Criminal Attorney serving Aberdeen, SD

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.