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Attorney Forms & Documents

Documentation for Attorneys

Find a comprehensive collection of forms, documents and resources to assist with your legal practice. Whether you are managing court-appointed fees, reviewing civil actions or handling mental health evaluations in legal proceedings, this page is designed to provide quick and easy access to the materials you need. It also includes essential tools for researching UJS data and understanding case types and party roles. Our goal is to support attorneys in efficiently fulfilling their professional responsibilities, ensuring that all necessary documentation is readily available to facilitate your work.

South Dakota Guidelines for Judicial Process in Child Abuse & Neglect Cases

Participants in the South Dakota juvenile court system need clear descriptions of ways to fulfill their responsibilities in child abuse and neglect cases. The South Dakota Guidelines for Judicial Process in Child Abuse & Neglect Cases sets forth the essential elements of properly-conducted child abuse and neglect court proceedings. These guidelines are recommended for use by judges, attorneys, family services specialists, law enforcement officers and related professionals. 

Guidelines Sample Forms

Court Costs, Fines and Bonds

Review information court costs, fines and bonds for charges in the state of South Dakota.

 

Court Cost Schedule

This document outlines criminal court costs for circuit court offenses and violations, civil filing fees and court costs, and court costs for Supreme Court appeal filings in South Dakota. 

Fine & Bond Schedule

This document outlines fines and bond amounts associated with various offenses in South Dakota. It categorizes offenses into felonies, Class 1 misdemeanors and municipal ordinances, specifying the corresponding fines and bond ranges.

Fine and Bond Addendum

This addendum provides updated information on fines and bond amounts for various offenses in South Dakota. It includes specific statutes and corresponding fines and total amounts.

Court Appointed Attorney Documents

The following documents are for attorneys appointed to represent indigent individuals in South Dakota.

Court Appointed Attorney Guidelines
2025 Court Appointed Attorney Fees
Voucher for Compensation and Expenses

Mental Health Evaluation in Legal Proceedings

Mental health evaluations play a critical role in court cases, especially in criminal proceedings, by assessing a defendant’s mental state and competency. These evaluations help determine if the defendant can understand the charges, participate in their defense or meet criteria for specific pleas, such as not guilty because of insanity or guilty but mentally ill. They also ensure that individuals with mental health conditions receive appropriate consideration within the legal process, balancing justice, fairness and the need for treatment where applicable.

Motion for Evaluation of Mental Health

Legal form for requesting court-ordered evaluations to assess competency or mental state in SD court cases.

English

Notice of Evaluation for Mental Health Completion

Form used to notify SD courts that a defendant's mental health evaluation has been completed and filed.

English

Order for Evaluation of Mental Health

Court form to authorize a mental health evaluation for a defendant in SD cases, assessing competency or mental state.

English

Expedited Civil Actions

Supreme Court Rule 15-16

The South Dakota Supreme Court has adopted a rule relating to expedited civil actions. Read Supreme Court Rule 15-16 in its entirety here.

Expedited Civil Action Certification

The UJS-381 Expedited Civil Action Certification form is used to certify cases eligible for expedited civil actions, ensuring faster resolution while meeting specific court criteria and filing requirements.

Joint Motion to Proceed as Expedited Civil Action

The UJS-382 Joint Motion to Proceed as Expedited Civil Action form is filed jointly by parties requesting court approval to designate their case as an expedited civil action for faster resolution.

Order to Proceed as Expedited Civil Action

The UJS-383 Order to Proceed as Expedited Civil Action form is used by the court to officially approve a case for expedited civil action, facilitating a streamlined process under defined legal criteria.

Order Terminating Expedited Civil Action

The UJS-384 Order Terminating Expedited Civil Action form is used by the court to formally terminate a case's expedited civil action status, transitioning it to standard court procedures.

Sentencing History Report Request

Attorneys can request a sentencing history report from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. In making a request, please provide:  

  1. South Dakota codified law(s) you would like searched.
  2. If the search request is statewide or for a specific county(s). If for a specific county(s), list the county(s).
  3. Time period for the search (start date and end date).
  4. Requester’s contact information.

Email your request to Public Information Officer Alisa Bousa.  

Email Request

Court Cases & Roles

This document provides a detailed list of legal case types and corresponding party roles used in South Dakota courts, aiding in proper case classification and filing.

Access Case Types & Parties

Related Content for Attorneys

Judicial Application

When there is a judicial vacancy in South Dakota's courts, applications are handled by the Judicial Qualifications Commission. Learn more about the application process and access the form.

Attorney Resources

Helpful resources for attorneys to receive notifications, file court documents, handle cases involving child abuse and neglect or mental illness, plus related links.

Get Involved as an Attorney

Find ways to get involved in your community inside and outside the courtroom. Join us in offering pro bono legal help and ensure justice for all in South Dakota. Everyone deserves access to legal services.