Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Sioux Falls Legal Advocate
Established in 2013, Laughlin Law provides comprehensive legal representation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Our practice spans appellate advocacy, criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases, built on decades of combined legal experience. As a former Senior Public Defender and appellate attorney, our lead attorney brings specialized expertise in navigating complex judicial processes across state and federal courts.We maintain active involvement in legal education as adjunct professors while delivering personalized strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Our team includes a paralegal with direct legal aid experience, ensuring thorough support throughout every case. We prioritize compassionate representation while upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical practice.
Services
Appeals
Criminal Defense
Family Law
Personal Injury
Federal Legal Services
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We have over a decade of experience in state and federal legal cases
- Our attorney previously served as a Senior Public Defender and appellate attorney
- We offer personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's needs
- Our team includes a paralegal with legal aid experience
- We provide free initial case reviews with no obligation
Services
Appeals
Our firm specializes in appellate advocacy across South Dakota's Supreme Court, intermediate appeals, and federal jurisdictions. With extensive experience briefing and arguing complex cases, we focus on identifying reversible errors and crafting persuasive legal arguments. Our track record includes successful appeals in criminal, family law, and habeas corpus matters.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients facing criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony offenses. Our practice covers assault, drug crimes, DUI, homicide, and sex crimes, with particular expertise in constitutional protections and trial strategy. We represent clients in both state and federal courts throughout South Dakota.
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce, child custody, support, and protection orders. We guide clients through contested and uncontested divorces, custody modifications, and complex estate planning matters. Our approach balances legal advocacy with sensitivity to clients' emotional needs during difficult transitions.
Personal Injury
We represent clients in personal injury claims arising from car accidents and other traumatic incidents. Our focus is securing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We negotiate with insurance companies and litigate when necessary to protect clients' rights.
Federal Legal Services
Our federal practice includes criminal defense and habeas corpus petitions in U.S. District Court and appellate courts. We handle complex federal cases involving drug offenses, assault, and post-conviction relief, leveraging our deep understanding of federal procedural rules and constitutional protections.
People
Nicole Laughlin
Attorney and Owner
Nicole Laughlin graduated from USD with degrees in English and Criminal Justice, served as Law Clerk for South Dakota's Third Judicial Circuit, and worked as a Senior Public Defender before founding Laughlin Law in 2013. She teaches legal courses and has published law review articles.
Madi Miller
Paralegal
Madi Miller joined Laughlin Law in 2023 after interning at the Federal Public Defenders Office and working in legal aid. She holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Sioux Falls and assists clients through all stages of legal proceedings.
Questions
Do I have to speak to law enforcement?
No. You have the right to remain silent and should consult an attorney before making any statements.
Can the alleged victim drop criminal charges?
No. Only prosecutors can decide to pursue or dismiss criminal charges.
What is a suspended imposition of sentence?
This allows first-time offenders to have their conviction sealed after completing probation requirements in South Dakota.
How quickly can I get divorced?
South Dakota requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before finalizing a divorce.
Can you help with cases outside Sioux Falls?
Yes. We are licensed to practice law anywhere in South Dakota state and federal courts.
What are your legal fees?
We offer free consultations and discuss customized payment options during your initial case review.
