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South Dakota criminal charge

Abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability in South Dakota

Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session

Abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability is a criminal offense under South Dakota law, defined by SDCL § 22-46-2. Its classification is not fixed: South Dakota assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.

Defined by SDCL § 22-46-2.

What is the penalty for abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability in South Dakota?

Penalties for Abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 2 years (Physical abuse or neglect — Applies when a person physically abuses or neglects an elder or adult with a disability in a manner that does not constitute aggravated assault.)discretionarySDCL § 22-6-1
Fineup to $4,000 (Physical abuse or neglect — Applies when a person physically abuses or neglects an elder or adult with a disability in a manner that does not constitute aggravated assault.)discretionarySDCL § 22-6-1
Jail / prisonup to 1 year (Emotional or psychological abuse — Applies when a person emotionally or psychologically abuses an elder or adult with a disability.; county jail)discretionarySDCL § 22-6-2
Fineup to $2,000 (Emotional or psychological abuse — Applies when a person emotionally or psychologically abuses an elder or adult with a disability.)discretionarySDCL § 22-6-2

Applies to current.

How is abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability classified in South Dakota?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Physical abuse or neglectClass 6 FelonyApplies when a person physically abuses or neglects an elder or adult with a disability in a manner that does not constitute aggravated assault.SDCL § 22-46-2undefined
Emotional or psychological abuseClass 1 MisdemeanorApplies when a person emotionally or psychologically abuses an elder or adult with a disability.SDCL § 22-46-2undefined

Common questions about abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability in South Dakota

Is abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability a felony or a misdemeanor in South Dakota?

It depends on the circumstances: abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability ranges from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 6 Felony in South Dakota under SDCL § 22-46-2.

Physical abuse or neglect: Class 6 Felony (SDCL § 22-46-2) · Emotional or psychological abuse: Class 1 Misdemeanor (SDCL § 22-46-2)

What are the penalties for abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability in South Dakota?

Penalties for abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability in South Dakota depend on how it is classified — from a Class 1 Misdemeanor up to a Class 6 Felony — with the ranges set by SDCL § 22-6-1 and SDCL § 22-6-2; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.

Which South Dakota statute covers abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability?

Abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability is governed by SDCL § 22-46-2 (Abuse or neglect of elder or adult with a disability--Felony or misdemeanor).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.