Question 1

Assault

Accepted Answer

Sioux Falls Assault Lawyers: Building the Strongest Possible Defense for Your Case
 
The crime of assault arises from behavior defined as causing or attempting to cause an injury or causing another to be in fear of bodily harm. While most simple assault charges are misdemeanors, the crime can be elevated to a felony in certain situations. When you need experienced assault attorneys in Sioux Falls, contact Ver Beek Law for an honest, knowledgeable, and dedicated team of defense lawyers.
 
Simple Assault:
South Dakota classifies simple assault as a class 1 misdemeanor for first and second offenses. A conviction may result in up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. If a person has two prior convictions for simple assault, the third or subsequent convictions will be treated as felonies.
 
Actions charged as simple assault in South Dakota include:
 • attempting to cause bodily injury;
 • intentionally or recklessly causing injury;
 • negligently causing injury with a dangerous weapon; and/or
 • threatening or menacing someone causing fear of imminent harm.
In order to prove their case, the prosecution must demonstrate the elements of the crime of simple assault were present. There are three elements to simple assault, including an intent to threaten or frighten the person, reasonable apprehension in the victim, and harm. Our Sioux Falls assault lawyers represent clients facing assault charges, including simple and aggravated assault.
 
Aggravated Assault:
Aggravated assault is defined as an action that:
 • causes or attempts to cause serious injury;
 • causes injury with the use of a dangerous weapon; and/or
 • puts another in fear of serious physical injury.
Aggravated assault is a class 3 felony in South Dakota. A conviction carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. In addition, the convicted will have a felony record, which could damage their personal and professional reputation, make it difficult to find employment, housing, pursue higher education, and hold professional licenses in certain fields.
 
A Team Approach to Legal Representation
 
Our Sioux Falls assault attorneys will explore possible defense strategies and select the best strategy for your situation. We have the knowledge and resources needed to develop a strong defense for our clients. You can rest assured that we will fight to protect your rights and act in your best interests throughout the entire legal process.

Question 2

Drug Crimes

Accepted Answer

Sioux Falls Drug Crime Defense Attorneys: Protecting Your Civil Rights
 
South Dakota takes crimes related to controlled substances seriously. If you are found in possession, physical or constructive possession, of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, you may face severe legal consequences. At Ver Beek Law, Prof. L.L.C., our attorneys will take the time to understand the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges against you, build a strong legal defense, and zealously advocate for your best interests. We are a firm made up of skilled and passionate attorneys who will stop at nothing to gain the best outcome for your situation.
 
South Dakota’s Marijuana Possession Laws:
South Dakota is one of few states that does not permit marijuana use of any type. This drug has not been decriminalized at any level, including medicinal uses. For this reason, an individual caught with even a small amount of marijuana or drug paraphernalia may face criminal charges
 
While each case is as unique as the clients we help, the court usually handles marijuana cases in one of the following ways:
 • Misdemeanor:
    • You may face a misdemeanor charge if you are found with up to 2 ounces of marijuana. The penalties for this offense include up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
    • A class 1 misdemeanor is punishable of up to one year imprisonment and/or up to $2,000.00 in fines.
    • A class 2 misdemeanor is punishable of up to 30 days in the county jail and/or $500 in fines.
 • Felony:
    • A class 4 felony is punishable of up to 10 years in the state penitentiary and/or $20,000.00 in fines.
    • A class 5 felony is punishable of up to 5 years in the state penitentiary and/or $10,000.00 in fines.
    • A class 6 felony is punishable of up to 2 years in the state penitentiary and/or $4000.00 in fines.
Helping Our Clients Build a Strong Defense
At Ver Beek Law Prof. L.L.C., we will counsel and educate our clients on their rights, the charges against them, the statutory penalties of those charges and the far reaching consequences of those penalties as these charges could affect all facets of one's life. We will also work with our client regarding potential outside resources which may be available to them, both presently and in the future, such as counseling, treatment, or work release.

Question 3

DUI

Accepted Answer

Sioux Falls DUI Attorneys: Providing Aggressive Legal Representation
 
A DUI conviction has the potential to negatively impact your life for months or even years. Depending on how many times you have been charged with this crime as well as the circumstances surrounding your case, you could face a varying degree of punishments. At Ver Beek Law, Prof. L.L.C., our Sioux Falls attorneys will not only educate you on your rights but will also construct a strong defense strategy to present to the court.
 
South Dakota state law prohibits driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or an intoxicant. In addition, the law prohibits anyone from driving with a blood-alcohol level (BAC) exceeding .08 regardless of intoxication.
 
Penalties
In South Dakota, the maximum penalties for a first offense DUI conviction are up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $2,000.00 plus court costs. Additionally, a court may decide to revoke your driver’s license for up to 1 year. The severity of your penalties will vary depending on the number of DUI offenses you have been convicted of in the past, your BAC at the time you took a breathalyzer test, and/or the substance you were using. However, every case provides a unique set of facts that should be considered on a case by case basis.
 
Straightforward & Honest Defense Attorneys
At Ver Beek Law, Prof. L.L.C., our Sioux Falls lawyers treat every case we take with equal importance. We are a group of competent and skilled attorneys who will strongly advocate for your rights.

Question 4

Property Crimes

Accepted Answer

Sioux Falls Property Crimes Attorneys: Upholding Your Constitutional Rights
 
The accusation of a property crime could have serious negative effects on the accused’s life. At Ver Beek Law, our trial attorneys can help you build a strong case. We will walk you through every step of the process and aggressively advocate for your rights during the trial.
 
Property Crimes in South Dakota:
In South Dakota, property crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. The specific charges against the accused and the value of stolen property are factors used to determine whether the court will try the case as a misdemeanor or felony. While felony charges are certainly more serious, it is best to avoid any conviction, if possible.
 
Our law firm represents clients charged with property crimes that include:
 • Theft
 • Stolen property
 • Auto theft
 • Burglary
 • Fraud
 • Forgery
 • Embezzlement
 • Damage to property
 • Penalties for a Conviction
The possible penalties for property crimes convictions vary, depending on the value of the property, the specific charges, and how many times the defendant has previously been convicted of the crime. In some cases, first time offenders and individuals who are facing charges for minor offenses may be eligible for a pretrial diversion program. We can help you explore all possibilities for avoiding more severe penalties.
 
Individuals with prior convictions or facing more serious charges are at risk for harsher consequences. The specific penalties vary, depending on whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. For example, a class 1 misdemeanor charge may result in up to a year in county jail, a $2,000 fine, and restitution to the victim. A felony conviction, such as for aggravated grand theft, may result in up to 15 years in a state penitentiary and a fine of up to $30,000.
 
Start Planning Your Defense Strategy:
At Ver Beek Law, our Sioux Falls property crimes lawyers provide honest, focused legal representation and personalized attention for every case. We understand that each case is unique. Our attorneys will listen to your side of the story, evaluate the evidence against you, and develop the most effective defense strategy for your situation. Throughout the legal process, we fight to protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly.
 
Our attorneys are approachable and always available to answer your questions and update you about the status of your case. All cases are important to us and our entire team knows the details of every case, so we can provide the highest level of quality service to our clients.

Question 5

Violent Crimes

Accepted Answer

Violent Crimes Attorneys in Sioux Falls: Dedicated Attorneys to Defend Your Rights
 
Violent crimes are some of the most serious criminal offenses and they carry the most severe penalties. If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime, the stakes couldn’t be higher. You need a qualified and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney with experience handling these types of cases. At Ver Beek Law, our Sioux Falls violent crimes lawyers aggressively defend the rights of our clients.
 
Don’t wait! Contact an attorney as soon as you are accused of a violent crime. Request a consultation today.
 
Felony Charges for Violent Crimes:
Most violent crimes result in felony charges. In South Dakota, felonies range from Class A, which are the most serious, to Class 6, the least serious. Regardless of the level of the criminal charges, any felony conviction will result in a felony record that will follow you for the rest of your life.
 
Classifications for violent crimes in South Dakota include:
 • Class A: First-degree murder
 • Class B: Second-degree murder and/or first-degree aggravated kidnapping with serious bodily injury
 • Class C: First-degree rape, first-degree aggravated kidnapping, and/or first-degree manslaughter
 • Class 1: Second-degree rape, and/or second-degree kidnapping
 • Class 2: First-degree arson and/or first-degree robbery
 • Class 3: Second-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault, and/or aggravated grand theft
 • Class 4: Second-degree robbery and/or second-degree manslaughter
 • Class 5: Making terrorist threats, internet gambling (second offense), and/or incest
 • Class 6: Internet gambling (first offense), selling child pornography, and/or bigamy
Our Sioux Falls violent crimes attorneys understand that your freedom, life, and livelihood are at risk and will fight to ensure the protection of your rights throughout the legal process.
 
Criminal Penalties & Lasting Consequences
The criminal penalties depend on the specific charges and classification of the defendant’s offense. For example, the penalties for conviction of a Class 5 felony may include up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. While a Class A felony conviction carries a possible death sentence and/or a $100,000 fine.
 
A defendant could face additional penalties, depending on the number of prior convictions:
 • One or two prior convictions – The sentence could be increased to the next level, such as from a class 4 to a Class 3 felony.
 • Three or more prior convictions – The sentence is increased two levels, up to a maximum of a class C felony.
 • Three or more convictions for violent felonies – If there are three or more felonies, including a violent felony conviction in the past, the new sentence will be increased to a class C felony.
In addition to the criminal penalties associated with violent crimes, a conviction will have lasting consequences on your life. Finding a job and a place to live are extremely difficult for people with violent felonies on their records. If the conviction was for a sex crime, there may be additional consequences, such as a requirement to register as a sex offender.
 
Building a Unique Defense for Every Case:
When facing charges for a violent crime, your freedom depends on presenting a strong defense. Our Sioux Falls violent crimes lawyers have extensive experience representing clients, negotiating with local prosecutors, and defending clients in the courtroom. We recommend contacting us before giving a statement to police or answering questions to ensure your protection.

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