South Dakota Public Records /Find South Dakota Criminal Records

Find South Dakota Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in South Dakota?

Yes, criminal records are public in South Dakota. Under the South Dakota Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws, the following records or information related to public safety are considered public:

Arrests
Convictions
Sentencing information
Case disposition reports

However, not all details in these records are accessible to the public. Sensitive information that could infringe on the privacy of the record holder is typically excluded. To obtain these records, requesters must provide:

The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile
The record subject’s last known location, including cities, counties, and states

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a criminal record, also known as a rap sheet, provides a formal overview of an individual's criminal history. Compiled from local and state departments, these records detail arrests, convictions, and incarcerations. Most criminal records in South Dakota are maintained in the State's Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system, managed by the Attorney General's office.

What Information Is Included in South Dakota Criminal Record?

Subject’s name and any known aliases
Physical descriptors
Sex
Fingerprints
Charges
Age and race

How To Check Criminal Records in South Dakota

To access criminal records in South Dakota, a written request must be submitted to the relevant police department. The Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) issues these certificates, and the person whose record is being requested must sign a release form. The cost for obtaining this information is typically $10 per name searched.

Criminal records can also be requested from third-party websites, which may provide easier access across different geographic locations. However, these third-party services are not government-sponsored and the availability of records may vary.

Are Arrest Records Public in South Dakota?

Yes, arrest records in South Dakota are public. They can be found under Section 1-27-38 of the SD Codified Laws. Individuals can submit a written request to a law enforcement agency to obtain a copy of an arrest record. The request must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $10.00. The agency is required to release the information within 24 hours of receiving the request.

Arrest records can also be accessed through various free sources, although the information may be incomplete or outdated. These records are often used for employment, educational services, or other benefits.

What Are Arrest Warrants in South Dakota?

An arrest warrant in South Dakota is an official document that authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest or detain individuals named in the warrant. Signed and issued by a judge or magistrate, some warrants may also be issued by a grand jury. While South Dakota lacks a statewide database for warrant searches, active warrants can be found through the DEA Fugitive Search tool or the U.S. Marshall's Warrant Information System.

How To Lookup Mugshots in South Dakota

Mugshots are photographs taken during the booking process after an arrest. They are publicly available and stored in the records of the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Mugshots can often be found by searching through local police department websites or third-party public record websites.

How To Search Inmate Records in South Dakota

Inmate records in South Dakota are publicly available. These records are maintained and updated by the South Dakota Department of Corrections. The statewide online database, known as the Offender Locator, provides information such as inmate names, incarceration dates, expected release dates, convicted offenses, and current facility locations.

How To Find South Dakota Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal records in South Dakota provide official information about an individual's criminal history. They are publicly available and stored in the State's Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. To find these records, individuals can:

Submit a written request to the relevant police department
Use third-party public record websites
Visit local law enforcement agencies

While some records may be accessed for free, standard search and copy fees usually apply.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in South Dakota?

Juvenile criminal records in South Dakota provide information about criminal activities committed by minors. These records are generally not publicly available and require court permission to access. They are stored in juvenile court records and can be accessed by:

The youth
Parents or guardians
The DA’s office
Service providers on the case

How To Find Sex Offenders in South Dakota

Sex offender records in South Dakota provide information about individuals convicted of sex-related offenses. These records are publicly available and maintained by the Division of Criminal Investigation. The Sex Offender Registry can be used to search for offenders by name or address.

Are Police Records Public Information in South Dakota?

Police records in South Dakota include various types of reports and logs maintained by law enforcement agencies. They are generally publicly available and can be found through local police departments. These records typically contain:

Arrest records
Incident reports
Accident reports
Crime logs

South Dakota Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in South Dakota are minor offenses that are less severe than felonies. They are categorized into two main classes:

Class 1 Misdemeanors: Up to 1 year in jail and $2000 in fines
Class 2 Misdemeanors: Up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines

South Dakota Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony violations in South Dakota are serious offenses with severe penalties. They are divided into nine classes:

Class A: Life imprisonment or death, up to $50,000 in fines
Class B: Life imprisonment, up to $50,000 in fines
Class C: Life imprisonment, up to $50,000 in fines
Class 1: 50 years in prison, up to $50,000 in fines
Class 2: 25 years in prison, up to $50,000 in fines
Class 3: 15 years in prison, up to $30,000 in fines
Class 4: 10 years in prison, up to $20,000 in fines
Class 5: 5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines
Class 6: 2 years in prison, up to $4,000 in fines

Overview of South Dakota DUI Laws

A DUI in South Dakota refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties for DUI can include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, community service, jail time, car impoundment, probation, and registration. Arrests for DUI must be reported to the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety.

Are South Dakota Probation Records Public?

Probation records in South Dakota provide information about individuals serving probation instead of jail time. These records are generally not publicly available and are maintained by the South Dakota Department of Corrections.

Search Criminal Records in South Dakota

Other Categories in South Dakota

Court Records Criminal Records Inmate Records Vital Records