Criminal Attorney serving Aberdeen, SD

Gellhaus & Gellhaus Attorneys at Law is a full-service law firm with decades of combined experience serving Brown County and Northeastern South Dakota. If you are facing criminal charges, time matters. Call our criminal attorneys today at 605-225-6522 to speak with a professional who knows the local courts and can start protecting your rights immediately.

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Criminal Arrest


Act fast and invoke your right to counsel before you say anything to law enforcement. A criminal arrest can move quickly. After a Brown County arrest, you may be booked, processed, and brought before a judge sooner than most people expect. What you do in those first hours can shape the outcome of your entire case. Do not make statements to police without an attorney present. The moment you say "I want an attorney," all questioning must stop under South Dakota law.


Our team at Gellhaus & Gellhaus has represented clients throughout Aberdeen and the surrounding communities of Watertown, Brown County, and Northeastern South Dakota. We know how local prosecutors approach cases and practice regularly in the same courts where your case will be heard.


Public Defender vs. Private Criminal Lawyer


Hiring a private criminal lawyer typically means more dedicated attention to your case from day one. Public defenders are skilled professionals, but they carry heavy caseloads. A private criminal lawyer can invest more time reviewing evidence, filing pre-trial motions, and crafting a defense tailored to your specific charges. In Aberdeen's close-knit legal community, having attorneys who know the judges and prosecutors by name can make a meaningful difference in how your case is negotiated and presented.


Here is what you can generally expect when you work with us:


  1. We review your arrest details, charges, and evidence gathered against you.
  2. We advise you on invoking your right to counsel at your initial appearance in Brown County Circuit Court.
  3. We identify procedural issues, constitutional violations, or weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
  4. We develop a defense strategy, which may include negotiating a plea, filing motions to suppress evidence, or preparing for trial.
  5. We stand beside you at every court appearance so you are never navigating the system alone.


We handle DUI, drug charges, assault, domestic offenses, theft, burglary, sex crimes, traffic violations, and expungement. Learn more about our criminal law services here. And for client experiences, check our Google Profile to see what our Aberdeen community clients have to say.


Why Local Representation Matters


Local criminal defense representation offers strategic advantages out-of-town firms cannot match. The Brown County court system has its own procedures, tendencies, and expectations. Our attorneys practice here every day. We understand how cases are handled in this jurisdiction and use that knowledge to position every client as effectively as possible. Whether you face a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the right criminal lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction that follows you for life and a resolution that protects your future.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Aberdeen

A skilled criminal attorney can handle a wide range of charges in South Dakota courts. At Gellhaus & Gellhaus, our defense work in Aberdeen, SD, may cover:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) and repeat DUI offenses.
  • Drug possession and drug distribution charges.
  • Assault, domestic violence, and violent crime allegations.
  • Traffic violations and reckless driving citations.
  • Theft, burglary, and property crime charges.

Each case is evaluated individually. Our team examines the evidence, the arrest circumstances, and the applicable South Dakota statutes to build a defense strategy suited to your situation.

Representing Clients in Brown County Courts

As the county seat of Brown County, SD, Aberdeen is home to the Brown County Courthouse at 25 Market Street, where a criminal attorney will find the Fifth Judicial Circuit handling criminal cases for the region. Each criminal lawyer on our team has direct experience working within this court system, including prior service as Deputy State's Attorneys for Brown County. That inside knowledge of local court procedures, prosecutors, and judicial expectations can be a meaningful advantage when defending your case.

We also serve clients in surrounding northeastern South Dakota communities who may face charges heard in Aberdeen-area courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I Need a Criminal Attorney for a Misdemeanor Charge in Aberdeen?

    Yes. Even misdemeanor charges carry lasting consequences. A criminal attorney can help you understand your options, reduce or dismiss charges, and protect your record.

  • How Quickly Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Criminal Charge?

    As soon as possible after an arrest or charge. Early intervention lets your attorney preserve evidence, advise you on what not to say, and build your defense.

  • What Happens at the Brown County Courthouse for a Criminal Case?

    Cases are heard through the Fifth Judicial Circuit, often starting in magistrate court and proceeding to circuit court depending on the charges' severity.

  • How Do I Know if My Case Can Be Dismissed or Reduced?

    An attorney can evaluate whether evidence was legally obtained, proper procedures were followed, and mitigating factors apply, which may support reduction or dismissal.

  • Does Gellhaus & Gellhaus Handle Cases Outside Aberdeen?

    Yes. Our firm serves clients throughout northeastern South Dakota, including communities near Aberdeen whose cases may be heard in surrounding courts.

Speak With Our Criminal Attorney Today!

Your first call after an arrest could be the most important one you make. Gellhaus & Gellhaus Attorneys at Law provides experienced criminal attorney representation in Aberdeen, SD, for residents across Brown County and Northeastern South Dakota. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation.