Dahl trial delayed for treatment

By David Montgomery
Capital Journal staff
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, Dec 09, 2009 - 12:14:31 am CST

FORT PIERRE — A Fort Pierre man facing criminal charges including grand theft and animal cruelty will have his trial delayed for alcohol counseling.

Flint Dahl, 22, will be released from jail Thursday morning for inpatient substance abuse treatment at the Human Services Center in Yankton.

Magistrate Judge Mark Smith approved Dahl’s release into the custody of his mother, Elaine Goehring, for transport to the treatment facility.

David Montgomery | Capital Journal
Fort Pierre native Flint Dahl, 22, is escorted into the Stanley County Courthouse by Stanley County sheriff deputy, Mike Rothschadl.
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"There’s been no decision on whether you did or didn’t do any of the things you’ve been charged with here, but obviously it would be in your best interests to take advantage of this opportunity," Smith told Dahl. "I would fully avail myself of all the things they suggest you do. It will be good for you and the addiction that you have, and it will also be good for you when you’re before myself or any other judge."

Dahl faces a felony grand theft charge and a misdemeanor inhumane treatment of animals charge from a July 5 incident in which he is accused of taking a rodeo horse and contributing to its injury while riding it home.

Dahl also faces charges in three separate incidents: an alleged hit-and-run accident, an alleged confrontation with a sheriff’s deputy and violating the terms of his release on bond by drinking and consuming marijuana.

After the last incident, when Dahl was found with alcohol and marijuana in his body, Smith revoked Dahl’s bond. In the order issued today, Smith said he will reconsider Dahl’s bond after he completes alcohol treatment.

Dahl’s court-appointed attorney, Bernard Duffy, told Smith he believes Dahl is serious about the treatment.

"I’ve talked to Flint about it and more than any other time I’ve had in recent times, he is ready and willing and wants to go," Duffy said. "In fact he’s a little impatient I wasn’t able to arrange it sooner."

Dahl has been held in the Hughes County jail since Smith revoked his bond in mid-November.

Stanley County State’s Attorney Thomas Maher told Smith he did not object to Dahl’s release for treatment.

Maher said treatment at the Human Services Center usually lasts one month. Smith scheduled a status hearing for Dahl Fen. 10 at 1:30 p.m.

After approving Dahl’s release, Smith warned him not to abuse the limited freedom.

"If you took off from the facility, we’d find out about it," Smith said. "So don’t be doing that, either."

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Comments

26 comment(s)

Jennifer wrote on Dec 31, 2009 12:42 PM:

" Why don't you let him borrow your horse for a drunken night and see how happy you are with your "recovering" (HA!) friend the next morning! "

Wah Wah Wah wrote on Dec 20, 2009 10:20 PM:

" If Flint didn't want anybody to "talk" about him, he shouldn't have stolen a horse, injured it and then let his father try to cover it up by paying off the owner of the car. THEN, maybe he shouldn't have driven drunk and wrecked his vehicle. Rehab is a clever "ploy" by his lawyer to get the judge on his side. Hope it doesn't work! "

Taylor wrote on Dec 20, 2009 7:16 PM:

" I honestly think, that knowing Flint and everything.. that he should not be the only guy getting into trouble... How about the other two guys that were with him that night?? why arent they getting into trouble? how about the guy that lied to Flint?? They didnt see Flint stealing the horse out of the barn! What is happening to the guy that stole the horse! KEEP YOUR HEAD HIGH FLINT!!! "

You Go Flint wrote on Dec 20, 2009 4:30 PM:

" Keep going BUDDY you can stomp all over them and prove them wrong you can beat this battle just keep your faith "

Mandy Wolfe wrote on Dec 19, 2009 1:16 PM:

" You know it makes me laugh that everyone that talks crap about Flint don't put their real names on here. I personally think if you want to talk show everyone how grown up you are, put your name on here! Personally if this was me and seen how rude some people are I'd drink too!
To Flint: I'm glad that you are going for treatment, Good luck and I'll be praying for you!! "

TO Watch what you say wrote on Dec 19, 2009 1:08 PM:

" I'm sooo glad that there is some one who agrees with me on this!!! I can't believe how people can talk sooo much horrible things and it don't bother them saying it!!! I truely feel bad for all the bad things I hear about the family! I'll be thinking bout you Dave and Elaine! "

Bismarcker wrote on Dec 18, 2009 3:56 PM:

" BOY! I have never heard of getting your trial delayed for substance abuse. That's a new perk. Do the taxpayers get to pay for that too? "

Ex-Pierre Resident wrote on Dec 18, 2009 12:22 PM:

" Flint has made several mistakes, we all know that. I hope he is punished for what he has done. But why must you all blog about it? Everybody knows what's going on, stop the gossip, it's rediculous. Go back and read these comments. Are you all in High School? Best wishes to Flint's Family-it's not you who made the mistakes. "

Perhaps wrote on Dec 17, 2009 5:43 PM:

" I would have been more supportive and impressed with Flint if he would have gone for treatment before he committed the crimes -- it is amazing what one can do when motivated to stay out of the pen. "

Watch What U Say wrote on Dec 17, 2009 3:42 PM:

" Amazing how many people make comments and don't realize what effects these comments can do to a person. Did any of you wonder why we are called the Sucide Capitol? Comments like these and others made to Flint and his family are horrible. Thank God they are strong and can handle it. Someone else might not be able to and do something stupid. Stop and Think about your Comments towards people you never what your comment can lead too......... "

To Friend wrote on Dec 17, 2009 2:22 PM:

" I am pointing - big time - and I think I can because I don't plan on torturing any animals any time soon. "

Friend wrote on Dec 16, 2009 11:11 PM:

" Good luck Flint. To all you people so bold to point the finger; just remember, when you point a finger, you always have one pointing back at you. "

Zippy wrote on Dec 16, 2009 2:17 PM:

" Its called ignorance NOT addiction. Once that has been established all will be better. "

Marine wrote on Dec 16, 2009 1:23 PM:

" Apparently none of you have seen the facility he is going to. It is a secure facility with locks on outside of the doors, sounds alot like the place he has been in. Also read the story, after he finishes his treatment he will return to court to face the charges, none of them have been dropped. "

A Friend wrote on Dec 16, 2009 12:17 PM:

" I think that we all need to watch what we say about people. If you want to "bash" people, do it somewhere else. Think about the families involved in this, if this was your son/brother/uncle/cousin how would you feel? Lets think about all of the "others" that are hurt by these comments. Flint is NOT a low life, he is NOT a loser, he is simply a kid who has messed up one to many times. I am glad he is in treatment! STAY SOBER BUDDY! "

Lance wrote on Dec 15, 2009 4:40 PM:

" Right on Watcher!! I couldn't agree more. Good Luck Dually and all of the future victims of this habitual offender. "

watcher wrote on Dec 15, 2009 10:33 AM:

" HUH?? Now don't you leave the facility. You stay right there, for rehab. What kinda judge would tell a habitiual offender, something like that? I'm afraid that the judicial system in ft pierre has that good ole boy attitude. And that is no way to run a fair legal case. Good luck Dually.. "

To OMG wrote on Dec 12, 2009 8:18 AM:

" I agree with the change of attire. He looks REALLY GOOD in orange stripes. Hope he gets to keep them for a REALLY LONG time! He needs a BIG attitude adjustment and I don't think rehab is going to do it! "

HL Mencken wrote on Dec 11, 2009 10:51 AM:

" If you want to exercise your First Amendment rights, go to a street corner, stand on a soap box and speak your mind. If you want to do it in my newspaper, buy an ad. Better yet, start your own newspaper and dazzle us with your own thoughts and insights on taxes, crime and horses. Stay warm and "dry" Flint. "

OMG wrote on Dec 11, 2009 8:58 AM:

" boy that looks way better than the hoodie and jeans he had on before!!!!!!! "

Think wrote on Dec 10, 2009 7:22 PM:

" Where in the First Amendment do you think the right to comment anonymously on newspaper stories exists? "

to WOW wrote on Dec 10, 2009 6:11 PM:

" No. I think the Capital Journal is doing a little censorship. So much for our first amendment rights! I am sure there would be more comments IF they could find the story. "

WOW wrote on Dec 10, 2009 6:32 AM:

" I'm surprised there aren't any comments on this story. Did people finally find something else to talk about?? Oh, that's right, it's getting close to legistative season and the bashing of state employees is now on. "

Im Sorry wrote on Dec 9, 2009 11:04 AM:

" Gee, I am a little sorry that your lawyer couldn't get you out of jail sooner too. Wah! It seems REAL smart to put him in a facility that he can just walk away from at any time. Want to bet he doesn't stay???? "

HAPPY FOR HIM wrote on Dec 9, 2009 10:20 AM:

" Go Flint! glad to see your trying to make yourself better! you have many friends and family that are supporting you. keep your head held high and beat this addiction "

Teddy wrote on Dec 8, 2009 7:17 PM:

" Good Grief. Are you kidding me? The judge actually said "so don't be doing that either"?! What is this kangaroo court? This psycho is going to get away with all of his crimes including ruining an awesome barrel horse. I guess I should be glad that he served the time he served. If the judge had a piece of property destroyed that was valued at $75000 maybe he wouldn't be so hasty to let the accused take a field trip. "

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