South Dakota Laws and Legal Penalties

Comprehensive legal reference for South Dakota. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.

Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed South Dakota attorney for advice specific to your situation.

South Dakota Quick Facts

  • State Capital: Pierre
  • Region: Midwest
  • DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
  • Marijuana Status: Medical only
  • Felony Theft Threshold: $1,000+
  • Murder SOL: None

South Dakota DUI Laws

OffensePenalties
First Offense DUIUp to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine, 30-day suspension
Second Offense DUIUp to 1 year, $1,000 fine, 1-year revocation
Felony DUI Threshold3rd offense
Legal BAC Limit0.08%

South Dakota requires alcohol evaluation for DUI offenders

Full South Dakota DUI Guide →

South Dakota Marijuana Laws

CategoryDetails
Legal StatusMedical only
Medical ProgramYes
Recreational UseNo
Small Amount PenaltyClass 1 misdemeanor: up to 1 year, $2,000 fine (2 oz or less)
Large Amount PenaltyFelony for larger amounts

South Dakota has medical marijuana after 2020 voter approval

Full South Dakota Marijuana Laws →

South Dakota Theft Penalties

CategoryDetails
Misdemeanor ThresholdUnder $1,000
Felony Threshold$1,000+ or more
Minimum SentenceUp to 1 year
Maximum SentenceUp to 15 years (Class 3 felony)

South Dakota petty theft under $1,000

Full South Dakota Theft Penalty Guide →

South Dakota Statutes of Limitations

Crime TypeTime Limit
MurderNone
Rape / Sexual AssaultNone (7 years for some)
Felony (General)7 years
Misdemeanor7 years
Fraud7 years
Theft7 years
DUI / DWI7 years
Assault7 years

South Dakota uses a 7-year SOL for most crimes

Full South Dakota Statutes of Limitations →

More South Dakota Legal Topics