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Trespassing Laws in South Dakota

How trespassing is charged in South Dakota, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, and the maximum penalties, from the state criminal code.

Short answer: Knowingly entering or remaining, without privilege, on property where notice against trespass was given (by telling the person directly, by posting signs, or by fencing designed to keep out trespassers) is a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to thirty days, $500). SDCL 22-35-5, 22-35-6; 22-6-2

TrespassingKnowingly entering or remaining, without privilege, on property where notice against trespass was given (by telling the person directly, by posting signs, or by fencing designed to keep out trespassers) is a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to thirty days, $500). It becomes criminal trespass, a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to one year, $2,000), if the person defies an order to leave personally communicated by the owner or another authorized person. Knowingly and secretly entering or remaining in any building or structure, or entering a critical infrastructure facility, without privilege is also criminal trespass, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Building trespass: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/22-35-5 . Class maximums from SDCL 22-6-1 and 22-6-2 (https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/22-6-1, https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/22-6-2): Class 2 felony 25 years/$50,000; Class 3 15 years/$30,000; Class 4 10 years/$20,000; Class 5 5 years/$10,000; Class 6 2 years/$4,000; Class 1 misdemeanor 1 year/$2,000; Class 2 misdemeanor 30 days/$500.

More South Dakota criminal law

FAQ

Is trespassing a crime in South Dakota?
Knowingly entering or remaining, without privilege, on property where notice against trespass was given (by telling the person directly, by posting signs, or by fencing designed to keep out trespassers) is a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to thirty days, $500). It becomes criminal trespass, a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to one year, $2,000), if the person defies an order to leave personally communicated by the owner or another authorized person. Knowingly and secretly entering or remaining in any building or structure, or entering a critical infrastructure facility, without privilege is also criminal trespass, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can I get a court-appointed lawyer for trespassing 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 trespassing 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 trespassing 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 trespassing 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.