UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
South Dakota Magistrate Judge Janki V. Sharma Appointed for the Seventh Judicial Circuit
The Honorable Craig A. Pfeifle, Presiding Judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Supreme Court has approved the appointment of Janki V. Sharma as a new full-time magistrate judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
First Circuit James Valley Drug & DUI Court Graduation on May 17, 2022
The 1st Circuit James Valley Drug & DUI Court is pleased to announce an upcoming graduation ceremony. The ceremony will commence on Thursday May 26, 2022 at 2:30 pm, at the Davison County Public Safety Center.
Supreme Court Rescinds Declaration of Judicial Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Effective June 30, 2022
The Supreme Court of South Dakota entered an ordering declaring a statewide judicial emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 13, 2020. The order rescinding the judicial emergency becomes effective June 30, 2022.
Northern Hills Drug Court and Fourth Circuit DUI Court Celebrate Commencements on May 17, 2022
The Fourth Judicial Circuit is proud to announce the Commencement Ceremony for graduates from Northern Hills Drug Court and Fourt Circuit DUI Court. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 17th, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Sturgis Community Center, 1401 Lazelle Street in Sturgis, SD.
Phone Scammers Pretending to be Court Staff
The Unified Judicial System has been notified of several scams statewide targeting South Dakotans. Reports have been made that residents across the state have been receiving phone calls where the individual identifies themselves as a court employee or process server.
Magistrate Bob Pesall New Third Circuit Magistrate Judge
The Honorable Gregory J. Stoltenburg, Presiding Judge for the Third Judicial Circuit, is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Supreme Court has approved the appointment of N. Bob Pesall as the new full-time magistrate judge for the Third Judicial Circuit.
South Dakota Supreme Court April Term of Court to be Held at South Dakota Mines
Chief Justice Steven Jensen of the South Dakota Supreme Court has announced that the Supreme Court will hold its April 2022 Term of Court in the Surbeck Center at South Dakota Mines.
First Circuit Yankton County Drug & DUI Court Graduation on March 30, 2022
The 1st Circuit Yankton County Drug & DUI Court is pleased to announce an upcoming graduation ceremony. The ceremony will commence on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 1:00 pm, at the Yankton County Courthouse and Safety Center.
Scammer Spoofing Clerk of Courts
The Unified Judicial System has been notified of new scam targeting South Dakotans. Reports have been made that residents across the state have been receiving phone calls with a number that appears to be originating from various county Clerk of Courts offices.
Former Supreme Court Justice Richard W. Sabers Has Passed Away
Former Supreme Court Justice Richard W. Sabers passed away on January 12, 2022. The Supreme Court and Unified Judicial System staff mourn the loss of such a fine person and jurist.