Deadwood, South Dakota Criminal Defense Attorneys

Former Prosecutors Defending Your Rights

When you’re facing criminal charges in Deadwood or anywhere in Lawrence County, choose the legal team that’s focused on one thing: criminal defense. At Just Criminal Law, we deliver on our namesake. We don’t dabble in other areas of law that could cause distractions or thin our resources. Instead, our entire practice is dedicated to defending people against criminal charges in South Dakota and Wyoming.

We’re known for our tenacious courtroom representation, our strategic approach to legal defense, and our strong local knowledge that sets us apart from larger, corporate firms from out of town. If you’ve been arrested or charged in Deadwood, we’re ready to stand up for you and protect your rights.

Why do people across South Dakota trust Just Criminal Law?

• 100% criminal defense — it’s all we do
• Former prosecutors who know how the other side thinks
• Proven record of reducing, dismissing, or beating charges
• Familiar with how cases are handled in Lawrence County
• Personalized, no-judgment support from start to finish

Call us at (307) 300-2240 and arrange your initial consultation with a Deadwood criminal defense lawyer.

What Happens After You're Criminally Charged in South Dakota?

South Dakota’s criminal process moves quickly, and every step matters. Once you’ve been arrested, the state can act fast, which is why it’s advised to have an experienced defense team in your corner right away.

The process usually begins with your arrest and booking, followed by an initial appearance before a magistrate or local judge. You’ll be advised of your rights and told what charges you’re facing. Depending on the severity of the alleged offense, you may be released on bond or held pending a bail hearing.

Soon after, the court will schedule an arraignment, where you’ll enter a plea. If the case proceeds, there may be pretrial motions, negotiations with prosecutors, and, if necessary, a jury trial.

At the start of this entire process, you should protect your rights by insisting on using your first phone call to talk to our criminal defense attorneys. Remember: (307) 300-2240 is the number to dial after an arrest in Deadwood.

Criminal Charges We Handle

At Just Criminal Law, we defend clients against the full range of criminal charges prosecuted in South Dakota. From minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, we’ve handled it, so we know how to fight back and stand up for you.

To name only a few of the case types we can handle for Deadwood clients:

• Assault
• Domestic violence
• Theft crimes
• Stalking
• Sex crimes
• Property crimes
• Homicide
• Probation violations
• DUI/DWUI
• Drug crimes
• Expungements

How Our Former Prosecutors Can Strengthen Your Case

Our lead attorneys are former prosecutors who were trained to prepare cases, identify weak spots in defense strategies, and push for convictions. When they moved to the defense side, they brought all that insight with them. That means we understand what kinds of evidence the state relies on, which arguments are most persuasive to a jury, and how prosecutors think when evaluating whether to offer a plea deal or go to trial. It also helps us anticipate the moves the other side might make and respond faster and smarter.

We believe our clients benefit from this dual perspective. You can trust that your legal team isn’t just reacting to what’s happening; we’re staying one step ahead, backed by courtroom experience on both sides of the aisle.

How We Make Strong Defenses for Clients

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every criminal case is different, and our team takes the time to prepare a legal strategy tailored to your circumstances, your goals, and your future.

Our defense work often starts with a thorough investigation, including interviews, document review, and forensic analysis when needed. We examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures, challenge any illegally obtained evidence, and evaluate every option for dismissal, reduction, or diversion. We can also reference South Dakota criminal statutes, court procedures, and case law to find pressure points and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Throughout it all, we communicate clearly, advise you honestly, and fight relentlessly. Whether we’re negotiating a resolution or standing up for you at trial, we’ll be ready.

Local Insight in Lawrence County Courtrooms

Deadwood may be a small city, but its court system handles a full range of criminal cases. Knowing how things work in local courtrooms can make a difference in your case.

At Just Criminal Law, we’ve fostered positive relationships in the local legal community. We know how Lawrence County judges typically rule on bond, motions, and sentencing. We’re familiar with how local prosecutors handle different types of cases. Our Deadwood criminal defense lawyers even understand the nuances of local law enforcement, from the Deadwood Police to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

This familiarity can sometimes give us a strategic edge while allowing us to guide our clients with confidence and precision. When the stakes are high, you want a defense team that knows the territory like we do.

South Dakota uses a Unified Judicial System to handle criminal cases, so your case will likely be heard by one of the following courts:

• 4th Judicial Circuit Court: Deadwood sits in the southwest corner of the 4th Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. The 4th Judicial Circuit has courthouses in Sturgis and Deadwood. The Deadwood courthouse is located at 78 Sherman Street, Deadwood, South Dakota 57732. Of the four circuit court judges and two magistrate judges in the circuit, Deadwood is presided over by Hon. Randall L. Macy and Magistrate Judge Eric J. Strawn.
• Northern Hills Drug Court: If you have been charged with drug offenses or some DUI / DWUI charges, South Dakota offers the option of a post-plea drug court. This court uses closely monitored probation to help convicted drug and alcohol offenders change their habits and fight addiction. The 4th Judicial Circuit's drug court is located in Sturgis, South Dakota, rather than Deadwood. But for some non-violent adult offenders, it can provide a way out of a cycle of addiction and criminal involvement.

Talk to a Deadwood Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

You don’t have to build your defense case alone. Whether you’ve been arrested in Deadwood or charged with a crime anywhere in Lawrence County, you deserve to have a fierce legal ally on your side, someone who will defend your rights, explain your options, and fight hard for your future. We bring decades of experience, an unwavering focus on criminal law, and a powerful courtroom presence, so you should make Just Criminal Law your first choice for defense counsel. We’re ready to step in and take control of your defense, starting now.

Call us today at (307) 300-2240 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.