Voting rights activists and Republican officials across the country are battling over whether felons should have their voting privileges restored once they’ve served their punishments.

Why it matters: The tussle is largely partisan, with most Republicans opposing felons voting and Democrats — including those in Congress seeking a national standard for restoring felons to voting rolls — backing the idea as a key step toward rehabilitation.

• A big reason for that divide: Felons are four times as likely as non-felons to be Democrats or politically unaffiliated, a 2019 study found. Only 20% of felons identified as Republicans after being released.
• That’s made felon voting a key point of contention in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

Continue reading “Voting rights for formerly incarcerated people” →

It’s no secret that navigating the complex justice system is a little daunting—Especially when you’re facing serious charges. Such circumstances really test you in all ways. Though federal criminal defense attorneys can certainly help, we highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals of criminal defense for a solid understanding.

Knowing all this can help prepare your defense properly and it could very well be the difference between acquittal and conviction, freedom and imprisonment.

Continue reading “Understanding Criminal Defense Strategies: Preparing for Courtroom Success” →

“Criminal statistics help identify trends in criminal activity that assists in crime prevention and enforcement efforts across South Dakota.”

This was Attorney General Marty Jackley’s message as he released the anticipated 2022 Crime in South Dakota Report.

Continue reading “Despite decrease in crime totals, narcotics, vehicle theft continue to rise in South Dakota” →

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces the Crime in South Dakota 2022 Report is indicating that the number of criminal offenses reported statewide in 2022 were consistent with 2021.

South Dakota law enforcement agencies reported the number of total criminal offenses during 2022 were 68,768, which is slightly down from 69,430 in 2021. There were 36,390 arrests made in 2022, which is also a decrease from 38,160 recorded in 2021.

Continue reading “Crime in South Dakota 2022 Report shows similar stats to 2021” →

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.

Continue reading “Artificial Intelligence: The New Tool for Criminals” →

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.

Continue reading “Civil vs. Criminal Cases: What’s The Difference?” →

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.

Continue reading “Sioux County sheriff talks mental health” →

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.”

Continue reading “South Dakota DCI hosting human trafficking training conference” →

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” →