Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular and accessible to the general public. While this technology has many benefits, it has also opened up new opportunities for criminals. The rise of AI has led to the emergence of new modes of crime.

One example is the use of AI-powered text composition and image creation software. Scammers have exploited these tools to create convincing emails, phishing messages, and phone scripts that appear to come from legitimate sources such as banks or customer service representatives. These messages are used to deceive individuals into providing personal information or transferring money.

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Capitol Hill is buzzing about the serious problems within our federal criminal justice system. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Justice, and other agencies are under the microscope because of actual and alleged abuses of power, all while Congress begins its yearly appropriations process.

But there is another problem hiding in plain sight, one that could get worse without a course correction by Congress. It is delayed justice.

Continue reading “Delayed justice is a hidden crisis in our federal justice system” →

The U.S. court system is used to protect people’s rights and provide legal remedies.

There are two primary categories of cases that can come before courts: civil and criminal cases. It is important to understand the difference between a civil vs. criminal case so you can determine what type of legal proceedings are appropriate in your situation and what the possible outcomes are of each case type.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the difference between civil vs. criminal law.

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Members of the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office described during the monthly Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce luncheon the challenge officers in addressing rising mental health issues in the county.

Sheriff Jamie Van Voorst along with school resource officer Jessica Dorhout and lieutenants Caleb Haverdink and Justin DeBruin attended the July 12 meeting at the Sioux Center Public Library and talked about their agency’s efforts to better address mental health problems in Sioux County.

“Through the years, mental health has been something law enforcement has been called to deal with and fix,” Van Voorst said.

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The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is hosting a human trafficking training conference this week in Pierre.

Attorney General Marty Jackley said it’s the first time the DCI has ever held this kind of training.

“Human trafficking happens here in South Dakota, and it is important that we all work together to address this issue,” Jackley said. “We owe it to the victims and their families.”

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The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld previous court rulings that sentenced Ramon Smith to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

He was convicted for second-degree murder and aggravated assault after a shooting in Sioux Falls in 2019. One man died and two others were injured.

Continue reading “State Supreme Court rules new defense law doesn’t apply retroactively” →

Some of the new criminal laws that took effect July 1 greatly increase penalties for offenders who harm some of the most vulnerable Iowans — pregnant women and children.

The laws either change the offense from an aggravated misdemeanor to a felony, or bump up the charge to a more severe felony level — meaning more prison time.

Lawmakers passed HF 570, which adds a new subsection in 708. 2 that specifically focuses on domestic abuse assault against a pregnant woman when the assault includes the use or display of a dangerous weapon. That crime is now a Class D felony, which carries a five-year sentence. Previously, it was an aggravated misdemeanor for domestic abuse assault.

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Like many who fall afoul of the law, Tarra Simmons was born and raised in a taxing household environment from which few would succeed. She dropped out of school at 13 and gave birth at 15. In 2011, she was sentenced to 30 months in prison for several charges. It was in prison that, under threat of solitary confinement, she says was coerced into working for cents per hour.

After cleaning up her act, obtaining a law degree, and establishing a nonprofit to help ex-convicts, Simmons was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2020. Tapping her experience as a former inmate worker, Simmons sponsored the Real Labor, Real Wages Act earlier this year that would raise inmate income to the state’s minimum hourly wage. Washington’s current hourly wage floor is $15.74. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Continue reading “Prisoner Labor: The Rate in Every State” →

The awareness surrounding crimes against children is growing, but so is the crime rate.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said his office is working on five child homicide cases.

“A single murder case involving a child is too many,” said Attorney General Jackley. “A child is precious enough for parents and those entrusted to care for children to be aware of the surroundings and fragile conditions of children as well as educational assistance available for child care.”

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The filmmaker set up his tripod outside a South Bronx public housing complex on a recent morning, recording traffic rumbling past aging buildings, playgrounds, older people greeting one another in Caribbean-accented Spanish and a growing line at a church food pantry.

A man walking by inquired about the purpose of the shoot.

“To get a person out of jail,” said Nicole Mull, a Legal Aid Society lawyer working with the filmmaker, David Simpson.

Continue reading “Lights, Camera, Criminal Defense: Lawyers Pick Up Cameras to Aid Clients” →