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

If you haven't waived your right to a speedy trial and it has been over 90 days, the situation may vary based on the laws in your jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, the right to a speedy trial is protected by law to prevent undue and lengthy pretrial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for South Dakota on
Q: Does a restoration of firearm rights in Minnesota transfer over to South Dakota?

I have a felony conviction in Minnesota from 2010, I completed the terms of my sentence in June of 2011. About two years ago I was granted a restoration of my firearm rights by a judge in Minnesota. I currently live in South Dakota and I was wondering if South Dakota will honor the firearm rights... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Whether your restoration of firearm rights in Minnesota will transfer over to South Dakota depends on the specific laws and reciprocity agreements between the two states. While some states may recognize restoration of firearm rights granted by another state, others may have their own criteria or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for South Dakota on
Q: Is medical neglect while in county jail a possible case worthy of taking action. I almost died from my diabetes and cops

Q: I have been trying to find out information about my identity being stolen and having my life threatened in jail.

I had a hypoglycemic episode in Brule County Jail. The chief of police didn't call the ambulance for 3 hours and spilled a can of soda on my hands to make my bloodsugars... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

Experiencing medical neglect while in custody, especially when it leads to a life-threatening situation like the one you described with your diabetes, can indeed be grounds for taking legal action. The failure of law enforcement officials, including the chief of police, to provide necessary medical... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for South Dakota on
Q: What can I (victim) do to drop Agg. Assault domestic charge dropped on BF?

My Boyfriend & I were having a disagreement about child support. I seen his hand placed inside his jacket, I asked him to take his hand out & when he did he had his gun in his hand lowering it to his side. Never pointed at me or made reference to it. I told him to put his gun away & he... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 17, 2024

This matter is largely out of your hands. The decision as to whether to move forward on a case that has been charged belongs to the prosecutor. You may certainly speak to the prosecutor as you are an essential witness. However, the prosecutor can still make a judgment as to whether or not they... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Dakota on
Q: Will walmart call cops on my child for stealing with only camera footage, never caught in store

Walmart took my kid into loss prevention recently claimed they had several different video footages of him stealing worth over 1700 or something like that. Had him sign a form saying he wouldn't trespass again and let him go. Will he get arrested for it later He's 23 with no criminal record at all

J. Scott James
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J. Scott James
answered on Dec 6, 2023

Ultimately, this is up to Wal Mart if they are going to make a report with the local police concerning the theft allegations. In South Dakota, you have up to 7 years to file a criminal case on a misdemeanor or felony charge. It sounds like if he comes back to the Wal Mart or has additional issues... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Libel & Slander for South Dakota on
Q: A boss told co-workers about private information about my record, what criminal charge is that?

My boss asked his state’s attorney uncle about my personal record, then proceeded to tell my co-workers about it to defame me. For one can his uncle just give him any info on anyone he wants? And if so what happens when he expresses those Private matters to employees?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 19, 2023

What private information was disclosed? Most personal information isn't protected. Public records contain a vast array of personal information, including criminal proceedings.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Dakota on
Q: What's the law about leaving your child 16 and then 16 and under on the interstate by themselves and you got arrested
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 19, 2023

I am not licensed in South Dakota and I am not going to peruse the criminal statutes looking for the specific crimes that a parent could face for abandoning a child on the interstate, but I bet even in South Dakota it against the law. Of course, other details would help access the situation.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Probate for South Dakota on
Q: I’m on felony probation an this last year my dad committed sucide an I lost it my mind didn’t show up for po meeting an

She put warrants out for my original charges if I explain to judge what happen is it possible not to go to prison on a motion to revoke

Mark Ryan Thiessen
Mark Ryan Thiessen
answered on Jan 6, 2020

You can't get the warrant withdrawn all by yourself. Call you attorney and approach in court with him to explain yourself. Expect to be drug and alcohol tested, so be clean. Also bring a death certificate and maybe the funeral information for the Judge. Sorry for your loss.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Discrimination and Sexual Harassment for South Dakota on
Q: My coworker who drinks on the job strangel me with his hands

Said all natives and forineners should die

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Jul 21, 2019

Thank you for sharing.

Hope you reported it to the police and your employer

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Immigration Law for South Dakota on
Q: travel abroad LPR, misdemeanor for simple possession of 2 oz or less marijuana, 1yr max sentence, inadmissible?

Hello, I am LPR, I am currently a student, I have a misdemeanor for simple possession of 2 oz or less marijuana(Jan 2016), max sentence is 1 year in SD. I received suspended imposition of sentence with no probation. This is my first offense, there is no offense ever since as well. I want to visit... View More

Hector E. Quiroga
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Hector E. Quiroga
answered on Mar 12, 2018

Yes. The maximum amount you can possess is 30 grams, and 2oz is closer to 50 grams. If you leave you will likely have trouble returning to the US.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Dakota on
Q: pictures where taken with consent why else could they charge a person with this

persons were in 6 year relationship and have recently split and female is false reporting

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Nov 5, 2016

What is your question?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Native American Law for South Dakota on
Q: I was wondering if there is anything I can do to get my felony drug conviction reduced. I have finished my sentence

I was convicted of possession with intent to distribute while I was going to college in Albuquerque NM. The school I was going to was a Federal Native American College. The security guard said he stopped me because "smoke was rolling out of my windows" when I was pulling on to the campus.... View More

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Nov 2, 2015

Probably not at this stage. Perhaps you should have a full discussion with a post conviction relief attorney in Albequerque

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Dakota on
Q: what is considered an unlawful condition of a parole officer with regards to a parolee

a no contact order has been implimented via the parole offficer (can have 3rd party contact and it is not court ordered) the individual was found at our residence 9 days after missing a pbt and now has to take up lodging at a location other than our home.

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Aug 24, 2015

You are not going to get a list of things that a parole officer cannot do here. That would require a lot of research, it is not just a basic legal question. Hire an attorney for this.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Dakota on
Q: Has any wife been convicted in South Dakota of raping her husband?

Has any wife been convicted in South Dakota of raping her husband? My friend is wondering if this has happened as it would give him a good idea of whether to tell his divorce attorney of how his wife keeps sneaking into the house and trying to rape him while he's sleeping.

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Aug 25, 2015

Your question requires legal research to answer. He should be willing to tell his attorney about it whether any wife has been convicted or not. Why is it that you are asking instead of him?

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