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Fireworks Laws in South Dakota

How South Dakota law treats fireworks: what is illegal, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Consumer fireworks listed in Chapter 3 of APA Standard 87-1 (2001) that meet federal labeling rules are legal; possessing, selling or using any other fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor. SDCL 34-37-2.1, 34-37-4, 34-37-5, 34-37-10.4, 34-37-11, 34-37-16.1, 34-37-16.2, 34-37-19

FireworksConsumer fireworks listed in Chapter 3 of APA Standard 87-1 (2001) that meet federal labeling rules are legal; possessing, selling or using any other fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Consumer fireworks may be used only from June 27 through the first Sunday after July 4 and from December 28 through January 1; use outside those periods is a Class 2 misdemeanor, though novelties, non-flying smoke effects and single-shot parachutes without flares are allowed all year. Fireworks may not be used within 300 feet of a fireworks stand (Class 1 misdemeanor), and may not be sold or used in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, national or state forests and parks, or Game, Fish and Parks land without authorization (Class 2 misdemeanor). Sellers must be 18 or older, and counties may restrict use outside cities when grassland fire danger is extreme.
Class B life; Class C up to life; Class 1 up to 50 years; Class 2 up to 25 years; Class 3 up to 15 years; Class 4 up to 10 years; Class 5 up to 5 years; Class 6 up to 2 years and/or $4,000; Class 1 misdemeanor up to one year in county jail and/or $2,000; Class 2 misdemeanor up to 30 days and/or $500.

More South Dakota criminal law

FAQ

Are fireworks legal in South Dakota?
Consumer fireworks listed in Chapter 3 of APA Standard 87-1 (2001) that meet federal labeling rules are legal; possessing, selling or using any other fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Consumer fireworks may be used only from June 27 through the first Sunday after July 4 and from December 28 through January 1; use outside those periods is a Class 2 misdemeanor, though novelties, non-flying smoke effects and single-shot parachutes without flares are allowed all year. Fireworks may not be used within 300 feet of a fireworks stand (Class 1 misdemeanor), and may not be sold or used in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, national or state forests and parks, or Game, Fish and Parks land without authorization (Class 2 misdemeanor). Sellers must be 18 or older, and counties may restrict use outside cities when grassland fire danger is extreme.
Can I get a court-appointed lawyer for fireworks in South Dakota?
South Dakota's rule on court-appointed lawyers: If it is satisfactorily shown that a defendant or detained person does not have sufficient money, credit, or property to employ counsel and pay the necessary expenses of representation, a circuit court judge or magistrate shall, upon the person's request, assign counsel at any time after arrest or after detention begins. This applies in criminal investigations and actions, proceedings to revoke a suspended sentence or probation, and final parole revocation proceedings. The person must certify the facts about his or her ability to pay, in writing or other recorded form as the court prescribes, subject to the penalties for perjury. SDCL 23A-40-6
How much does a lawyer for fireworks cost in South Dakota?
Lawyers set their own fees, and South Dakota has rules on how they may charge. See hiring a criminal defense lawyer in South Dakota for fee rules, how to check a lawyer's license and free help.
What happens after an arrest for fireworks in South Dakota?
How release before trial works in South Dakota: Except for a defendant charged with an offense punishable by death or one currently released on a personal recognizance bond, a defendant shall, at his appearance before a committing magistrate or court, be ordered released pending trial on personal recognizance or on an unsecured appearance bond in an amount set by the court, unless the court in its discretion finds that release would not reasonably assure the defendant's appearance or that the defendant may pose a danger to another person or the community. In determining conditions of release, the magistrate or court considers the nature and circumstances of the offense, the weight of the evidence, family ties, employment, financial resources, character and mental condition (including any mental health assessment), length of residence in the community, record of convictions, record of appearance at court proceedings or of flight or failure to appear, and the risk of flight or danger to any person or the community. SDCL 23A-43-2, 23A-43-4 What happens after an arrest.
Can a conviction for fireworks be removed from my record in South Dakota?
Each state sets its own rules for sealing or expunging records. See South Dakota expungement and record sealing rules.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.