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South Dakota Criminal Lawyer

Call (888) 519-6013 to speak with a criminal defense attorney.

Although South Dakota has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, that doesn't mean that people in South Dakota never commit crimes. There are many qualified criminal attorneys practicing in the state, and if you have been accused of a crime, whether or not you are guilty, you need to hire a South Dakota criminal lawyer to represent your case.

South Dakota criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. You want a dedicated and qualified attorney to protect your record, freedom and future.

Criminal law is also known as penal law and it describes the codes of allowable behavior in a certain jurisdiction (whether local, state or federal), as well as the means of prosecution by the government of a person who has broken this code of behavior.

There are other kinds of cases such as civil cases, that involve individuals and organizations seeking to resolve legal disputes. In a criminal case, a state prosecutor initiates the suit, while the victim brings the suit in a civil case. If you wish to sue a convicted criminal for damages resulting from a crime, you will need to hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Even if the person was not convicted, you may still be able to sue them for damages. Consult a South Dakota civil lawyer to find out if you may have a case, if this is your circumstance.

A crime is any act or omission of an act in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it. Though there are some common law crimes, most crimes in the United States are established by local, state, and federal governments. Criminal laws vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Crimes include both felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are the more serious of the two varieties, and can include such crimes as murder, arson, rape, aggravated assault and voyeurism, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses like drug possession, petty theft, driving while intoxicated, prostitution and tax invasion. Some misdemeanors, if they are repeated offenses, may be upgraded to felonies.

Punishments for crimes can vary, but typically include one or more of the following: restriction of liberty (incarceration or house arrest), fines, community service, probation or suspended sentence, completion of a treatment program, such as for alcohol or drug abuse, or the loss of certain privileges such as being able to hold public office or being able to drive legally. However, persons found liable in a civil case may only have to give up property or pay money, but are not incarcerated.

If you have been involved in a crime or have been arrested, you should contact a private criminal attorney immediately. There are many things to look for when hiring a South Dakota lawyer or attorney. A good criminal lawyer or attorney will be familiar with South Dakota state law, as well as federal law. He or she will understand the court customs and procedures, and will be able to advise you regarding a possible plea bargain.

Should your case go to trial, your criminal attorney will review your case, hire investigators, research any relevant precedents or similar cases, and gather information from witnesses. Moreover, a criminal attorney will be experienced in arguing criminal cases in front of a jury.

If you are ready to contact a South Dakota criminal lawyer or attorney, visit the website of American Bar Association. The ABA features a lawyer locator, which can help you search for a criminal lawyer or attorney in South Dakota. Access is free.