Criminal Law Help
Criminal law defines actions that are threatening, harmful, or endangering to the property, health, safety, and moral welfare of people. It also includes the punishment of people who violate criminal laws.
Supervision
Understand what classifies a juvenile or delinquent as a child in need of supervision (CHINS) under the Department of Corrections in South Dakota, when to commit them, and more.
Criminal Victim Information
Access resources to help guide you through this time with details on how to receive court-ordered restitution, find shelter in a safe environment and monitor your offender.
Criminal Law Questions
Explore answers to commonly asked questions regarding criminal law in South Dakota.
Criminal Law Resources
Crimes and punishments vary from state to state. Access a list of crimes in South Dakota and additional criminal law resources such as contacts and facility information. Criminal law defines actions that are threatening, harmful, or endangering to the property, health, safety, and moral welfare of people. It is also includes the punishment of people who violate criminal laws.
Understanding the Courts
Topics in this section provide an overview of the court system in South Dakota—what the court's job is, how the courts work, and how the courts serve the public and society.
How the Court Assists
Court staff can answer questions that call for factual information, but they cannot provide legal advice. Learn how court staff can and cannot assist you.
Court Structure
Learn about the structure of courts in South Dakota including the two levels of courts, circuit court jurisdictions and the types of cases.
Fees and Costs
Find information on fees related to court-appointed attorneys, payment options and additional resources that may be available.
Case Type Definitions
South Dakota's Court system consists of four case categories - civil, criminal, family, and probate/mental health. See below for explanations for each category.