DUI Defense Lawyers in Eastern South Dakota
A DUI conviction can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, jail time, and in some cases may cost you your job. Where can you turn for the aggressive and knowledgeable legal representation that you need to avoid these consequences?
An eastern South Dakota DUI attorney at the Helsper, McCarty and Rasmussen Law Firm Law Firm can help. Our experienced DUI defense attorneys have represented clients regarding drunk driving cases throughout eastern South Dakota for many years and have the knowledge and resources to provide the effective representation you need. Building a strong plan of action for your defense, our legal team will give you the best opportunity of avoiding a DUI conviction and driver’s license suspension.
South Dakota DUI Charges & Penalties
DUI (driving under the influence) is a relatively common criminal offense which the State of South Dakota takes very seriously. Casually referred to as drunk driving, DUI is the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. “Under the influence” means that a driver may have a blood alcohol concentration at or above .08%. It also refers to a driver’s physical or mental impairment due to alcohol or drugs.
In looking to secure a conviction in a drunk driving case, the prosecuting attorney will use the officer's testimony, field sobriety test performance and blood or breath test results. Their purpose will be to prove that the driver was operating the vehicle and had an unlawful blood alcohol concentration (.08% or above) and/or had impaired mental or physical abilities due to alcohol or drug use. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can work to challenge the prosecution on every single point. From the initial police stop, to the moment your DUI charges were filed, there are mistakes that law enforcement or the prosecution may make which can affect the outcome of your case. For example, an officer pulling over a driver with no lawful reason to do so may serve to impact whether the driver will face charges or a conviction.
DUI Defense Lawyers Serving Eastern South Dakota
South Dakota is a harsh state in regards to DUI laws and penalties. Even a first DUI conviction may result in imprisonment and driver’s license suspension. Because a DUI is such a serious offense and is relatively common, the eastern South Dakota DUI attorneys at the Helsper, McCarty and Rasmussen Law Firm welcome you to contact us today for a free initial phone consultation with a skilled attorney. We will take the time to review your charges and see what we can do to help.