UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
Commission to Hire Chief Defender to Lead New Office of Indigent Legal Services
South Dakota is developing a new statewide office to improve how legal representation is provided to those who cannot afford an attorney and have a right to counsel under state or federal law.
Triumph Over Addiction
The days of "locking them up and throwing away the key" are long gone as the Justice system learns more about mental health, addiction, and rehabilitation.
Indigent Legal Services Committee Names Chair, Seeks Chief Defendant
Recent legislation has led to the development of a new state office – the Office of Indigent Legal Services.
Beadle, Brookings County Drug & DUI Courts to Hold Alumni Days
The Beadle County Drug & DUI Court and Brookings County Drug & DUI Court teams invite the public to attend alumni day recovery celebrations for their program participants.
Brown County Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony on May 23, 2024
The Brown County Drug & DUI Court team invites the public to join them in recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of participants completing the program.
Codington County Treatment Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
The Codington County Treatment Court team invites the public to join them in recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of a participant completing the program.
Commission on Indigent Legal Services to Hold First Meeting
The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services will hold its first meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls.
Pennington County Treatment Courts to Hold Three Graduation Ceremonies in May
Pennington County’s treatment court teams invite the public to join them in recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of participants completing the programs. As part of National Treatment Court Month, three Pennington County treatment courts will hold graduation ceremonies in May.
South Dakota Courts Launch Live Interpreter Pilot Project in Clerks’ Offices
Non-English speaking South Dakotans in five counties are now able to talk with an interpreter over a video conferencing software when they’re seeking guidance and help from clerks at the courthouse.
Fourth Circuit DUI Court and Northern Hills Drug Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
The Fourth Circuit DUI Court and Northern Hills Drug Court teams invite the public to join them in recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of participants completing the programs. A graduation ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 2 p.m. MDT at the Sturgis Community Center Theater, 1401 Lazelle St., Sturgis.