Learn More About Criminal Defense Law in Vermillion, South Dakota

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Vermillion is a city in and the county seat of Clay County, in the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of South Dakota, and the tenth largest city in the state. Vermillion lies atop a bluff on the Missouri River. The area has always been home to various Native American tribes. French fur traders first visited in the late 1700s. Vermillion was founded in 1859 and incorporated in 1873. The name refers to the Lakota name: wa sa wak pa'la (red stream). Home to the University of South Dakota, Vermillion has a mixed academic and rural character: The University is a major academic institution for the state, boasting the state's only law and medical school, the state's only AACSB accredited business school, and several well-regarded academic departments. Major farm products include corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. The population was 9,765 at the 2000 census. Vermillion is also home to the National Music Museum.

Criminal Defense Law Lawyers In Vermillion South Dakota

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What is criminal defense law?

In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").

Answers to criminal defense law issues in South Dakota

What are the limits of the police to search me or my home?

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution says that you have a right to be free of unreasonable police searches and...

When can a police officer make an arrest?

The general criteria for making an arrest is what is referred to as probable cause. Probable cause arises when there...

Do the police need a warrant to search or arrest?

There are two different types of warrants that may be issued:

  • arrest warrants - an order issued by a...
What are my rights after I have been detained by the police?

The Miranda decision relates specifically to the rights of a criminal suspect after he has been detained by the...

How do you deal with bail?

Bail is typically set by a magistrate or a judge who considers the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood of...

What happens in the first court appearance?

Early in the course of a criminal proceeding, the defendant will be brought into court and the charges brought...

Can a person strike a deal with the prosecutor to avoid trial?

At any point during this process the defendant may plead guilty to the charge leveled against him or her. Likewise,...

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Criminal offenses can be divided into two general categories:

  • ­felonies -- a crime for which a person...
What are the different crimes that people can commit?

The distinguishing feature of criminal law is the element of punishment. The purpose of criminal law is to punish...

What are defenses to crimes?

There are several defenses that can be raised in a criminal case. The defenses listed here are a sampling of those...