Note a semicolon is almost like a period placed between two complete sentences (independent clauses)--a semicolon may only be placed between two complete sentences. If what precedes the semicolon is a dependent clause, then the use of the semicolon is incorrect. If what follows the semicolon is a dependent clause, then the use of the semicolon is incorrect. Thus, one way to "test" to see if the semicolon use is correct is to ask yourself if whether or not you could use a period, and if the answer is yes, then you'll know the use of a semicolon is correct. Here's an example for you:
I like cats. I like dogs.
Because both of those are complete sentences, we know the use of the semicolon in the following manner is correct:
