Best Criminal Lawyer in South Dakota

MATTHEW L. SKINNER SR.

Criminal Lawyer

Matthew L. Skinner Sr. has been a practicing attorney in South Dakota for over 25 years. He has made a name for himself in both the law and his personal life in the surrounding area. Matt Sr. has nine children, two of which work in his law office, and another one currently in law school.

He has made it a priority in his firm to make sure that his clients receive the care that is needed for their individual cases. Although Matt Sr. has been an attorney for over 25 years, he knows that there is a reason his profession is called the practice of law, as an attorney you are always practicing and always trying to be a better attorney than you were the day before.

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EDUCATION

Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska
- J.D. – 1995
Creighton University , Omaha, Nebraska
- B.S. – 1993

BAR ADMISSIONS

South Dakota, 1995
U.S. District Court District of South Dakota, 1998

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

South Dakota Criminal Defense Bar Association, 1995 to Present
Black Hills Criminal Defense Bar, 1995 to Present
Pennington County Bar Association, 1995 to Present

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT POSITION

President-Professional Corporation

D. Sonny Walter

Criminal Lawyer

I was born and raised in Freeman, SD. I graduated from Freeman High School in 1979. After that, I attended and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree.I then attended and graduated from the University South Dakota School of Law in 1989. I was licensed and admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of South Dakota in October of the same year. From 1989 to 1996, I worked for the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office in Sioux Falls, SD. I worked with and learned from a great group of criminal defense attorneys at that office.In 1996, I was admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. I have tried many misdemeanor and felony cases throughout my career across the state. I held the record with the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office for the most jury trial wins until 2006. I won every misdemeanor case I tried for 14 years. I have also won most of the felony cases I have tried.

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Since 1996, I have owned and operated my private practice. I have focused almost exclusively on criminal defense, handling a wide variety of crimal cases all over the state.

From 1999 to 2017, I was contracted the governor of the state of South Dakota to assist inmates in the penitentiaries in Sioux Falls, Springfield, and Yankton on various matters such as appeals, habeas corpus, parole issues, prison conditions, sentence modifications, and more.

I taught constitutional law and legal research at two local colleges in Sioux Falls.

Education

University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota
- J.D. – 1989
University of South Dakota
- B.S., Bachelor of Science – 1985

Bar Admissions

South Dakota, 1989
U.S. Supreme Court, 2017
U.S. District Court District of South Dakota, 1996

Case Results

State v. Pharis, Brookings County. , Aggravated assault charge reduced to disorderly conduct.
State v. Jones., Won appeal to South Dakota Supreme making new law which resulted in law enforcement being required to get a search warrant before placing a pole video camera to surveil someone’s residence.
State v. Jackson, Davison County., Got 164 pounds of marijuana evidence suppressed due to illegal search which resulted in case being dismissed.
Stave v. Holforty, Beadle county. , 5 minute not guilty verdict on rape 2nd degree case.
State v. Vomacka, Brookings county. , Not guilty verdict in Rape in the first degree case and sexual contact case.
State v. Lololong, Minnehaha County. , Case dismissed by proving someone impersonated my client and proving client was not in town at time crime committed.
Stave v. Leetz, Minnehaha County., Possession of controlled substance reduced to misdemeanor and suspended imposition of sentence granted. All based on Motion to suppress evidence for illegal search.
State v. Johnson, Minnehaha County. , Cased dismissed based upon illegal search by law enforcement whom I proved lied about getting permission to enter home.
State v. Baier, Minnehaha County. , Got Aggravated assault case dismissed.
State v. Vosberg, Hamlin County. , Not guilty verdict in attempted murder case.
State v. Hale., Won appeal to South Dakota Supreme court on plea agreement.
State v. Beach, Lyman County., 10 day jail sentence for client caught with 50lbs of marijuana.
State v. Becking, Codington County., Got aggravated assault charge dismissed before trial.
State v. Easterlin, Davison County., Suspended imposition of sentence on case where client caught with 10lbs of marijuana.
State v. Fallon, Davison county., Felony Drug Case dismissed after winning motion to suppress evidence based upon illegal stop.
State v. Smith, Turner County., Case dismissed after winning motion to suppress evidence based upon illegal entry by law enforcement.
State v. Hinrichs, Minnehaha County. , Got Burglary case dismissed by proving alleged victim lied.

Professional Associations

South Dakota Association Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013 to Present

Representative Cases

State v. Jones, 2017 SD 59, South Dakota
State v. Hale, 2018 SD 9, South Dakota

Past Positions

Minnehaha County Public Defenders Office, Attorney, 1989 to 1996

Ryan Duffy

Criminal Lawyer

Ryan is a South Dakota native who was raised in Madison, South Dakota. Ryan holds Bachelor of Science degrees in both criminal justice and political science from the University of South Dakota and his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of Law.
Ryan began his legal career in Sioux Falls practicing criminal law at the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office for over four years. Ryan attained valuable courtroom and negotiation experience while defending cases from DWI/DUI to Grand Theft, Aggravated Assault, Drug Distribution, Burglary, Robbery, Homicide, and Rape.

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In 2012, Ryan founded Ryan Duffy Law, where he focuses primarily on criminal defense and helping clients attain pardons and sentence modifications. Ryan understands that all types of people can be charged with a crime, and everyone deserves zealous representation. Ryan is dedicated to protecting the rights of his clients and ensuring a just resolution to their cases.
Ryan is licensed to practice law in South Dakota. He and his wife have 2 daughters and German Shephard.

Matthew J. Kinney

Criminal Lawyer

Attorney Matt Kinney’s trial experience began in 1995 with a personal injury firm and blossomed through his own firm in Spearfish, South Dakota in 1996. Matt specializes in all forms of criminal law, personal injury and civil litigation. His fields of law practice also includes appellate cases, real estate transactions, business and corporate organization, probate and estate planning.

Matt is licensed to practice law in the state of South Dakota and the United States District Court. His appellate case history includes various criminal and civil cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court. Some of these cases broke new ground in interpreting the areas of Fourth Amendment matters and real estate buyer’s rights. Born in Iowa and raised in rural Vermillion, South Dakota, Matt obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis in 1990. He was employed in the insurance industry prior to entering law school at the University of South Dakota. Matt obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1995 from the University of South Dakota and became a member of the South Dakota bar in 1996.

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Education

University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota
- J.D. – 1995
University of Minnesota-Minneapolis
- B.A. – 1990
- Major: Journalism

Current Employment Position

Owner/Partner

Practice Areas

Criminal Law
DUI/DWI
Personal Injury
Civil Litigation
Appeals – Civil & Criminal
Real Estate
Business & Corporate Law
Estate Administration & Probate

Bar Admissions

South Dakota, 1996
U.S. District Court District of South Dakota

ERIC T. DAVIS

Criminal Lawyer

Eric Davis grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. After college, Eric served for seven years as the executive director of the Booth Society, a citizen-based nonprofit associated with the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives in Spearfish.In 2007, Eric ran for and was elected to a seat on the Spearfish City Council, where he was later elected Council Vice President and appointed chair of the City’s Legal and Finance Committee.In 2010, Eric attended the University of South Dakota School of Law where he was managing editor of the South Dakota Law Review and a faculty research assistant. After law school, Eric joined a large general-practice law firm with a focus on litigation, insurance defense, local government representation, and complex real estate transactions.In 2015, Eric was hired to be city attorney for a first-class South Dakota municipality. He later served on the board of the South Dakota municipal attorneys association. Eric joined the Nelson Law team in 2019 where his practice focuses on civil litigation and criminal defense. Eric regularly practices before the South Dakota Supreme Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Eric enjoys spending his free time outdoors. He particularly enjoys fly fishing, whitewater rafting, backpacking, upland hunting, camping, hiking, skiing, biking, and floating various kinds of boats down rivers.

Eric is licensed to practice law in South Dakota and admitted to practice in all courts in South Dakota and the United States District Court.

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Education

University of South Dakota School of Law

Juris Doctor, 2013

University of South Dakota

B.A., English, 2004

Legal Biography

Associate Attorney, Nelson Law

2019- Present

City Attorney, City of Spearfish

2015- 2018

Associate Attorney, Brady Pluimer, PC

2013-2015

Affiliations

SD Bar Association, Member

SD Trial Lawyers Association, Member

SD Criminal Defense Attorney, Member

Bar Admission

South Dakota

District Court of South Dakota

Publications

EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF MUNICIPAL ELECTED OFFICIALS: A STATUTORY AND CONSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS,

63 S.D. L. REV. 521

CURB APPEAL: MUNICIPAL SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AFTER HUBBARD V. CITY OF PIERRE

57 S.D. L. REV. 44

Melissa Fiksdal

Criminal Lawyer

I was born and raised in Renner, South Dakota, a small town just north of Sioux Falls. Today, I can proudly say that I learned many of the true lessons in life by taking ownership of not only my successes, but also my failures as well.I attended high school at Washington Senior High (when it was still downtown) and graduated in 1990. I spent most of my 20s working in various areas, raising my two daughters, and learning many of the lessons in life that cannot be taught in a book.

I eventually returned to more traditional studies in my 30s. In 2007, I graduated summa cum laude from National American University with a Bachelors’ degree in Paralegal Studies. From there, I pursued my dream of attending law school. In 2010, I graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law. I then went on to proudly serve as a staff attorney at the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office until June of 2013. It was at this point that I joined Jeff Larson Law, P.C. (Now, Resolute Law Firm). I also currently serve on the board of directors for East River Legal Services.

I met my wonderful husband, Bruce Fiksdal, in 2003. In 2006 we were married, and I joyfully accepted the additional blessing of my ‘bonus daughter.’ While I cannot say that we have the traditional South Dakota family, I can say that God certainly blessed our broken road and bestowed unto us many gifts. My life experiences have taught me that families come in many sizes and shapes, and every family can be perfect and wonderful in their own way.

Today, I continue to work in criminal defense and have expanded my practice into family law. I feel that my life experience, education and commitment have prepared me to best serve people in these areas of the law. I have always felt that it is a privilege to help others with their legal problems and have a passion to ensure legal representation is accessible to all, regardless of a person’s station in life. I look forward to helping you in any way that I can.

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Practice Areas

Criminal Defense
Family Law
Divorce
Juvenile Defense

Education

University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota
- 2010
National American University
- Bachelors’ – 2007
- Honors: summa cum laude
- Major: Paralegal Studies
Washington Senior High
- 1990

Pro-Bono Activities

East River Legal Services, Board of Directors, 2011 to Present

Past Positions

Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office, Staff Attorney, 2010 to 2013

Professional Associations

South Dakota Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2013 to Present
South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, 2013 to Present
National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2010 to Present

Current Employment Position

Attorney and Partner

Bar Admissions

South Dakota, 2010
U.S. District Court District of South Dakota
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit

NICOLE J. GRIESE

Criminal Lawyer

Nicole was born and raised into humble roots in Sioux Falls, SD and is a first generation lawyer. Her father grew up in a family of farming, and her mother grew up in a family focused on running a business. Nicole’s family ingrained in her at a young age the importance of working hard and she brings those values of never giving up to her cases both in and out of the courtroom. Her practice consists of strategic critical thinking, compassionate guidance, and zealous advocacy.

Before opening her own law office in spring 2018, Nicole gained extensive experience working from 2013-2018 for 5 different law firms in North Carolina, Minnesota and South Dakota.

In Nicole’s law career, she has trial experience taking a variety of cases to jury trial and having successfully won acquittals in both federal and state court at the felony level. Nicole has also litigated countless custody and divorce cases, advocating for parental rights and to ensure clients end up with their fair share of the marital estate. Finally, Nicole’s experience includes recovering hundreds of thousands of dollars for clients in personal injury claims. Whatever the fight—Nicole does not back down and brings to the table considerable experience.

In addition to litigating full time and owning her own business, Nicole spends her free time with her husband and kids. She enjoys running, reading and watching movies.

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Awards:

30 Under 30 University of South Dakota Alumni Association, 2019
Sioux Falls Tribute to Women in Leadership, nominee in Community Service, 2019
SD Young Lawyers Association, Lawyers Assisting Youth to Take Responsibility Award, 2019
South Dakota Trial Skills, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2018
South Dakota Bar Pro Bono Service Award, 2018

Leadership Positions:

State Bar Women in law Committee (2018-2023)
Sioux Falls Juvenile Diversion Board (2019-2023)
Solo and Small Firm Committee (2019-2023)
Second Circuit Women in Law, Vice President (2019-2020) and Treasurer (2018-2019)
Sioux Council board member (2018-2021)
South Dakota Trial Lawyers Board of Governors (2018-2020)

Paul J. Andrews

Criminal Lawyer

Bringing a diverse background to his practice, Attorney Paul J. Andrews provides criminal defense services for a wide variety of state and federal offenses including drug possession and distribution, sex-related offenses, assault & battery, DUI offenses, burglary and theft, criminal domestic violence, motor vehicle offenses and traffic violations, probation violations, and juvenile delinquency cases. Mr. Andrews also has extensive experience in white-collar criminal defense and has represented individuals and businesses in federal and state courts across the country.

Mr. Andrews has particular experience representing out-of-state drivers who are stopped in South Dakota for minor driving infractions only to have their vehicles searched and marijuana and/or other illegal narcotics discovered. Many times, these searches lack sufficient probable cause and the case can be dismissed. Other times, Mr. Andrews can utilize his extensive experience to negotiate reduced charges and help his clients avoid jail time. If you find yourself in such a situation, contact the Andrews Law Office immediately.

A seasoned civil litigation attorney, Mr. Andrews also has represented individuals and businesses, both as plaintiffs and defendants, in a wide variety of civil litigation matters in federal and state courts throughout the country, including: defamation; civil fraud cases; shareholder lawsuits; civil RICO matters; contract disputes; conversion claims; and negligence.

Reflecting on his nationwide experience, Mr. Andrews also is Of Counsel to the Massachusetts law firms of Neelon & Associates, LLC in Braintree, Massachusetts, and Dhar Law, LLP in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Prior to entering into private practice, Mr. Andrews served for over twelve years with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, where he prosecuted a number of white-collar crimes throughout the United States, resulting in convictions of numerous officers and directors of publicly traded corporations and banks, as well as other various white-collar criminals.

Mr. Andrews uses his extensive background and experience to predict how the prosecution may act and appropriately structure the best possible defense for his clients.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts and graduating summa cum laude from Boston College, Mr. Andrews received a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School.

Today, Mr. Andrews is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the U.S. District Court for the Districts of South Dakota, Massachusetts and Colorado, as well as all state courts in South Dakota and Massachusetts.

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Education

Boston College Law School, Boston, Massachusetts
- J.D. – 1991
Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- B.A. – 1988
- Honors: summa cum laude
- Major: Political Science

Bar Admission

Massachusetts, 1991
U.S. Supreme Court, 2000
U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit, 2010
South Dakota, 2016
U.S. District Court District of South Dakota
U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
U.S. District Court District of Colorado
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Representative Cases

Drug Possession Charges Dismissed
Young Adult Diversion Program Placement
Assault and Battery and Robbery Charges – Dismissed
Sexual Assault of Minor Charges – Dismissed
Detention Order Reversed
Aggravated Assault Indictment Dismissed
Motion to Dismiss Reversed on Appeal
$350,000 Jury Settlement

Honors

Named to Super Lawyers, 2016-2022
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Office of Inspector General for the FDIC

Classes & Seminars

Reed Logic Video Leadership Seminars: Updated Strategies for White Collar Legal Defense, 2007 to 2008

Pro-Bono Activities

Access to Justice, 2019 to Present

Past Positions

U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Trial Attorney, 1992 to 2004

Fraternities or Sororities

Phi Beta Kappa

Facing the Gavel in South Dakota? Why You Need a Top-Tier Criminal Lawyer

South Dakota, known for its majestic Mount Rushmore and boundless prairies, can feel like a daunting landscape when facing criminal charges. The legal system, while striving for fairness, can be intricate and unforgiving. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer in South Dakota is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:

1. Unmatched Knowledge of South Dakota’s Legal Terrain:

South Dakota has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in South Dakota possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:

Decode Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in South Dakota criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
Identify Location-Specific Issues: South Dakota counties or cities may have their own local ordinances or procedures. Your lawyer’s deep understanding of the state’s legal landscape allows them to identify any potential location-specific issues that could impact your case.

2. Building a Rock-Solid Defense Through Strategic Planning:

A top criminal lawyer in South Dakota doesn’t wait for the prosecution to make a move:

Thorough Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing the evidence, witness statements, and any potential legal issues. They will identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence to support your defense.

3. Championing Your Rights Under South Dakota Law:

Your fundamental rights are paramount:

Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in South Dakota are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They will ensure that your rights, such as the right to due process, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal representation, are upheld. They will closely scrutinize the actions of law enforcement officers, ensuring your rights were not violated during the investigation or arrest. (SD.gov)

4. Powerful Advocacy in the Courtroom:

Skilled representation can make a significant difference:

Trial-Ready Attorneys: The best criminal lawyers in South Dakota have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.

5. Strategic Negotiation for a Favorable Outcome:

Skilled negotiation can be a powerful tool:

Expert Negotiation Skills: A competent criminal attorney possesses excellent negotiation skills and can engage in plea bargaining with the prosecution. They will advocate on your behalf, aiming to reduce charges or penalties, and explore alternatives such as diversion programs or probation. This negotiation skill can help minimize the potential consequences of your case.

6. Emotional Support and Guidance During a Difficult Time:

The legal process can be emotionally draining:

Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal lawyers in South Dakota not only provide legal guidance but also offer emotional support. They will explain your options, answer your questions, and offer reassurance, helping you navigate the legal system with confidence.